scholarly journals Results from South Africa’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S98-S104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Draper ◽  
Susan Basset ◽  
Anniza de Villiers ◽  
Estelle V. Lambert ◽  
_ _
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Advertising To Children

Background:There is current concern for the health and well-being of children and youth in South Africa, including habits of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior. The 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card evaluates the current activity status of children and youth.Methods:The Research Working Group was comprised of 23 experts in physical education, nutrition, sport science, public health and journalism. The search was based on a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature (previous 5 years), dissertations, and nonpeer-reviewed reports (‘gray’ literature) dealing with the PA and nutritional status of South African children and youth 6−18 years of age. Key indicators were identified and data extracted. Grades for each indicator were discussed and assigned.Results:Overall PA levels received a D grade, as roughly 50% or more of children and youth were not meeting recommended levels. Organized sports participation fared better with a C, and government policies were promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern and received a grade of F. Under- and over-weight were highlighted, but overweight is on the rise and this indicator was assigned a D grade. Most of the other indicators in South Africa remained the same or became worse so that grades declined from C- to D. In particular, sedentary behavior, soft-drink and fast food consumption, and an ineffectual regulatory environment to control advertising to children were a concern. There is need to engage parents and communities for advocacy and social mobilization.

scholarly journals Results From Kenya’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S195-S200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent O. Onywera ◽  
Stella K. Muthuri ◽  
Sylvester Hayker ◽  
Lucy-Joy M. Wachira ◽  
Florence Kyallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Activity Levels

Background:Kenya’s 2016 report card aimed to highlight the health and well-being of Kenyan children and youth using the best available evidence on the physical activity of Kenyan children and youth. The report pointed at areas where Kenya was succeeding and areas where more action is required.Methods:Inclusive analyses of available data sources on the core indicators related to physical activity and body weights of Kenyan children and youth (5 to 17 years) were conducted. These were assigned grades based on a set of specific criteria.Results:Results show that Active Play, Active Transportation, Overweight and Obesity, and Sedentary Behavior were favorable with a grade of B. Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, and School (infrastructure, policies, and programs) each received a grade of C, while Family and Peers, Government and Nongovernment organizations, as well as the Community and the Built Environment were assigned grade D.Conclusions:Over 72% of Kenyan children and youth use active transportation to and from school and in their daily lives. Although majority of the children and youth have normal body weight, there is need to ensure that they meet and maintain the physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization. More needs to be done especially in relation to the governmental and nongovernmental organizations, organized sports participation, as well as involvement of family and peers in promoting healthy active lifestyles among Kenyan children and youth. More representative data for all indicators are required in Kenya.

scholarly journals Results From South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S265-S273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Uys ◽  
Susan Bassett ◽  
Catherine E. Draper ◽  
Lisa Micklesfield ◽  
Andries Monyeki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
School Nutrition ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors

Background:We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.”Methods:The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive.Results:Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade.Conclusions:In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.

scholarly journals Results From Spain’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S279-S283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Roman-Viñas ◽  
Jorge Marin ◽  
Mairena Sánchez-López ◽  
Susana Aznar ◽  
Rosaura Leis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Organized Sports ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Research Working Group ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Card Model

Background:The first Active Healthy Kids Spanish Report Card aims to gather the most robust information about physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior of children and adolescents.Methods:A Research Working Group of experts on PA and sport sciences was convened. A comprehensive data search, based on a review of the literature, dissertations, gray literature, and experts’ nonpublished data, was conducted to identify the best sources to grade each indicator following the procedures and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model.Results:Overall PA (based on objective and self-reported methods) was graded as D-, Organized Sports Participation as B, Active Play as C+, Active Transportation as C, Sedentary Behavior as D, School as C, and Family and Peers as Incomplete, Community and the Built Environment as Incomplete, and Government as Incomplete.Conclusions:Spanish children and adolescents showed low levels of adherence to PA and sedentary behavior guidelines, especially females and adolescents. There is a need to achieve consensus and harmonize methods to evaluate PA and sedentary behavior to monitor changes over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of policies to promote PA.

