1. The 2018 Flemish Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
J.Seghers1, S. De Baere1, M. Verloigne2, G. Cardon2 & K. De Ridder3
1KU Leuven, 2Ghent University, 3Sciensano
PURPOSE
The 2018 Flemish Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is the first systematic evaluation of physical activity behaviors, related health behaviors and influences thereon, specific for children and adolescents in Flanders (i.e., the northern Dutch-speaking part of Belgium). The 2016 Belgian Report Card focused on all children and adolescents in Belgium.
METHODS
Primary data source
The 2014 Belgian Food Consumption Survey (Bel et al., 2016)
Additional data sources
Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study; 2012 ToyBox study; 2013 National Health Interview Survey; 2016 School Health Policy monitor of The Flemish Institute for Healthy Living; IPEN Adolescent study; 2017 Flanders Community and City Monitor
RESULTS
* Objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Evans et al., 2008)
10 core indicators
Grade
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RELATED HEALTH BEHAVIORS
Overall Physical Activity* F
Organized Sport Participation B
Active Play
INC
Active Transportation C+
Sedentary Behaviors C
Physical Fitness
INFLUENCES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Family and Peers
School B-
Community and the Built Environment
Government Strategies and Investments
CONCLUSION
Despite moderately positive influences from the social, political, and built environment, overall physical activity are very low and levels of sedentary behaviors are high. To further bridge the gap between policy and practice, we need a more coherent approach to physical activity promotion efforts at all levels of policy-making.