A Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity and Fitness Levels among Preschool Children in Rural and Urban Settings

¹ Department of Public Health Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
² Research Center of Public Health Nutrition and Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
³ Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding naintina.lisnawati@live.undip.ac.id

Abstract

Physical activity and fitness are fundamental for preschool children as they influence growth and development. These aspects are usually also influenced by the environmental conditions where the child lives. This study aims to determine the differences in physical activity and physical fitness levels among preschool children in rural and urban areas. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 142 preschool children in Central Java Province using purposive sampling. Physical activity was measured using a 24-hour physical activity recall form, while physical fitness was measured using a six-minute walk test. Data were analyzed using the Independent T-test and Chi-Square Test. There was no significant difference in the physical activity of children in rural and urban areas (p = 0.303), with most classified in the light category, 100% in rural and 98.6% in urban areas. However, there was a significant difference in the physical fitness levels of children between the two areas (p = 0.001). A small proportion of preschool children with very good fitness (6.3%) came from urban areas. These findings highlight important points that warrant further investigation. Hence, future studies should explore factors associated with physical activity and fitness levels.