Physical Activity Promotion Strategies for Women in Peri-Urban Communities in Ogun State

Physical inactivity among women in peri-urban Nigerian communities contributes significantly to the rising prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in these rapidly transitioning populations. This study examines the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of physical activity promotion strategies specifically designed for women in peri-urban communities in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A community-based participatory design was employed, with women's group leaders, community health extension workers, and target community members co-designing a 16-week physical activity promotion programme delivered through women's cooperative associations. The programme incorporated group aerobic dance sessions, health education, and community walking challenges. Participation was monitored for 240 women across four communities, and physical activity levels were assessed using pedometers and self-report instruments at baseline and endline. Findings reveal that the group-based delivery model achieves high retention rates of 78 percent over 16 weeks, substantially higher than individually targeted health interventions in comparable settings. Significant improvements in daily step counts, self-reported vigorous activity frequency, and health-related self-efficacy are recorded among participants. Social support, cultural acceptability of group exercise, and religious community endorsement are identified as critical success factors. Recommendations include scaling the model through existing women's cooperative networks, training health extension workers in physical activity facilitation, and developing state-level women's physical activity promotion policy. Keywords: physical activity promotion, women, peri-urban communities, Ogun State, community-based intervention