First Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Youth in Lebanon

Evidence on physical activity (PA) indicators for children and youth at a national level is necessary to improve multilevel support for PA behaviors. Lebanon's first Physical Activity Report Card for children and youth (2018) aimed to fill this gap. : In line with the recommended methods of "Global Matrix 3.0," nationally representative data were retrieved from peer-reviewed manuscripts, national surveys, and government reports. In addition to adopting the 10 indicators of "Global Matrix 3.0," publications that discussed weight status were also retained. A grade was assigned for each indicator using a standard rubric: A = 80% to 100%, B = 60% to 79%, C = 40% to 59%, D = 20% to 39%, F = <20%, and INC = incomplete data. : Four indicators (active play, family and peers, community and environment, and physical fitness) received an "INC." Three indicators (overall PA, active transportation, and school) received a "D." Sedentary behaviors received a "C-." Weight status received a "C." Government received a "C+." Organized sport received an "F." : PA participation among Lebanese children and youth is low. Stakeholders should aim to improve low PA indicators grades. Gaps in the literature also need to be filled to inform on the status of all indicators

Results from Lebanon's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

The prevalence of childhood obesity in Lebanon nearly doubled between 1997 and 2009.1 This shift in population health is extremely alarming, given that obesity is associated with a host of chronic diseases (eg, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer)1 representing the primary causes of death and disease burden in 2012.2 Low physical activity (PA) levels and engagement in greater sedentary activities have been used to explain such trends.1 However, little is known about PA indicators among Lebanese children and youth. This led to the development of Lebanon’s first Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Youth (Figure 1)