The economics of physical activity in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionEvidence on the economic costs of physical inactivity and the cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse, and fragmented where they are available. This is the first review aimed to summarise available evidence on economics of physical activity in LMICs, identify potential target variables for policy, and identify and report gaps in the current knowledge on economics of physical activity in LMICs.Methods and analysisPeer-reviewed journal articles of observational, experimental, quasi-experimental and mixed-method studies on economics of physical activity in LMICs will be identified by a search of electronic databases; Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Websites of WHO, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence international, World Bank and reference lists of included studies will be searched for relevant studies. The study selection process will be a two-stage approach; title and abstract screen for inclusion, followed by a review of selected full-text articles by two independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus and discussion with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using standardised piloted data extraction forms. Risk of bias will be critically appraised using standard checklists based on study designs. Descriptive synthesis of data is planned. Where relevant, summaries of studies will be classified according to type of economic analysis, country or country category, population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design. Meta-analysis will be performed where appropriate. This protocol for systematic review is prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis for Protocols −2015 statement.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not obtained as original data will not be collected as part of this review. The completed review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018099856.

Economics of physical activity in low-income and middle- income countries: a systematic review

“…Study protocol with detailed methods of this review was published prior to the commencement of this review 15 and is shown in online supplemental file 1 .…”

Mind the gap: Gender differences in walkability, transportation and physical activity in urban India

“…3 It is estimated that NCDs account for 80% of the global burden of disease in LMICs and insufficient physical activity (PA) is a key contributor for premature mortality in these populations. 4 In India, an LMIC with a population of 1.4 billion people, less than 54.4% of the population meets the recommended PA guidelines and incidence rates for diabetes, heart disease and cancer are on a steep rise. [5][6][7] NCDs currently account for 53% of the disease burden and 44% of disabilityadjusted life years (DALYs) lost in India.…”