Lucy-Joy Wachira

By Lucy-Joy Wachira

Worldwide lifestyles are changing with the fastest transition being witnessed in lower-income countries, especially in developing countries like Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). An influx of easily acquired labor saving screen-based gadgets in many homes has affected many lives. This phenomenon is widespread affecting urban and rural affluent households with income deprived communities playing quick ‘catch up’ in the belief that this is a sign of prestige. This has led to prolonged sitting hours and excessive screen-based sedentary time especially among children. The high crime rate in urban settings has forced more parents to keep children indoors and “keep them busy” with screen gadgets. Children and youths are vulnerable and easily influenced and habits formed in childhood are seen to be carried forward into adulthood. This chapter highlights the increased sedentary lifestyle of the unique SSA population, whose unique cultural and socioeconomic factors gave them very active lifestyles previously. The plight of children and youth as vulnerable groups; and the resulting effects of sedentary screen-based activities have been discussed. Ongoing monitoring and surveillance of sedentary behavior and time among children and youth in SSA for policy development and strategic intervention is strongly advised.

Part of the book: Sedentary Behaviour

By Gitahi Theuri and Lucy-Joy Wachira

Urbanization in Africa has led to lifestyles changes that undermine physical activity. These behavioral changes are also linked to spending less time in the Sun. Vitamin D is primarily synthesized dermally when sun rays directly strikes exposed skin. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is now recognized as a global issue impairing the health of more than 1 billion people Worldwide. Serum Vitamin D levels in children in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has been linked to inadequate exposure to sunlight, despite it straddling the equator that affords almost yearlong overhead sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with several health challenges, which in turn undermines normal growth, development, and potential physical and mental function likely to compromise performance of physical activity and sports. This chapter highlights the role of Vitamin D, its deficiency and implications on physical activity and sports performance with particular focus on children and adolescents, who are at a prime age for foundational development of motor function, skills and performance. While parents, healthcare professionals, coaches and caregivers of children in SSA need to promote sun exposure as the primary source of vitamin D, this perhaps also calls for further attention on Vitamin D supplementation, to support health and sports performance.

Part of the book: Sport and Fitness in Children and Adolescents