PARENTAL SUPPORT OF CHILDREN IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KASARANI SUB-COUNTY, NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA. A GENDER PERSPECTIVE

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. It improves individuals health outcomes, enabling them to achieve their goals. However, health reports continue to show increased physical inactivity and a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases among children. Evidence from literature shows that support from parents can be a primary influencer of childrens participation in physical activity. However, due to social-cultural practices, equal opportunities for boys and girls to participate in physical activity is a contemporary issue. This descriptive survey study involving 100 class eight learners aimed to establish the role of parents in supporting boys and girls participation in physical activity. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that slightly more girls (50) than (46) boys indicated participating in physical activity, and more girls (26) played games with their parents.A higher proportion of (50) girls indicated that boys had more time to play. About (30) and (42) of boys and girls reported that parents played a role in providing play materials. More girls(46) reported that their parents informed them about benefits of physical activity,while more boys (48) indicated that their parents encouraged them to participate in physical activities. In conclusion, it is important to note that parents play a significant role in supporting their childrens participation in physical activity. Parents should be encouraged to consider physical activity as part of their family lifestyle while offering equal support to boys and girls participation in physical activity.