Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Introduction: Regular physical activity has a positive impact on health, regardless of age. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases and helps combat obesity.

Objective: To contribute to a better understanding of the level of physical activity and eating habits of adolescents attending school in the municipality of Saint-Louis.

Methodology: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 117 secondary school pupils aged between 11 and 18 over a period of one month. A physical activity assessment questionnaire (PAQ-A or PAQ-C) was used, supplemented by information on eating habits, lifestyle and socio-demographic data. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and the Ruffier test was used to determine the level of recovery.

Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test and Fischer's test were used to compare the proportions of qualitative variables ; Student's t-test was used for quantitative variables. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.05.

Results: A male predominance was noted, with 54.7% boys and 45.3% girls. BMI was normal for 75% of pupils, low in 13.46% and high in 11.53% of cases. Physical activity levels were moderate in 72.6% of subjects and low in 26.5%. The level of recovery remained low for nearly the majority of students. A significant link was found between the level of physical activity and gender. Fruit and vegetable consumption was noted in more than 75% of subjects.

Conclusion: This preliminary study shows moderate to low levels of physical activity and poor recovery among adolescents. Hence the need for objective measurement tools for physical activity that are more suited to the Senegalese context.