Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the potential risk factors of physical activity-related
injuries (PARI) among Elemo high school students. The study was used a cross-sectional
descriptive design and quantitative approach. A sample of 260 selected from 867 grades 9 and
10 students were taken for the study using simple random sampling. The study was conducted at
Elemo High School, Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Oromia Regional State. Questionnaires and semi structured interview were used as data gathering instruments. Data gathered through
quantitative (questionnaire) would be put into tables with their percentile and analyzed through
description, and explanations were given in this study. Whereas, data gathered through
qualitative (data through interview) were organized and analyzed in a narrative way in line with
the quantitative data. The results of the study indicate that large number of students injured and
faced leg injuries. Moreover, exercising on an uneven floor, with illness or in extreme cold
weather sometimes would be more likely to expose to physical activity related injuries. Never
wearing glasses, suitable shoe or using protective equipment would also be likely experience
physical activity related injuries. Warm up and cool down before and after physical activity
rarely also shown in the result of the study. The results also indicate looking occasionally
physical activity surrounding more vulnerable to suffer from PARI. Based on the major findings
of the study the researcher concludes that, large PARI prevalence among high school student
and were identified risk factors of PARI, leg injuries and knee pain are the most common types of
physical activity related injuries.
