Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries

Key Points

Question:  What is the global proportion of children aged 3 to 4 years who meet the World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep?

Findings:  This cross-sectional study of 7017 children across 33 countries found that a low proportion of children met the recommendations for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration. While differences were noted between sexes, regions, and country income levels, the compliance with the overall guidelines was universally low.

Meaning:  Identifying key factors and implementing contextually appropriate, effective programs and policies is essential to tackle movement behavior inequalities among 3- to 4-year-old children worldwide.

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

DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.3330