A framework for capturing active participation in structured physical activity across the lifespan in Sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT

The lack of scientific evidence about specific mechanisms and influences as projectors of active living in impoverished sub-Saharan communities informed the premise of this research. This research aimed to identify the factors influencing active participation in structured physical activity (PA) (including sport) from a longitudinal retrospective perspective. A multi-dimensional model emerged, underpinned by a comprehensive and layered conceptual framework to capture and explain in a quantified way the influences that may inhibit or enable active participation in institutionalised PA over time. An exploratory research design and purposive match-pair inter-generational sampling allowed the integration of qualitative and quantitative data for triangulated deductive (verification) and inductive theme generation. Participants: Representing the youngest age cohort, school-going research participants (N=246) completed questionnaires, and 50 of these participants took part in focus group discussions at three schools. A comparative case study analysis for in-depth qualitative data was obtained through interviews with 12 men and 12 women from various age cohorts (16-74 years of age) in three communities in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Results: The results and main outcome of this study led to the development of a longitudinal framework. The proposed framework shows causality of social realities, individual choices, and opportunities for continuing to participate in structured PA within comparable contexts of poverty. Conclusions: The proposed framework provides a numerical account to triangulate qualitative expression over time (lifetime continuum). The proposed framework constitutes a novel way to integrate quantitative and qualitative data and reflect on processes within the context of chronic poverty.