Title : Effect of peer-led health education on physical activity and sedentary behaviours among undergraduates in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria.

Background: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are major contributors to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly among young adults. University students are increasingly adopting sedentary lifestyles due to academic demands, limited physical activity opportunities, and decreased parental oversight. Peer influence during this developmental stage presents a unique opportunity for behaviour change. This study evaluated the effect of a peer-led health education intervention on physical activity and sedentary behaviour among undergraduate students in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Methods: A one-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was adopted. A total of 336 students from two public universities were selected through multistage sampling. Sixteen peer educators were trained to deliver a structured six-week health education intervention focused on reducing NCD risk behaviours. Sessions were interactive, employing group discussions, role-play, and peer support strategies. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS instrument before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics, McNemar’s test, and logistic regression were used to assess changes and predictors of behaviour at a 5% significance level.

Results: The proportion of students engaging in physical activity increased significantly from 63.7% at baseline to 100% post-intervention. Sedentary behaviour declined from 70.9% to 43.5% (p < 0.001). More students reported participating in moderate to vigorous physical activity for longer durations after the intervention. Logistic regression identified gender (p < 0.001; OR = 0.431) and accommodation status (p = 0.012; OR = 0.745) as significant predictors of physical activity. Female students and those in certain accommodation types were less likely to engage in regular physical activity.

Discussion: The findings indicate that peer-led health education significantly improved physical activity levels and reduced sedentary behaviour among university students. The use of peers to deliver health messages likely enhanced engagement and motivation through shared experiences and social support. Gender and accommodation-related differences highlight the need for tailored strategies to ensure equitable impact. Peer-led interventions represent a promising, scalable approach for promoting active lifestyles and reducing NCD risk factors among young adults in university settings.

Dr. Chiagoziem Ogazirilem Emerole is a public health scientist whose work centres on non-communicable disease risk behaviours and peer health education. She earned her PhD in Public Health (Epidemiology, Disease control and Biostatistics) from Federal University of Technology Owerri and an MPH from University of Aberdeen. Her studies explore how peer influence shapes behaviours such as alcohol use, diet, and physical activity among young adults. Dr. Emerole has published in several peer-reviewed journals and engages in community-based health promotion across Imo State. She currently teaches public health and is committed to strengthening preventive health strategies for youth populations.