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Three Growth Spurts in Global Physical Activity Policies between 2000 and 2019: A Policy Document Analysis.

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

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Article

Change log

Authors

Muzenda, Trish 
Shung-King, Maylene 
Lambert, Estelle Victoria 
Brugulat Panés, Anna 

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to global mortality and are of particular concern in growing urban populations of low- and-middle income countries (LMICs). Physical inactivity is a key NCD determinant and requires urgent addressing. Laudable global and regional efforts to promote physical activity are being made, but the links between physical activity (PA), NCD reduction, and integrated intersectoral approaches to reducing obesogenic environments are not consistently made. This study applied a document analysis approach to global PA and NCD policies to better understand the current global policy environment and how this may facilitate integrated PA promotion. A total of 34 global policies related to PA, from different sectors, were analyzed. PA policy in mitigation of NCDs has evolved exponentially, with a progression towards addressing structural determinants alongside individual behavior change. The global PA agenda is primarily driven by the World Health Organization. Intersectoral collaboration is importantly regarded, but the contributions of other sectors, outside of health, education, transport, and urban planning, are less clear. Improving PA among key sub-populations-women, girls, and adolescents-requires greater policy consideration. It is imperative for PA-relevant sectors at all levels to recognize the links with NCDs and work towards integrated policy and practice in mitigation of the rising NCD pandemic.

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Keywords

Journal Title

Int J Environ Res Public Health

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1661-7827
1660-4601

Volume Title

Publisher

MDPI AG
Sponsorship
Department of Health (via National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)) (16/137/34)
National Institute for Health Research (NIHRDH-16/137/34)
This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (GHR: 16/137/34) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government. Anna Brugulat-Panés is funded by the UKRI Economic Social Research Council Doctor-al Training Program (ESRC DTP), and by the MRC Epidemiology Unit School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge. Amy is supported by the PEAK Urban programme, funded by UKRI’s Global Challenge Research Fund, Grant Ref: ES/P011055/1