Turning the tide: national policy approaches to increasing physical activity in seven European countries.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is one of the four leading behavioural risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD). Like tobacco control, increasing levels of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) will require a national policy framework providing direction and a clear set of actions. Despite frequent calls, there has been insufficient progress on policy development in the majority of countries around the world. This study sought and summarised national HEPA policy in seven European countries (Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Switzerland). METHODS: Data collection used a policy audit tool (PAT), a 27-item instrument structured into four sections. RESULTS: All countries reported some legislation or policy across the sectors of education, sport and health. Only some countries reported supportive policy in the transport and environment sectors. Five countries reported a stand-alone HEPA policy and six countries reported national recommendations. HEPA prevalence targets varied in magnitude and specificity and the presence of other relevant goals from different sectors highlighted the opportunity for joint action. Evaluation and the use of scientific evidence were endorsed but described as weak in practice. Only two countries reported a national multisector coordinating committee and most countries reported challenges with partnerships on different levels of policy implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Bringing together the key components for success within a national HEPA policy framework is not simple. This in-depth policy audit and country comparison highlighted similarities and differences and revealed new opportunities for consideration by other countries. These examples can inform countries within and beyond Europe and guide the development of national HEPA policy within the NCD prevention agenda.

[Are young Norwegian women sufficiently physically active?]. / Er unge norske kvinner aktive nok?

BACKGROUND: The physical activity level of girls and young women is not known in Norway, hence the aim of this survey was to study physical activity and compare it with national recommendations for physical activity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was administered to a representative sample of women aged 13-39 years (n=900). The response rate was 69%; 549 women were included in the study. RESULTS: The physical activity level and intensity of exercise decreased with increasing age. 52 % percent of those aged 13-19 met the recommendations for adolescents: at least one hour of activity per day, including walking or other activities of at least moderate intensity. 63% percent of women in the age group 20-39 were physically active during the last week, on average at least 30 minutes every day at moderate intensity. In the age bracket 20-29 and 30-39 years, 72%, and 57%, respectively met the recommendations. INTERPRETATION: The activity level decreased with increasing age. Every second adolescent girl and four in ten young women were not as physically active as recommended.