Results of Hong Kong’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Wendy Y. Huang1, Stephen H.S. Wong2, Cindy H.P. Sit2, Martin C.S. Wong3, Raymond K.W. Sum2, Sam W.S. Wong4, Jane J. Yu2
1Department of Physical Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
2Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
3The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
4Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China
Brief Introduction
Active Healthy Kids 2018 Hong Kong Report Card provides evidence-based assessment across 12 indicators in relation to physical activity behaviors, sleep, and related community and government initiatives for children and youth.
Methods
The systematic development process provided by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance was used. Best available data over the past ten years were consolidated and reviewed by a panel of experts. According to the pre-defined benchmarks, letter grades were assigned to 12 indicators (Overall Physical Activity Levels, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviors, Physical Fitness, Family, School, Community and the Built Environment, Government Strategies and Investments, Sleep, and Obesity).
Results
Grades for the 2018 Hong Kong Report Card are provided in the Table below. Three new indicators were added after the 2016 Hong Kong Report Card and they were graded from C- (Sleep) to D (Physical Fitness) or D- (Obesity).
Table: Grades for Hong Kong’s 2018 Report Card
Indicator |
Grade |
Overall Physical Activity Levels |
C- |
Organized Sport Participation |
C |
Active Play |
INC |
Active Transportation |
B+ |
Sedentary Behaviors |
C- |
Physical Fitness |
D |
Family |
D- |
School |
C |
Community and the Built Environment |
B |
Government Strategies and Investments |
C |
Sleep |
C- |
Obesity |
D- |
Conclusions and Recommendations
Children and youth in Hong Kong have low physical activity and physical fitness levels, and high sedentary behaviors despite a generally favorable community environment. High prevalence of obesity and low level of family support warrant more public health actions. There is a surveillance gap in active play and peer support that researchers should address.
Funding Source:
The 2018 Hong Kong Report Card is funded by The Tin Ka Ping Foundation.