Results from Colombia’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S33-S44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia A. González ◽  
Olga L. Sarmiento ◽  
Daniel D. Cohen ◽  
Diana M. Camargo ◽  
Jorge E. Correa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Latin American ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Middle Income

Background:Physical activity (PA) is central to the global agenda for the prevention on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Although 80% of NCDs occur in low-to-middle-income countries, the evidence on PA comes mainly from high-income countries. In this context, the report card for Colombia is an advocacy tool to help in the translation of evidence into concrete actions. The aims of this paper were two-fold: to present the methodology used to develop the first Report Card on Physical Activity in Colombian Children and Youth and to summarize the results.Methods:Twelve indicators of PA were graded using numerical grades (5, highest, to 1, lowest) based on data from national surveys and policy documents.Results:National policy and obesity indicators were graded “4,” while departmental policy and overweight indicators were graded “3.” Overall PA levels, sports participation, sedentary behaviors and nongovernment initiatives were graded “2,” and school influence was graded “1.” Active transportation, active play, low cardiorespiratory fitness, and family and community influence received an incomplete.Conclusion:PA levels are low and sedentary behaviors are high in Colombian children and youth. Although the prevalence of obesity in Colombia is lower compared with other Latin American countries, it is increasing. A rich legal framework and availability of institutional arrangements provide unique opportunities to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice that need to be evaluated.

scholarly journals Results From Ghana’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S165-S168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reginald Ocansey ◽  
Richmond Aryeetey ◽  
Seidu Sofo ◽  
Alex Nazzar ◽  
Margaret Delali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Consensus Meeting ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
National Investment

Background:Currently, there is limited evidence on estimates for physical activity (PA) behavior and sedentary behavior (SB) in Ghana. This report card (RC) is intended to increase awareness and sensitivity about issues surrounding PA and SB in Ghana.Methods:Data were collected from peer-reviewed literature, graduate students’ theses, physical education and sports documents, and a survey of opinions of stakeholders covering the 10 key RC indicators and benchmarks. The principal investigator harmonized all grades. A consensus meeting of the RC team was held to assign the final grades.Results:School and Community grades declined from a D in 2014 to an F in 2016. SB declined from B to D. Family and Active Play were not graded in 2014 and now received an F and a B, respectively. Family and Built Environment were graded F, Active Transportation received a C, and Government and Overall PA were graded D.Conclusions:A conscious national investment effort can increase overall PA among children.

scholarly journals Results from New Zealand’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S83-S87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Maddison ◽  
Leila Pfaeffli Dale ◽  
Samantha Marsh ◽  
Allana G. LeBlanc ◽  
Melody Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Free Play ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Organized Sport ◽  
Age Related

Background:This brief report provides grades for the 2014 New Zealand Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The Report Card presents a review of current evidence across 9 key indicators, including physical activity (PA), organized sport and free play, sedentary behavior, and community and government initiatives across New Zealand.Methods:Nationally representative survey data were collated by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, between June and December 2013. The grade for each indicator is based on the percentage of children and youth meeting a defined benchmark: A is 81%−100%; B is 61%−80%; C is 41%−60%, D is 21%−40%; F is 0%−20%; INC is incomplete data.Results:Overall PA received a score of B, as did Organized Sport Participation and Active Play. PA participation in School Environment scored slightly less with a score of B-. Sedentary Behaviors, Family and Peers, and Community and Built Environment scored a grade of C. Active transportation received a score of C-. An inconclusive grade was given for the Government indicator due to a lack of established international criteria for assessment.Conclusions:PA participation in New Zealand is satisfactory, but could improve. However, sedentary behavior is high. Of particular concern is the age-related decline in PA participation, particularly among adolescent females, and the increase in sedentary behavior.

scholarly journals Mexico’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Full report

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Gabriela Argumedo ◽  
Juan Ricardo López Taylor ◽  
Alejandro Gaytán-González ◽  
Inés González-Casanova ◽  
Martín Francisco González Villalobos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Government Documents ◽  
Sources Of Influence

Objectives. Mexico’s 2018 Report Card evaluates the opportunities available for Mexican children and youth to reach healthy levels of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior. Methods. The Report Card is a surveillance system that gathers data from national surveys, censuses, government documents, websites, grey literature, and published studies to evaluate 16 indicators in four categories: Daily Behaviors; Physical Fitness; Settings and Sources of Influence; and Strategies and Investments. Data were compared to established benchmarks. Each indicator was assigned a grade from 1 – 10 (< 6 is a failing grade) or “incomplete” if data was insufficient/unavailable. Results. Daily Behavior grades were: Overall Physical Activity, 4; Organized Sport Participation, 5; Active Play, 3; Active Transportation, 5; Sleep, 7; and Sedentary Behavior, 3. Physical Fitness, received a 7. Settings and Sources of Influence grades were: Family and Peers, incomplete; School, 3; and Community and Environment, 4. Strategies and Investments were: Government Strategies, 6; and Non-Government Organizations, 2. Conclusion. Low grades in 11 of the 16 indicators indicate that schools, families, communities, and government need to work together to improve physical activity opportunities for children and youth in Mexico.

