scholarly journals A Critique of National Physical Activity Policy in Oman Using 3 Established Policy Frameworks

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Huda Al Siyabi ◽  
Ruth M. Mabry ◽  
Amal Al Siyabi ◽  
Karen Milton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Funding Mechanism ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Policy Frameworks ◽  
National Physical Activity

Background: This paper aimed to assess the development process, content, and early implementation of Oman’s national physical activity plan of action to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Methods: Data were extracted from 4 documents: national noncommunicable diseases policy, physical activity plan of action, and 2 World Health Organization Mission Reports. Three policy frameworks and approaches (physical activity content analysis grid, health-enhancing physical activity policy audit tool, and policy cube approach for diet-related noncommunicable diseases) were used. Results: The findings demonstrated that policymakers engaged a broad range of sectors in developing a national plan. It aligned with many of the elements from the 3 policy frameworks (ie, multisectoral approach, political commitment/leadership, identification of national goals and targets, time frame for implementation). The main gaps included the lack of a specified sustainable funding mechanism, systems for monitoring progress, and an emphasis on general interventions, with limited focus on specific target groups. Conclusion: A range of sectors were engaged in the development of Oman’s national physical activity plan of action, with strong political commitment and using global guidance and local evidence. Establishing a strong accountability framework, including a clear financing mechanism, is critical for Oman to meet its target for a 10% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2025.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Patterns in India Stratified by Zones, Age, Region, BMI and Implications for COVID-19: A Nationwide Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 097275312199850
Author(s):  
Vivek Podder ◽  
Raghuram Nagarathna ◽  
Akshay Anand ◽  
Patil S. Suchitra ◽  
Amit Kumar Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Home Work ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Physically Inactive ◽  
At Home

Rationale: India has a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which can be lowered by regular physical activity. To understand this association, recent population data is required which is representative of all the states and union territories of the country. Objective: We aimed to investigate the patterns of physical activity in India, stratified by zones, body mass index (BMI), urban, rural areas, and gender. Method: We present the analysis of physical activity status from the data collected during the phase 1 of a pan-India study. This ( Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata 2017) was a multicenter pan-India cluster sampled trial with dual objectives. A survey to identify all individuals at a high risk for diabetes, using a validated instrument called the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), was followed by a two-armed randomized yoga-based lifestyle intervention for the primary prevention of diabetes. The physical activity was scored as per IDRS (vigorous exercise or strenuous at work = 0, moderate exercise at home/work = 10, mild exercise at home/work = 20, no exercise = 30). This was done in a selected cluster using a mobile application. A weighted prevalence was calculated based on the nonresponse rate and design weight. Results: We analyzed the data from 2,33,805 individuals; the mean age was 41.4 years (SD 13.4). Of these, 50.6% were females and 49.4% were males; 45.8% were from rural areas and 54% from urban areas. The BMI was 24.7 ± 4.6 kg/m 2 . Briefly, 20% were physically inactive and 57% of the people were either inactive or mildly active. 21.2% of females were found physically inactive, whereas 19.2% of males were inactive. Individuals living in urban localities were proportionately more inactive (21.7% vs. 18.8%) or mildly active (38.9% vs. 34.8%) than the rural people. Individuals from the central (29.6%) and south zones (28.6%) of the country were also relatively inactive, in contrast to those from the northwest zone (14.2%). The known diabetics were found to be physically inactive (28.3% vs. 19.8%) when compared with those unaware of their diabetic status. Conclusion: 20% and 37% of the population in India are not active or mildly active, respectively, and thus 57% of the surveyed population do not meet the physical activity regimen recommended by the World Health Organization. This puts a large Indian population at risk of developing various NCDs, which are being increasingly reported to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. India needs to adopt the four strategic objectives recommended by the World Health Organization for reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity.

scholarly journals Meeting the Global NCD Target of at Least 10% Relative Reduction in the Harmful Use of Alcohol: Is the WHO European Region on Track?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Probst ◽  
Jakob Manthey ◽  
Maria Neufeld ◽  
Jürgen Rehm ◽  
João Breda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Plan ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽  
World Health ◽  
European Region ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Harmful Use ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Harmful Use Of Alcohol

