Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents in Croatia: A Global Matrix 4.0 Systematic Review of Its Prevalence and Associated Personal, Social, Environmental, and Policy Factors.

BACKGROUND: The previous review of physical activity (PA) among Croatian children and adolescents was conducted a decade ago. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize recent evidence on PA of Croatian children and adolescents and associated personal, social, environmental, and policy factors. METHODS: Eighteen experts reviewed the available evidence and provided ratings (from the lowest grade "F" to the highest grade "A+") for the 10 Global Matrix indicators. A systematic search with 100 keywords was conducted in Hrcak, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science for documents published from January 01, 2012, to April 15, 2022. We also conducted internet searches and secondary analyses of data (relative frequencies) from 6 studies. RESULTS: After assessing 7562 references, we included 90 publications in the review and 18 studies (83.3% of medium-to-good quality) in evidence synthesis. We found a high prevalence of insufficient PA (especially among girls) and excessive screen time (especially among boys). PA participation of children and adolescents in Croatia has declined over time. The following grades were assigned to the indicators for Croatia: B- for overall PA, C- for organized sport and PA, C for active play, C- for active transportation, D+ for sedentary behavior, inconclusive for physical fitness, D+ for family and peers, B- for school, B- for community and environment, and D+ for government. CONCLUSIONS: Coordinated actions are needed across sectors to improve PA promotion, with a focus on increasing PA among girls, reducing sedentary screen time among boys, improving parental support for PA, and further development of national PA policies.

[Physical inactivity in Croatia]. / Tjelesna neaktivnost u Republici Hrvatskoj.

AIM: This paper is part of the study entitled Geographical Distribution of Cardiovascular Risks in Croatia, conducted by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia in 2003. The aim of this paper is to identify data from the study concerning physical activity. The overall prevalence of physical inactivity and its distribution according to age, sex and region is presented. METHODS: Study sample consisted of 12450 people older than 18, representative of the Croatian population. Only free living individuals were included in the study. Data were collected by use of questionnaires. As part of the questionnaires, 3 components of physical activity were investigated: physical activity regarding getting to work, work itself, and leisure time. The level of physical activity was set at 30 minutes at least 3 times a week for each component of physical activity. RESULTS: In Croatia, 35.8% of the population are physically inactive. Physical inactivity is higher in men than in women (43.7% vs 30%). Considering spatial distribution, physical inactivity is most prominent in Zagreb, where as many as 85.6% of men and 45.2% of women are inactive. On the other hand, the level of physical inactivity is lowest in south Croatia in men, and in central Croatia in women (14.8% and 20.8%). Considering leisure time physical activity, results are even more concerning. As many as 56.5% of men and 47.6% women are inadequately physically active during their leisure time. In men it ranges from 21.5% in south Croatia to 88.6% in Zagreb, and in women from 33.5% in central Croatia trough 60.8% in Zagreb. As for age distribution, physical inactivity is most prevalent (74.8%) in the youngest age group (18-34 years). Such a high level of inactivity is mostly attributable to the inactivity level in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, where almost 95% of the young population are considered to be inactive. In the oldest age group (over 65) inactivity is distributed more evenly with levels higher than 50% in most regions (overall 56.4%). Middle-aged group is the most active one (44.1% of them are inactive), with levels lower than 50% in all regions but Zagreb. DISCUSSION: This study showed worryingly high levels of physical inactivity. Emphasis should be put on physical inactivity during leisure time because it is the most important indicator of an unhealthy way of life. Unfortunately, we can not compare our data on this component of physical activity with other studies because our data on free time physical activity encompass household activities with sport-recreation activities, which is not always of proper intensity for health benefit. Nevertheless, it is obvious from the data on Zagreb

Fitness level of adult economically active population in the Republic of Croatia estimated by EUROFIT system.

The study presents the results of the EUROFIT CROATIA project that was conducted according to the instructions of Council of Europe. The aim of the study was evaluation of fitness level of the employed Croatian population. The measurements comprised EUROFIT battery of tests as well as Baecke's questionnaire for evaluation of habitual physical activity. The sample was comprised of 1628 active inhabitants, 18-60 years of age, all of who were employed and living in Croatia. The obtained results of functional, motor and morphological characteristics were presented according to the sex and age. The results shower poor aerobic capacity, high obesity indicators and low motor performance in both sexes, which pointed to the increased risk for developing many cardiovascular or musculo-skeletal diseases. The overall fitness level of Croatian population showed to be unsatisfactory and it should be improved by engagement in sports-recreational activities.