A scoping review on the implementation of Global Observatory on Physical Activity recommendations for school children in SubSaharan Africa
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Date
2022-12-31
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HEALTH PROMOTION PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
Background: Promoting physical activity (PA) is a critical first step in preventing and lowering
the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases across all age groups. The Global
Observatory on Physical Activity (GoPA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested
country-specific guidelines for promoting PA across all age categories to achieve this. However,
despite an increase in obesity, there is no information on their compliance for pre-secondary
school children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We mapped evidence in the literature and
described the available evidence on implementing GoPA recommendations for presecondary
school children in SSA.
Methods: This scoping review included a search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and
Cochrane Library with the dates 2013–2020, using keywords and the terms (Physical activity
OR exercise AND (GoPA recommendations OR Guidelines) AND ((presecondary school
children) OR (primary school children) OR (basic school children) OR (children)). The most
important data were tabulated.
Results: Twenty-three studies were identified of which ten were eligible for data extraction.
Of these ten studies, 2 (20%) were conducted in Nigeria, 4 (40%) in South Africa, 2 (20%) in
Ghana and 1(10%) each in Kenya and Senegal were extracted. None of these nations has a
national plan or strategy to promote PA and reduce sedentary behaviors (SB).
Conclusion: A gap in the formulation of PA guidelines exists in SSA. Urgent action is needed
for a national plan or strategy by individual country in SSA to reduce the burden of physical
inactivity among school children in SSA.