The influence of the school environment in promoting physical activity

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the influence of the school environment in promoting physical activity participation in selected primary schools of Kampala district. The study employed quantitative methods, and 50 school administrators from the different primary schools from Kampala the district which included head teachers, Director of studies, Sports teachers and teachers. The study employed simple random sampling technique of sampling. Questionnaires, Interviews and Observation were used during the data collection methods. Majority of the findings showed a big influence of the school environment on physical activity participation reflected in facility use, perception of administrators as well as Physical Activity awareness. More so, the study findings showed that most schools have a positive school culture. Basing on the study findings, the study concluded that there exists positive perceptions on the meaning of physical activity and its benefits. The findings showed still that most schools don’t have school teams to take part in extramural activities such as interschool competitions and also showed that school administrators don’t agree that physical activity improves concentration levels and educational performances of the children. Therefore, the researcher recommended the following; creation of PA awareness programs, construction of public facilities to be shared, development of a district sports structure that allows/ incorporates all schools participating in extramural activities.