Worldwide use of the first set of physical activity Country Cards: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity - GoPA!

Abstract

BackgroundThe work of The Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! is the first global effort to compile standardized country-level surveillance, policy and research data for physical activity in order to better understand how countries and regions address promoting physical activity. GoPA! developed standardized country-specific physical activity profiles (“Country Cards”) to summarize country-level data through 2013. The aim of this study was to assess use of the Country Cards, identify the factors associated with their use, and develop recommendations for supporting country-level physical activity promotion.MethodsCross sectional internet-based survey conducted between August–October 2016. Target study participants were national physical activity leaders and advocates in academia, government and practice from the GoPA! countries, and members of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health. A Country Card use composite score was created based on the diversity and frequency of use. Statistical analyses on the associations between the composite score and respondent characteristics, country characteristics, barriers and opinions were conducted (including descriptive analyses and a logistic regression with robust standard errors).ResultsOne hundred forty three participants from 68 countries completed the survey. Use of the Country Cards was associated with being part of the GoPA! network, knowing about the Country Cards, and on the stage of country capacity for physical activity promotion. Country Card knowledge varied by country income group, region and the country specific context. More diverse and frequent use of the cards (highest tertile of the composite score for use) was associated with: 1. Being a country contact vs general participant (OR 18.32–95% CI 5.63–59.55, p = 0.002), and 2. Collaborating with a government representative working in NCDs on a monthly or more frequent contact vs less frequent contact (OR 3.39–95% CI 1.00–11.54, P < 0.05).ConclusionsFor the Country Cards to have a broader impact, GoPA! will need to widen its reach beyond the academic sector. With further refinement of the cards, and training in their implementation, they could be an important tool for advancing country capacity for contextually-relevant strategies, actions and timelines for PA promotion.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12966-018-0663-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

National physical activity and sedentary behaviour policies in 76 countries: availability, comprehensiveness, implementation, and effectiveness

“…In 2012, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) was established to monitor global progress in PA surveillance, research, and policy [ 18 , 19 ]. The GoPA!…”

“…The GoPA! is a council of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health [ 18 , 19 ]. At the time when the GoPA!…”

“…At the time when the GoPA! was established, little data on national PA surveillance, research, and policy were available that would allow for comparisons between different countries and world regions [ 18 , 19 ]. In 2015, the GoPA!…”

“…In 2015, the GoPA! issued PA profiles for 139 countries, the so-called “PA Country Cards” [ 20 ]. The data presented in the Country Cards were a valuable starting point towards a better understanding of the global progress on PA policies [ 6 ].…”

“…The data presented in the Country Cards were a valuable starting point towards a better understanding of the global progress on PA policies [ 6 ]. The first set of Country Cards included information on research, surveillance and on the availability of national action plans for PA [ 20 ]. Including comprehensiveness, implementation, and effectiveness of PA policies as well as SB policy became one of the goals for the Second set of Country Cards to be released by the end of 2020.…”