An investigation on health recommended steps per day among university students in Katima Mulilo of Zambezi Region, Namibia

Abstract

Regular daily step counts is an innate system of measurement that has proved success in encouraging physical activity in young people and may hold prospective for future public health physical activity sanctions. The main objective of this study was to investigate on health recommended steps per day among university students in Katima Mulilo of Zambezi Region, Namibia. This employed quantitative research design in its approach, as this methods was found suitable to collect and analyse in depth information that is related to the study phenomenon. This study consisted of n = 200 university students, who were randomly selected on the basis of either they should be residing in hostels on campus or commuting to and from the university on a daily basis. Data was collected using questionnaires, to determine participants’ walked distance: or to get a more accurate length, the research multiplied the number of steps or strides by participant’s average step length in meters, for instance, if the participant’s average step is 0.76 meters, then 10,000 steps would be 10,000×0.76=7,600 meters, or 7.6 km. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, which involved an organised procedure of data preparation, analysis using numerous statistical methods, and interpretation of the results. The study results shows that under the category of sedentary in 12 weeks or (3 months) only a total of n = 211 students walked less than < 5,000 steps/day which is also equivalent to ≤ 3 to 4 km, under the category of low active in 12 weeks or 3 months, the large number of n = 1715 of participants walked between 5,000 to 7,499 steps per day which is equivalent to 5 to 6 km, under the category of low active in 12 weeks or 3 months, the large number of n = 1715 of participants walked between 5,000 to 7,499 steps per day which is equivalent to 5 to 6 km, under the category of somewhat active in 12 weeks or 3 months the second highest number of  n = 413 students walked between 7,500 - 9,999 steps per day, equivalent to 7 to 8 km, under the category of active in 12 weeks or 3 months a less total of n = 49 participants walked ≥ 10,000 steps per day, equivalent to 8 to 9 km, and under the category of high active in a period of 12 weeks or 3 months a few n = 26 participants walked 12,500 steps per day, equivalent to more than ≥10,000 km. Therefore it can be concluded from this study that habitually attaining the suggested daily steps gives substantial cardiovascular advantages by increasing the heart muscle and enhancing blood circulation to all parts of the body. This reliable activity level is helpful in weight control and management, helping to maintain a healthy digestion and burn calories appropriately. Furthermore, this study found that walking contributes to a healthier emotional well-being, as physical activity is acknowledged to reduce signs of depression and anxiety and boost individual’s daily mood. Devoting to regular daily steps helps in the stoppage and controlling of chronic health conditions, such as  high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The low-effect nature of walking helps and supports joint health and increases bone intensity, decreasing the danger of osteoporosis.