Perceptions of the South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: South Africa launched 24-hour movement guidelines for birth to 5 years in 2018. Perceptions of these guidelines were assessed as part of the dissemination process with community-based organizations in 2019. Methods: Fifteen dissemination workshops were held with community-based organization representatives and a range of stakeholders. Discussions were held with workshop attendees (n = 281) to obtain qualitative feedback on the guidelines and workshop. Six follow-up focus groups (n = 28) were conducted to obtain additional feedback on the guidelines and their dissemination. Discussions and focus groups were thematically analyzed. Results: Participants recognized the importance of the guidelines for the health and development of young South African children. Participants’ perceptions of the guidelines were consistently positive. The participants acknowledged the alignment of the guidelines with other South African programs and initiatives, and that they addressed gaps. Screen time and sleep were identified as the behaviors needing particular attention among young South African children. The negative impact of COVID-19 on young children’s movement behaviors was acknowledged, especially regarding screen time. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence of stakeholders’ positive perceptions of the South African guidelines and support the dissemination and implementation of these guidelines for the promotion of early childhood health and development in South Africa.

Movement guidelines for young children: Engaging stakeholders to design dissemination strategies in the Hong Kong early childhood education context

“…Individual interviews were conducted with key informants ( n = 7) who were purposively recruited to represent the knowledge and practice areas relevant to young children's health behaviors ( 19 – 21 ). The following participants were deemed knowledgeable of the local context: ECE principal (for children aged 3–6 years), nursery program director (for children aged 2 years and below), education leadership and management consultant, family psychologist, physical fitness specialist, early childhood education academic, and public health academic.…”

“…Stakeholders' perceptions comprise one of the most frequently cited components when disseminating information to target audiences ( 16 ). In South Africa, where similar movement guidelines have been launched, the evidence suggests that stakeholders' perceptions helped assess the acceptability of the recommendations to the local population ( 21 ). Qualitative studies have revealed that stakeholders generally found their country-specific movement guidelines acceptable and aligned with health and education priorities ( 19 – 21 ).…”

“…In South Africa, where similar movement guidelines have been launched, the evidence suggests that stakeholders' perceptions helped assess the acceptability of the recommendations to the local population ( 21 ). Qualitative studies have revealed that stakeholders generally found their country-specific movement guidelines acceptable and aligned with health and education priorities ( 19 – 21 ). Barriers to the uptake of the guidelines have also been identified, such as lack of available information, daily activities that compete for time and resources, challenges associated with current social norms ( 19 ), and high usage of technology-based devices at home ( 20 ).…”

Movement guidelines for young children: Engaging stakeholders to design dissemination strategies in the Hong Kong early childhood education context

“…Stakeholders consist of expert representatives from the education and health sectors (e.g., ECE administrators, health researchers), practitioners (i.e., teachers, principals), and parents (14,15). The evidence from countries where similar movement guidelines have been launched suggests that stakeholders' perceptions help assess the acceptability of the recommendations to the local population (16). Qualitative studies have revealed that stakeholders generally found their country-specific movement guidelines acceptable and aligned with health and education priorities (14)(15)(16).…”

“…The evidence from countries where similar movement guidelines have been launched suggests that stakeholders' perceptions help assess the acceptability of the recommendations to the local population (16). Qualitative studies have revealed that stakeholders generally found their country-specific movement guidelines acceptable and aligned with health and education priorities (14)(15)(16). Barriers to uptake of the guidelines have also been identified, such as lack of available information, daily activities that compete for time and resources, challenges associated with current social norms (14), and high usage of technologybased devices at home (15).…”