This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and existence of risk factors
associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners. A crosssectional
research design was used to obtain information about physical activity
levels from 951 learners from two high schools in a local community in the Western
Province of South Africa. Physical activity levels were obtained using the KUOPIO
Ischaemic Heart Disease 24-hour physical activity record over a seven-day period.
Anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements as well as behaviours including
cigarette smoking and alcohol use were recorded as risk factors for chronic diseases
of lifestyle. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for
Social Science (2000). Risk factors were identified as obesity, physical inactivity,
smoking and hypertension. Variance of analysis (ANOVA) was used to statistically
determine differences in groups. The results indicated that 32% of the learners were
classified as being physically inactive and that 21% engaged in health risk
behaviours. In addition, 35% of the learners had more than one risk factor for
chronic diseases of lifestyle present. Since cardiovascular risk factors have been
shown to persist into adulthood, health professionals should assume some
responsibility for the prevention, detection, and intervention relevant to
cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.