Background: The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases set the target of an “at least 10% relative reduction in the harmful use of alcohol, as appropriate, within the national context”. This study investigated progress in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region towards this target based on two indicators: (a) alcohol per capita consumption (APC) and (b) the age-standardized prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED). Methods: Alcohol exposure data for the years 2010–2017 were based on country-validated data and statistical models. Results: Between 2010 and 2017, the reduction target for APC has been met with a decline by −12.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) −17.2, −7.0%) in the region. This progress differed greatly across the region with no decline for the EU-28 grouping (−2.4%; 95% CI −12.0, 7.8%) but large declines for the Eastern WHO EUR grouping (−26.2%; 95% CI −42.2, −8.1%). Little to no progress was made concerning HED, with an overall change of −1.7% (−13.7% to 10.2%) in the WHO European Region. Conclusions: The findings indicate a divergence in alcohol consumption reduction in Europe, with substantial progress in the Eastern part of the region and very modest or no progress in EU countries.

scholarly journals Daily physical activity of Brazilian carriers of arterial hypertension: a transversal analysis

2017 ◽  
pp. 82-87
Author(s):  
Dartel Ferrari de Lima ◽  
Lohran Anguera Lima ◽  
Olinda do Carmo Luiz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Weekly Frequency

Objective: To describe the profile of the practice of physical activity in the daily life of Brazilian adults with arterial hypertension and to analyze whether the practice performed complies with the recommendations of the World Health Organization.Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from the Surveillance System of Risk Factors and Protection for Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases of 2014, involving 40,853 adults aged 18 years and over in all Brazilian capitals, interviewed by telephone survey.Results: Walking, soccer and water aerobics were the main modalities of exercise and sport practiced. The weekly volume of effort led 35% of practitioners to reach the recommended goal of the World Health Organization. The low weekly frequency of activities stood out among hypertensives who did not reach the goal.Conclusion: Health services should clarify the need for regularity of physical activity for hypertensive individuals to benefit substantially.

scholarly journals Hitting the Target but Missing the Point? Modelling Health and Economic Impacts of Different Approaches to Meeting the Global Action Plan for Physical Activity Target

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Mizdrak ◽  
Ding Ding ◽  
Christine Cleghorn ◽  
Tony Blakely ◽  
Justin Richards
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
World Health ◽  
Absolute Amount ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Uncertainty Interval ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Global Action Plan

Abstract Background The World Health Organization launched the Global Action Plan for Physical Activity (GAPPA) in 2018, which set a global target of a 15% relative reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity by 2030. This target, however, could be acheived in various ways. Methods We use an established multi-state life table model to estimate the health and economic gains that would accrue over the lifetime of the 2011 New Zealand population if the GAPPA target was met under two different approaches: (1) an equal shift approach where physical activity increases by the same absolute amount for everyone; (2) a proportional shift approach where physical activity increases proportionally to current activity levels. Findings An equal shift approach to meeting the GAPPA target would result in 197,000 health-adjusted life-years (HALYs) gained (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 152,000–246,000) and healthcare system cost savings of US$1.57b (95%UI $1.16b–$2.03b; 0% discount rate). A proportional shift to the GAPPA target would result in 158,000 HALYs (95%UI 127,000–194,000) and US$1.29billion (95%UI $0.99b–$1.64b) savings to the healthcare system. Interpretation Achieving the GAPPA target would result in large health gains and savings to the healthcare system. However, not all population approaches to increasing physical activity are equal—some population shifts bring greater health benefits. Our results demonstrate the need to consider the entire population physical activity distribution in addition to evaluating progress towards a target.

scholarly journals Policy Evaluation Network (PEN): Protocol for systematic literature reviews examining the evidence for impact of policies on physical activity across seven different policy domains

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Kevin Volf ◽  
Liam Kelly ◽  
Enrique García Bengoechea ◽  
Blathin Casey ◽  
Anna Gobis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Policy Evaluation ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Over 40 million deaths annually are due to noncommunicable diseases, 15 million of these are premature deaths and physical inactivity contributes an estimated 9% to this figure. Global responses have included the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA). Both point to policy action on physical activity (PA) to address change, yet the impact of policy on PA outcomes is unknown.  The protocol described outlines the methodology for systematic literature reviews that will be undertaken by the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN) to address this knowledge gap. Methods: The seven best investments for promotion of population PA identified in the Toronto Charter highlighted seven policy domains (schools, transport, urban design, primary health care systems, public education, community-wide programmes and sport) which will form the basis of these PEN reviews. Seven individual scientific literature searches across six electronic databases will be conducted. Each will use the key concepts of policy, PA, evaluation and a distinct concept for each of the seven policy domains. This will be supplemented with a search of the reference list of included articles. Methodological quality will be assessed and overall effectiveness for each included study will be described according to pre-determined criteria. Conclusions: Each review will provide policy makers with a list of policy statements and corresponding actions which the evidence has determined impact on PA directly or indirectly. By collating the evidence, and demonstrating the depth of the science base which informs these policy recommendations, each review will provide guidance to policymakers to use evidence-based or evidence-informed policies to achieve the 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity as defined by GAPPA. Registration:  PROSPERO CRD42020156630 (10/07/2020).

