Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries
Authors: Chong Kar Hau , Suesse Thomas , Cross Penny L. , Ryan Sarah T. , Aadland Eivind , Aoko Oluwayomi , Byambaa Ankhmaa , Carson Valerie , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Christian Hayley , Cliff Dylan P. , De Craemer Marieke , de Lucena Martins Clarice Maria , Delisle Nyström Christine , Draper Catherine E. , El Hamdouchi Asmaa , Florindo Alex Antonio , Guan Hongyan , Ha Amy S. , Hamzavi Zarghani Najmeh , Hesketh Kylie D. , Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Jajat Jajat , Kim Thanh , Koh Denise , Kontsevaya Anna V. , Kuzik Nicholas , Leppänen Marja H. , Löf Marie , Lubree Himangi , Meredith-Jones Kim , Mwase-Vuma Tawonga W. , Ng Johan Y. Y. , Novotny Rachel , Nusurupia Jackline Jema , Pham Bang N. , Poh Bee Koon , Reilly John J. , Staiano Amanda E. , Sultoni Kuston , Tanaka Chiaki , Tang Hong K. , Taylor Rachael W. , Tomaz Simone A. , Tremblay Mark S. , Trost Stewart G. , Turab Ali , Vale Susana , Wickramasinghe V. Pujitha , Okely Anthony D. 
Published: September 2024

Importance

The prevalence estimates of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep (collectively known as movement behaviors) in 3- and 4-year-old children worldwide remains uncertain.

Objective

To report the proportion of 3- and 4-year-old children who met the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep across 33 countries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Pooled analysis of data from 14 cross-sectional studies (July 2008 to September 2022) identified through systematic reviews and personal networks. Thirty-three countries of varying income levels across 6 geographical regions. Each study site needed to have at least 40 children aged 3.0 to 4.9 years with valid accelerometry and parent-/caregiver-reported screen time and sleep duration data. Data were analyzed from October 2022 to February 2023.

Exposures

Time spent in physical activity was assessed by reanalyzing accelerometry data using a harmonized data-processing protocol. Screen time and sleep duration were proxy reported by parents or caregivers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The proportion of children who met the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity (≥180 min/d of total physical activity and ≥60 min/d of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity), screen time (≤1 h/d), and sleep duration (10-13 h/d) was estimated across countries and by World Bank income group and geographical region using meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 7017 children (mean [SD] age, 4.1 [0.5] years; 3585 [51.1%] boys and 3432 [48.9%] girls) in this pooled analysis, 14.3% (95% CI, 9.7-20.7) met the overall guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration. There was no clear pattern according to income group: the proportion meeting the guidelines was 16.6% (95% CI, 10.4-25.3) in low- and lower-middle–income countries, 11.9% (95% CI, 5.9-22.5) in upper-middle–income countries, and 14.4% (95% CI, 9.6-21.1) in high-income countries. The region with the highest proportion meeting the guidelines was Africa (23.9%; 95% CI, 11.6-43.0), while the lowest proportion was in North and South America (7.7%; 95% CI, 3.6-15.8).

Conclusions and Relevance

Most 3- and 4-year-old children in this pooled analysis did not meet the current World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Priority must be given to understanding factors that influence these behaviors in this age group and to implementing contextually appropriate programs and policies proven to be effective in promoting healthy levels of movement behaviors.