scholarly journals Results From Qatar’s 2016 Active Healthy Kids Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S246-S250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed G. Al-Kuwari ◽  
Izzeldin A. Ibrahim ◽  
Eiman M. Al Hammadi ◽  
John J. Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
The State ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Validity And Reliability

Background:The first Qatar Active Healthy Kids (QAHK) Report Card was developed in 2015–2016. It is a synthesis of the available evidence on physical activity in children and youth in the state of Qatar—an assessment of the state of the nation. The report card is important for future physical activity advocacy, policy, and program development.Methods:The QAHK Report Card was inspired by the Active Healthy Kids Scotland 2013 Report Card. The methodology used in Scotland’s report card was adapted for Qatar. A Working Group identified indicators for physical activity and related health behaviors, and evaluated the available data on these indicators. The card grades were determined by the percentage of children meeting guidelines or recommendations.Results:The 2016 QAHK Report Card consisted of 9 indicators: 6 Physical Activity and Health Behaviors and Outcomes, and 3 Settings and Influences on these health behaviors and outcomes. The indicator National Policy, Strategy, and Investment was assigned the highest grade (B). Four indicators were assigned D grades: Sedentary Behavior, Dietary Habits, Organized Sports Participation, and Family and Peer Influence. Physical Activity and Obesity were both graded F. Two indicators could not be graded due to insufficient data and/or absence of a recommendation: Active and Outdoor Play, and Community and School Influence.Conclusions:The QAHK Report Card identified weaknesses and gaps in the evidence on physical activity and health in children and youth in Qatar. The quality of evidence was poor for some indicators, with some data collection methods of limited validity and reliability, or only available for a limited age range, so the grades are best estimates of the current situation in Qatar. Future surveys and research using objective physical activity measures will support the development of a second QAHK Report Card by 2018.

scholarly journals Results From Shanghai’s (China) 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S124-S128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Yan Tang ◽  
Zhen-Bo Cao ◽  
Pei-Jie Chen ◽  
Jia-Lin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Organized Sport ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Recommended Guidelines

Background:Internationally comparable evidence is important to advocate for young people’s physical activity. The aim of this article is to present the inaugural Shanghai (China) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.Methods:Since no national data are available, the working group developed the survey questionnaire and carried out the school surveys for students (n = 71,404), parents (n = 70,346), and school administrators and teachers (n = 1398). The grades of 9 report card indicators were assigned in accordance with the survey results against a defined benchmark: A is 81% to 100%; B is 61% to 80%; C is 41% to 60%, D is 21% to 40%; F is 0% to 20%.Results:The 9 indicators were graded as follows: Overall Physical Activity Levels (F), Organized Sport Participation (F), Active Play (D-), Active Transportation (C-), Sedentary Behavior (F), Family and Peers (B), School (B+), Community and the Built Environment (D+), and Government (D).Conclusions:Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior were low and below the respective recommended guidelines. Interventions and policies at the community level should be encouraged to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Future national surveys should be encouraged to strengthen Shanghai’s Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.

scholarly journals Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Costas I. Karageorghis ◽  
Jonathan M. Bird ◽  
Jasmin C. Hutchinson ◽  
Mark Hamer ◽  
Yvonne N. Delevoye-Turrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Western Nations

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia). Methods An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time). Results In the USA and Australia samples, there was a significant decline in planned PA from pre- to during lockdown. Among young adults, Australians exhibited the lowest planned PA scores, while in middle-aged groups, the UK recorded the highest. Young adults exhibited the largest reduction in unplanned PA. Across nations, there was a reduction of ~ 2000 steps per day. Large increases in sedentary behavior emerged during lockdown, which were most acute in young adults. Lockdown was associated with a decline in mental health that was more pronounced in women. Conclusions The findings illustrate the deleterious effects of lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations. Australian young and lower middle-aged adults appeared to fare particularly badly in terms of planned PA. The reduction in steps per day is equivalent to the non-expenditure of ~ 100 kcal. Declines in mental health show how harmful lockdowns can be for women in particular.

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