Physical Activity Levels Among Adults in Uganda: Findings From a Countrywide Cross-Sectional Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 938-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Guwatudde ◽  
Barbara E. Kirunda ◽  
Ronald Wesonga ◽  
Gerald Mutungi ◽  
Richard Kajjura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Health Organization

Background:Being physically active is associated with lower risk of many noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We analyzed physical activity (PA) data collected as part of Uganda’s countrywide NCD risk factor survey conducted in 2014, to describe PA levels in Uganda.Methods:PA data were collected on the domains of work, travel and leisure. We calculated the percentage of participants meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and the types of intense-specific duration of PA. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to identify factors associated with meeting WHO PA recommendations.Results:Of the 3987 participants, 3758 (94.3%) met the WHO PA recommendations. Work-related PA of moderate intensity, and travel-related PA contributed most to participants’ overall weekly duration of PA, each contributing 49.6% and 25.2% respectively. The median weekly duration of all moderate-intensity PA was 1470 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] = 540 to 2460). Weekly duration of all vigorous-intensity PA was low with a median of 0 minutes (IQR = 0 to 1080). The median daily sedentary time was 120 minutes (IQR = 60 to 240). Factors significantly associated with meeting WHO PA recommendations were body mass index and level of education.Conclusions:PA levels in Uganda are high, mostly achieved through travel and work-related activities of moderate intensity.

scholarly journals Policy Evaluation Network (PEN): Protocol for systematic literature review examining the evidence for impact of policies across seven different policy domains

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Kevin Volf ◽  
Liam Kelly ◽  
Enrique García Bengoechea ◽  
Blathin Casey ◽  
Anna Gobis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Policy Evaluation ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Reference List ◽  
Policy Action ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Over 40 million deaths annually are due to noncommunicable diseases, 15 million of these are premature deaths and physical inactivity contributes an estimated 9% to this figure. Global responses have included the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA). Both point to policy action on physical activity (PA) to address change, yet the impact of policy on PA outcomes is unknown.  The protocol described outlines the methodology for systematic literature reviews that will be undertaken by the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN) to address this knowledge gap. Methods: The seven best investments for promotion of population PA identified in the Toronto Charter highlighted seven policy domains (schools, transport, urban design, primary health care systems, public education, community-wide programmes and sport) which will form the basis of these PEN reviews. Seven individual scientific literature searches across six electronic databases will be conducted. Each will use the key concepts of policy, PA, evaluation and a distinct concept for each of the seven policy domains. This will be supplemented with a search of the reference list of included articles. Methodological quality will be assessed and overall effectiveness for each included study will be described according to pre-determined criteria. Conclusions: Each review will provide policy makers with a list of policy statements and corresponding actions which the evidence has determined impact on PA directly or indirectly. By collating the evidence, and demonstrating the depth of the science base which informs these policy recommendations, each review will provide guidance to policymakers to use evidence-based or evidence-informed policies to achieve the 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity as defined by GAPPA. Registration:  PROSPERO CRD42020156630 (10/07/2020).

scholarly journals Mapping dietary salt/sodium reduction policies and initiatives in the Region of the Americas

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Significant Advance ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Sodium Reduction ◽  
Dietary Salt

