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

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.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2014-0170 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (s1) ◽

pp. S33-S44 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

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.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0409 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (s2) ◽

pp. S265-S273 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

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.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0359 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (s2) ◽

pp. S195-S200 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

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.

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Results From Japan’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0296 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (s2) ◽

pp. S189-S194 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Chiaki Tanaka ◽

Shigeho Tanaka ◽

Shigeru Inoue ◽

Motohiko Miyachi ◽

Koya Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Built Environment ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Weight Status ◽

Report Card ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Family Influence ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Active Play ◽

Nationally Representative

Background:The Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth aims to consolidate existing evidence, encourage greater evidence-informed physical activity, and improve surveillance of physical activity.Methods:The Japan report card followed the methodology of the Canadian and Scottish report cards, but was adapted to reflect the Japanese context. Nationally representative data were used to score each of the respective indicators.Results:The 2016 Japan Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth consists of Health Behaviors and Outcomes (7 indicators), and Influences on Health Behaviors (4 indicators). Three Health Behaviors and Outcomes received C grades (Participation in Sport; Sedentary Behavior; Recreational Screen Time; Physical Fitness), while 2 indicators could not be graded (Overall Physical Activity, and Active Play). The indicators Active Transportation (B) and Weight Status were favorable (A). In the Influences domain, Family Influence and Community and the Built Environment were graded as D, while School and Government Strategies and Investments were favorable (B).Conclusions:The Japan report card illustrated some favorable health behaviors, health outcomes, and influences. There is a need for more evidence especially on overall physical activity levels, active play, and community and the built environment.

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

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2014-0185 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (s1) ◽

pp. S98-S104 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

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.

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Results From Scotland’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0325 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (s2) ◽

pp. S251-S255 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

John J. Reilly ◽

Avril Johnstone ◽

Geraldine McNeill ◽

Adrienne R. Hughes

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Peer Influence ◽

Sport Participation ◽

International Comparisons ◽

Report Card ◽

Outdoor Play ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Perceived Safety

Background:The 2016 Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card aims to improve surveillance of physical activity (PA), facilitate international comparisons, and encourage evidence-informed PA and health policy.Methods:Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card methodology was used: a search for data on child and adolescent PA and health published after the 2013 Scottish Report Card was carried out. Data sources were considered for grading if based on representative samples with prevalence estimates made using methods with low bias. Ten health behaviors/outcomes were graded on an A to F scale based on quintiles (prevalence meeting recommendations ≥80% graded A down to <20% graded F).Results:Three of the seven Health Behaviors and Outcomes received F or F- grades: Overall PA, Sedentary Behavior, and Obesity. Active and Outdoor Play and Organized Sport Participation could not be graded. Active Commuting to School was graded C, and Diet was graded D-. Family and Peer Influence was graded D-; Perceived Safety and Availability of Space for PA as well as the National Policy Environment were more favorable (both B).Conclusions:Grades were identical to those in 2013. Scotland has a generally favorable environment for PA, but children and adolescents have low PA and high sedentary behavior. Gaps in surveillance included lack of objectively measured PA, no surveillance of moderate-to-vigorous PA in children, summary surveillance data not expressed in ways which match recommendations (eg, for PA in young children; for screen-time), and no surveillance of Sport Participation, Active and Outdoor Play, or Sitting. Scottish policy does not include sedentary behavior at present.

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Results from Scotland’s 2013 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2014-0183 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (s1) ◽

pp. S93-S97 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John J. Reilly ◽

Smita Dick ◽

Geraldine McNeill ◽

Mark S. Tremblay

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Sport Participation ◽

National Policy ◽

International Comparisons ◽

Report Card ◽

Family Influence ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Perceived Safety

Background:The Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card aims to consolidate existing evidence, facilitate international comparisons, encourage more evidence-informed physical activity and health policy, and improve surveillance of physical activity.Methods:Application of the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card process and methodology to Scotland, adapted to Scottish circumstances and availability of data.Results:The Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card 2013 consists of indicators of 7 Health Behaviors and Outcomes and 3 Influences on Health Behaviors and Outcomes. Grades of F were assigned to Overall Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior (recreational screen time), and Obesity Prevalence. A C was assigned to Active Transportation and a D- was assigned to Diet. Two indicators, Active and Outdoor Play and Organized Sport Participation, could not be graded. Among the Influences, Family Influence received a D, while Perceived Safety, Access, and Availability of Spaces for Physical Activity and the National Policy Environment graded more favorably with a B.Conclusions:The Active Healthy Kids Canada process and methodology was readily generalizable to Scotland. The report card illustrated low habitual physical activity and extremely high levels of screen-based sedentary behavior, and highlighted several opportunities for improved physical activity surveillance and promotion strategies.

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Can Health-Promoting Schools Contribute to Better Health Behaviors? Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Dietary Habits among Israeli Adolescents

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18031183 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 1183

Author(s):

Hila Beck ◽

Riki Tesler ◽

Sharon Barak ◽

Daniel Sender Moran ◽

Adilson Marques ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Behavior ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Group Differences ◽

Time Behavior ◽

Health Promoting ◽

The Mean

Schools with health-promoting school (HPS) frameworks are actively committed to enhancing healthy lifestyles. This study explored the contribution of school participation in HPS on students’ health behaviors, namely, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and dieting. Data from the 2018/2019 Health Behavior in School-aged Children study on Israeli adolescents aged 11–17 years were used. Schools were selected from a sample of HPSs and non-HPSs. Between-group differences and predictions of health behavior were analyzed. No between-group differences were observed in mean number of days/week with at least 60 min of PA (HPS: 3.84 ± 2.19 days/week, 95% confidence interval of the mean = 3.02–3.34; non-HPS: 3.93 ± 2.17 days/week, 95% confidence interval of the mean = 3.13–3.38). Most children engaged in screen time behavior for >2 h/day (HPS: 60.83%; non-HPS: 63.91%). The odds of being on a diet were higher among more active children (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20), higher socio-economic status (OR = 1.23), and female (OR = 2.29). HPS did not predict any health behavior. These findings suggest that HPSs did not contribute to health behaviors more than non-HPSs. Therefore, health-promoting activities in HPSs need to be improved in order to justify their recognition as members of the HPS network and to fulfill their mission.

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Results From Sweden’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2016-0307 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (s2) ◽

pp. S284-S290 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Christine Delisle Nyström ◽

Christel Larsson ◽

Bettina Ehrenblad ◽

Hanna Eneroth ◽

Ulf Eriksson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sport Participation ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Report Card ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Related Data ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Almost All

Background:The 2016 Swedish Report Card on Physical Activity (PA) for Children and Youth is a unique compilation of the existing physical and health related data in Sweden. The aim of this article is to summarize the procedure and results from the report card.Methods:Nationally representative surveys and individual studies published between 2005–2015 were included. Eleven PA and health indicators were graded using the Active Healthy Kids Canada grading system. Grades were assigned based on the percentage of children/youth meeting a defined benchmark (A: 81% to 100%, B: 61% to 80%, C: 41% to 60%, D: 21% to 40%, F: 0% to 20%, or incomplete (INC).Results:The assigned grades were Overall Physical Activity, D; Organized Sport Participation, B+; Active Play, INC; Active Transportation, C+; Sedentary Behaviors, C; Family and Peers, INC; School, C+; Community and the Built Environment, B; Government Strategies and Investments, B; Diet, C-; and Obesity, D.Conclusions:The included data provides some support that overall PA is too low and sedentary behavior is too high for almost all age groups in Sweden, even with the many national policies as well as an environment that is favorable to the promotion of PA.

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