Results from Nepal’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Nepal’s Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth summarises the available evidence on ten physical activity-related indicators among Nepalese children and youth. METHODS: Published scientific papers on physical activity of Nepalese children and youth (5–17 years) were searched systematically in four databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed Central) while some survey reports were manually searched. Letter grades were assigned to ten indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviours, Physical Fitness, Family and Peers, School, Community and Environment, and Government) by the country’s report card team based on available data. RESULTS: Among the ten indicators, five indicators were successfully graded based on available data. Overall Physical Activity was graded as D+. Active Transportation and Family and Peers were assigned as A- and A, respectively. Community and Environment was graded as C-. The other five indicators could not be graded due to insufficient data. CONCLUSIONS: Though a majority of Nepalese children and youth use active modes of transport and have adequate support for physical activity from family and peers, overall participation in physical activity appears to be low. Lack of data identified with five incomplete indicators reflects the need for further research. Studies with larger sample, more rigorous study design and objective assessment of physical activity is recommended for future physical activity surveillance in Nepal.