Swimming frequency and academic performance among primary school-aged children in Kampala district, Uganda

This study investigates the relationship between swimming frequency and academic performance among primary school-aged children in Kampala District, Uganda. The research was guided by three objectives: (i) to examine the relationship between the frequency of swimming participation and academic performance, (ii) to assess the effect of the duration of swimming sessions on academic performance, and (iii) to evaluate the impact of the type of swimming activity on academic performance. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilizing surveys and academic performance data to assess how swimming participation influences academic achievement. A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was employed, targeting 200 students from seven primary schools (both private and public) in Kampala, with stratified random sampling ensuring diversity across gender, grade level, and socio-economic background. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between swimming frequency and academic performance (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating that increased swimming frequency is associated with improved academic outcomes. Multiple regression analysis further confirmed that swimming frequency is a significant predictor of academic performance (β = 0.35, p < 0.01). Specifically, for every additional swimming session per week, academic performance increased by 0.32 units, controlling for other variables such as gender and school type.Regarding the duration of swimming sessions, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) was found with academic performance, suggesting that longer swimming sessions contribute to improved academic results. Additionally, the type of swimming activity showed significant effects, with structured swimming being the most strongly associated with high academic performance (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). The findings suggest that increasing access to swimming opportunities, particularly in public schools, could enhance academic performance. The study calls for further investment in swimming infrastructure, particularly in public schools, and emphasizes the importance of integrating swimming into school curricula. It also recommends addressing barriers to access through community collaboration and policy initiatives, and suggests that future research should include longitudinal studies to explore the long-term effects of swimming on academic success.