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

Abstract

Background:Physical activity (PA) promotion in children and youth is an impetus for prevention and control of NCD morbidity and mortality, but evidence is needed for effective interventions. The aim of the present paper is to summarize the results of the 2013 Nigerian Report Card on Physical Activity for children and youth.Methods:The Technical Report Committee conducted a comprehensive review of available literature in Nigeria. Grades were assigned to 10 PA indicators modeled after the Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) grading system.Results:Specific grades were assigned for several indicators: Overall Physical Activity Levels, C; Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation, Incomplete; Active Play and Leisure, C-; Active Transportation, B; Sedentary Behaviors, F; Overweight and Obesity, B+. The following indicators were graded as INCOMPLETE: Physical Activity in School setting, Family and Peers, Community and Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments.Conclusions:PA levels of Nigerian children and youth are moderate while sedentary behaviors are high. The development of national guidelines for PA and sedentary behaviors can better inform policy and practice on healthy living among Nigerian children and youth.

A scoping review on the implementation of Global Observatory on Physical Activity recommendations for school children in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Adeniyi et al and Akinroye et al report cards on Nigeria for 2016 and 2014 respectively were both based on data from the literature and archives on children’s and youths’ PA levels. 34 , 35 Compared to the report from 2014, the 2016 report card revealed a decrease in the overall levels of PA. According to Akinroye and colleagues in the 2014 report card, Nigerian children and youth had moderate PA levels but high levels of sedentary behaviour.…”

“…The studies can be categorised into four themes based on deductive reasoning with regard to research questions. These are, namely, PA and SB of pupils in SSA, Availability of national plans/strategies for improving PA, School only- based physical education and sports, and multisectoral collaborations for GoPA .Amongthe selected studies, four were carried out in South Africa, 24 - 26 , 28 two in Nigeria, 34 , 35 two in Ghana, 36 , 37 and one each in Senegal, 38 and Kenya. 39 Seven of the articles eligible for this review fall under the first theme multisectoral collaboration on GoPA.…”

“…They suggested that national recommendations for PA and sedentary behaviours be developed to effectively guide practice and policy about healthy living among Nigerian children and youth. 34 , 35 …”

Levels and Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour of Primary School Learners in Lagos State, Nigeria

“…Our roads are generally not safe enough because of lack of policies that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists’ access to guarantee their safety, particularly for school children [ 21 ]. With increasing urbanization, and more people moving to the cities, governments have a special responsibility to improve urban design with the aim of encouraging school children to use active transportation for promotion of public health [ 22 , 23 ]. In addition, school-based policy on PA is important to create a more active lifestyle for school children.…”