Sport participation and injuries among undergraduate students of a Nigerian University

Abstract

Background: Sports participation is a healthy behaviour but it is not without the risk of injuries. Information on the extent of sport participation and sport injuries among Nigerian university students is sparse. Objective: To determine the prevalence and types of sport participation and injuries among university students in Nigeria. Factors associated with sport participation among students were also examined. Methods: Across-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to collect information i)n the frequency and types of sport participation and sport-related injuries among a representative sample of undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Results: A sport participation prevalence of 64.2% (95%CI: 59.5 - 68.7) was recorded among students. Football (soccer) (53.2%) had the highest participation rate. Mal e students (78.4% vs.41.2%) participated more frequently in sports (p < 0.001). Overall injury rate was 52.5 injuries/100 students/ year (95%C1: 46.5 - 58.5). T h e prevalence of injury was 45.7% in male and 12.7% in female students. About half (49.3%) of reported injuries resulted in time loss. The leg and ankle were the most frequently injured body parts of all injuries and most serious injuries. Football recorded the highest prevalence of injury (73.8%). Conclusion: Sport participation among students was fair and injury rate w a s considerably high, mostly affecting the lower extremity and most injuries resulting from football participation. This study suggests the need for improved sport participation support among students and the need for the initiation of injury prevention initiatives by stakeholders.