Results From South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
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Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Human Kinetics Publishers
Abstract
We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status
of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.” Methods: The
HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health,
and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA
indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation;
Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government
Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also
reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and
Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and
grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a
large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%);
C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and
youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive. Results: Overall
PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized
Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary
behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade.
Conclusion: In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments
should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based
on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.
Description
South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity
for Children and Youth
Keywords
Physical education, Physical activity (PA), South African youth, Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, Food security
Citation
Monika Uys, Susan Bassett, et al. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2016, 13 (Suppl 2), S265 -S273