The aim of this study was to map existing country policies and initiatives addressing population dietary sodium reduction in the Region of the Americas; to identify policy gaps following what is outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) “Best Buys” most cost-effective recommendations for the prevention and control of diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs); and to discuss priorities for future work to reduce population salt/sodium intake. We analyzed data from 34 countries in the Region. A review of different databases informed the mapping. Databases included (1) responses from the online Survey on National Initiatives for Salt/Sodium Reduction in the Americas carried out by PAHO in 2016; (2) the databases from the 2017 and 2019 PAHO Country Capacity Surveys for NCDs and Risk Factors; and (3) the repositories of legislation of the PAHO REGULA initiative as of 2018. Research in these databases was complemented by electronic searches on official websites from the ministries of health, education, and agriculture and the library of the national congress in each country. Additionally, when available, government regulatory gazettes were reviewed. National policies that have adopted the most cost-effective interventions for preventing and controlling diet-related NCDs of WHO “Best Buys” included reformulating food products with both voluntary (n=11/34) and mandatory (n=2/34) targets; establishing a supportive environment in public institutions (n=13/34); consumer awareness programs (n=26/34) and behavior-change communication and mass media campaigns (n=(0/34); and implementing front-of-pack labeling (n=5/34). We also found that some countries have implemented regulations that restrict marketing of foods high in salt/sodium to children (n=5/34), or are using nutritional labeling that includes sodium content, either voluntary (n=9/34) or mandatory (n=10/34). However, no country in the Region has implemented taxes on high salt/sodium foods. Based on our review, we concluded that there has been a significant advance in policies to reduce sodium intake in the Region of the Americas in recent years. However, we identified that the level of implementation is quite varied and is challenging to assess. Despite the progress, there remains much work to do on this issue, especially in countries where there is limited or no action yet. Reducing sodium consumption is a cost-effective intervention that can save many lives by preventing and reducing the burden of diet-related NCDs. Therefore, a further call to action is needed for governments to accelerate efforts to meet the 2025 global target of a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium.

scholarly journals Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Insufficient Physical Activity Among Adolescents: Evidence from the National Nutrition Surveillance Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1755-1755
Author(s):  
Md Mokbul Hossain ◽  
Abu Ahmed Shamim ◽  
Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Abu Abdullah Mohammad Hanif ◽  
Moyazzam Hossaine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Adolescent Boys ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Intensity

Abstract Objectives The World Health Organization (WHO) set a target of 15% relative reduction of the prevalence of insufficient physical activity (IPA) by 2025 among adolescents and adults globally. In Bangladesh, there is no national estimates of the prevalence of IPA among adolescents. In the recently completed round of the national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with IPA among adolescent girls and boys. Methods NNS was conducted in 57 rural, 15 urban and 10 slum clusters selected using multistage cluster sampling. In these clusters, we collected data from 4732 adolescent girls and 4761 adolescent boys. We used Global Physical Activity Questionnaire to collect physical activity (PA) data. The WHO recommended cut off points for IPA (5–17 years: <300 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity PA weekly; 18–19 years: <150 minutes of moderate intensity PA weekly or <75 minutes of vigorous-intensity PA weekly) were used to estimate the prevalence of IPA. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with IPA. Results Prevalence of IPA among girls and boys were 50.6% and 29.4%, respectively and the prevalence was significantly higher among early adolescents (10–14 years) than late adolescents in both boys and girls. The IPA prevalence was the highest among the adolescents living in non-slum urban areas (girls: 77.9% and boys: 64.6%). The IPA prevalence in slum areas was 36.6% for girls and 34.0% for boys; and in rural areas was 50.0% for girls and 28.2% for boys. For both girls and boys, age group, occupation and >6 hours of sitting per day were associated with IPA. Place of residence, consumption of fruits and vegetables, education and paternal occupation were associated with IPA only among the boys. On the other hand, maternal and paternal education and overweight/obesity were associated with IPA only among the girls. Conclusions One in every two adolescent girls and one in every three adolescent boys do not meet the WHO recommended level of PA in Bangladesh. This study identified several modifiable factors associated with IPA among adolescent boys and girls and these factors should be addressed through comprehensive public health interventions in order to improve adolescent health in Bangladesh. Funding Sources Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Built Environment, Physical Activity, and Obesity: Findings from the International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN) Adult Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
James F. Sallis ◽  
Ester Cerin ◽  
Jacqueline Kerr ◽  
Marc A. Adams ◽  
Takemi Sugiyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Adult Study ◽  
Environment Variables

Creating more physical activity–supportive built environments is recommended by the World Health Organization for controlling noncommunicable diseases. The IPEN (International Physical Activity and Environment Network) Adult Study was undertaken to provide international evidence on associations of built environments with physical activity and weight status in 12 countries on 5 continents ( n > 14,000). This article presents reanalyzed data from eight primary papers to identify patterns of findings across studies. Neighborhood environment attributes, whether measured objectively or by self-report, were strongly related to all physical activity outcomes (accelerometer-assessed total physical activity, reported walking for transport and leisure) and meaningfully related to overweight/obesity. Multivariable indexes of built environment variables were more strongly related to most outcomes than were single-environment variables. Designing activity-supportive built environments should be a higher international health priority. Results provide evidence in support of global initiatives to increase physical activity and control noncommunicable diseases while achieving sustainable development goals.

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