Physical Activity Characteristics of Sudanese Immigrant Children

Abstract

Background: As the number of immigrant children increases in the U.S.A, there is a growing need to understand their health behavior and health needs. The purpose of this research was to describe the physical activity among Sudanese children in a Midwestern Metropolitan area. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 64 Sudanese children, 31 boys and 33 girls and aged 5 to 18. Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaires for Adolescents and Children (PAQ) and Omron (HJ-720 IT) pedometers. We measured height with a wall mounted stadiometer, and weight with an electronic scale. Fat mass, lean mass and body fat percentage were measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: There was no significant difference in average steps per day between boys girls However, boys averaged significantly more aerobic steps (784.6) per day, than girls (169.4) (P