First Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Youth in Lebanon
in Journal of Physical Activity and HealthBy purchasing this content you agree and accept the terms and conditions
Background: Evidence on physical activity (PA) indicators for children and youth at a national level is necessary to improve multilevel support for PA behaviors. Lebanon’s first Physical Activity Report Card for children and youth (2018) aimed to fill this gap. Methods: In line with the recommended methods of “Global Matrix 3.0,” nationally representative data were retrieved from peer-reviewed manuscripts, national surveys, and government reports. In addition to adopting the 10 indicators of “Global Matrix 3.0,” publications that discussed weight status were also retained. A grade was assigned for each indicator using a standard rubric: A = 80% to 100%, B = 60% to 79%, C = 40% to 59%, D = 20% to 39%, F = <20%, and INC = incomplete data. Results: Four indicators (active play, family and peers, community and environment, and physical fitness) received an “INC.” Three indicators (overall PA, active transportation, and school) received a “D.” Sedentary behaviors received a “C−.” Weight status received a “C.” Government received a “C+.” Organized sport received an “F.” Conclusions: PA participation among Lebanese children and youth is low. Stakeholders should aim to improve low PA indicators grades. Gaps in the literature also need to be filled to inform on the status of all indicators.
Abi Nader and Bélanger are with the Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Abi Nader is also with the Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Majed is with Sport Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. Sayegh is with Exercise is Medicine Department, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar. Mattar and Hadla are with Nutrition Program, Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon. Chamieh, Habib Mourad, and Fares are with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Hawa is with The Chain Effect, Beirut, Lebanon. Bélanger is also with the Department of Family Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; and the Office of Research Services, Vitalité Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
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