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

Bull, Fiona, Milton, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0506-2214, Kahlmeier, Sonja, Arlotti, Alberto, Juričan, Andrea Backović, Belander, Olov, Martin, Brian, Martin-Diener, Eva, Marques, Ana, Mota, Jorge, Vasankari, Tommi and Vlasveld, Anita (2015) Turning the tide:national policy approaches to increasing physical activity in seven European countries. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49. pp. 749-756. ISSN 0306-3674

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.
Uncontrolled Keywords: sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 26 Jan 2018 15:30
Last Modified: 03 Jan 2024 02:21
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/66097
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-093200

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