PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF BASIC SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GHANA

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the relationship between current physical education curriculum of basic schools and the level of physical activity of children in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana. Method: A total of 201 children from selected schools (4 with physical education curriculum [PE] and 4 without physical education curriculum [NPE]) were included in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics and physical activity. Pearson’s Chi square test was used to evaluate the relationship between physical education curriculum and physical activity levels of school children. Results: Few of the children met the WHO recommendation for physical activity for the target age-group. The two groups did not differ with respect to the duration of physical activity of the children. Children attending public schools were four times more likely to engage in physical activities for at least 180 minutes per week compared to those in private schools. Conclusion: Current physical education curriculum was not related to the level of physical activity and nutritional status of basic school children in this study. PE lessons need to be restructured so as to meet the physical activity needs of children in basic schools.