Being active in Ghana: facilitators, barriers and preferences for being physically active in community settings among...

Physical inactivity remains a major risk factor for the development of non-communicable diseases. This study investigated physical activity behaviours, as well as barriers, facilitators and preferences that influence participation in a range of community-based physical activity interventions among Ghanaian adults.

Adults living in six regions of Ghana completed a cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher-developed structured questionnaire, administered to participants using Kobo Toolbox, with data reported descriptively and analysed using binary logistic regression.

A total of 1122 out of 1164 participants completed the survey (mean age±SD=31.0±12.0; women=621). Overall, 648 (60.1%) participants engaged in ≥150 min of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA)/week, while 375 (33.4%) participants completed muscle-strengthening exercises≥twice/week. About a quarter of respondents (n=301, 26.8%) were knowledgeable about the guidelines for physical activity. Six out of ten participants expressed that social media is an effective way to encourage regular physical activity among Ghanaian adults. Over half of the participants (n=624, 55.6%) reported they would take part in physical activity interventions if offered by their place of worship and about half (n=443, 45.6%) indicated they would attend gyms/fitness centres regularly if they were more accessible and affordable in Ghana. Being male (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.92, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.50), having a basic level of education (AOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.63) and being knowledgeable about guidelines for physical activity (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.53) were associated with higher odds of engaging in ≥150 min of MVPA per week as per guidance. These findings suggest that social media and faith-based settings may be effective contexts for promoting physical activity in Ghana. Improving accessibility and affordability of gyms/fitness centres may also increase engagement in structured and unstructured physical activity.

This study found that a large percentage of participants were not meeting the guidance for daily physical activity. Knowledge about the guidelines for physical activity was very low and concerning. Participants expressed a strong preference for physical activity interventions to be delivered through social media channels, by healthcare professionals and in places of worship. These findings highlight the importance of leveraging these settings for promoting physical activity in Ghana.