A systematic evaluation of physical activity and diet policies in Scotland: results from the 2021 Active Healthy Kids Report Card.

BACKGROUND: Policymaking regarding physical activity (PA) and diet plays an important role in childhood health promotion. This study provides a detailed examination of Scottish government and policy for child and adolescent PA and diet and discusses strengths and areas for improvement. METHODS: Scottish policy documents (n = 18 [PA]; n = 10 [diet])-published in 2011-20-were reviewed for grading using an adapted version of the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool Version 2. RESULTS: There is clear evidence of leadership and commitment to improving PA and diet and tackling obesity in children and adolescents. The allocation of funds and resources for policy implementation has increased substantially over the past decade. Progress through early key stages of public policymaking-policy agenda and formation-has improved. However, there is limited information on later key stages, including policy monitoring and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood PA and diet are a clear priority in Scotland, and PA and diet policies clearly support the desire to achieve other goals, including reducing inequalities and increasing active travel in Scotland. Nonetheless, future policies should be further strengthened through clear(er) plans of implementation, and monitoring and evaluation to support their societal impact.

Results from Scotland's 2021 report card on physical activity and health for children and youth: Grades, secular trends, and socio-economic inequalities.

Background: The 2021 Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card aimed to identify secular trends and socio-economic inequalities, and to assess the physical activity and health of children and youth prior to COVID-19. Methods: An expert panel searched for data published in 2018-2020. Grades were assigned to nationally representative data using the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance methodology. Results: The expert panel, following national consultation, awarded the following grades: Community/Environment B-, Organized Sport and Physical Activity B-, Government/Policy C-/C+, Active Transportation C-, Family/Peers D-, Recreational Screen Time F. Five indicators were graded inconclusive (INC): Overall Physical Activity; Active Play; Physical Fitness; Diet; Obesity. Grades have remained stable or declined, and surveillance has reduced, increasing the number of INC grades. There were marked socio-economic inequalities for eight indicators (Recreational Screen Time; Overall Physical Activity; Organized Sport & Physical Activity; Active Transportation; Diet; Obesity; Family/Peers; Community/Environment). Conclusions: Despite a decade of favorable policy, physical activity and health of children and youth has not improved, and marked socio-economic inequalities continue to persist in Scotland. There is a clear need for greater monitoring of physical activity and health, and improved policy implementation and evaluation, particularly as many indicators and related inequalities may have worsened following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relationship between the built environment and habitual levels of physical activity in South African older adults: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown that the built environment plays a role in habitual levels of physical activity (PA), however much of this research has been conducted in adults and higher income countries. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the strength of association between the built environment and PA in South African older adults. METHODS: Participants were recruited (n = 44, mean age 65 ± 8.5 years) from two suburbs, representing either a high socioeconomic (HSA) or low socioeconomic area (LSA). Self-reported PA, and subjective assessments of neighborhood walkability (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, NEWS) was measured. Participants wore Actigraph GT3x accelerometers to objectively quantify PA. RESULTS: HSA participants reported significantly more leisure-time and less transport PA. Objectively measured and self-reported MVPA was significantly higher in HSA participants. NEWS 'Land-use Mix' was negatively associated with leisure-time MVPA, (r(2) = 0.20; p < 0.02). In addition, neighborhood aesthetics was positively associated with leisure-time physical activity (r(2) = 0.33; p = 0.02). 'Safety from traffic' was inversely associated with travel-related PA (r(2) = 0.14, p = 0.01). None of the other NEWS scores were associated with PA for the total group. CONCLUSION: Leisure-time and transport-related PA was influenced by socio-economic status. Attributes of the perceived built environment associated with leisure-time and total MVPA in older South Africa adults were different in low- and high- income settings.