Physical Inactivity as a Wicked Problem in Sub-Sahara Africa: Overview and Recommendations

Abstract

Physical Activity (PA) is a public health concern and has been listed as the fourth primary risk feature for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Physical inactivity has been understood as one of the wicked problems of the 21^st century. The worldwide load of illnesses connected with physical inactivity is significant. This paper, from a viewpoint, discusses what can be done to reduce the wicked problem of physical inactivity in sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations. Physical inactivity is a wicked problem because it avoids direct suppression and is difficult to resolve in a way that is modest or absolute. Physical inactivity may be comprehended as the continuum of any decline in a person’s movement that yields a reduction in energy outflow regarding basal level, which is a direct opposite of physical activity definition. Physical inactivity has been documented several years ago and was believed that regular light and moderate exercise could present confrontation with disease and counter physical deterioration. Despite PA’s defensive factors for the avoidance and management of the foremost NCDs, other important NCD risk factors, and psychological health (WHO, 2002), many people still do not participate. In sub-Saharan Africa, physical inactivity and low levels of physical activity were among the 10 top-ranked risk factors for the attributable burden of disease. One review paper recently published documents that the prevalence of physical inactivity stands at twenty-two percent, which is close to the global average of twenty-seven percent and has been projected to increase in the nearest decades. Therefore, confronting “wicked problems” of physical inactivity in the sub-Sahara Africa region requires an urgent collaborative transdisciplinary approach backed up with good policy implementation and resources.