Results from Zimbabwe’s 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Manyanga T, Makaza D, Mahachi C, Munambah NE, Mlalazi TF, Masocha V, Sithole F, Khumalo B, Rutsate SH, Makoni P, Matsungo T
Introduction: The present report card builds on the first one developed in 2016. It summarizes the best available evidence on the physical activity of children and youth in Zimbabwe.
Methods: Published, unpublished studies and policy documents reporting on physical activity and related behaviors for 5-17-year-old children were gathered and summarized into a bibliography and excel spreadsheet. Guided by Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance’s benchmarks, members of the Report Card Working Group individually assigned grades for each indicator. Individual members’ grades were collated, and discrepancies were noted. Grades for each indicator were converted to a numerical value using a common score. Discrepancies among members’ grades were reconciled (median score selected) at a grade assignment meeting.
Results: Overall, grades for behaviours (physical activity, sports, active play, transport and sedentary time) did not change from the 2016 Report Card owing to non-availability of new literature. There were improvements in grades for supports (school, community/built environment, government strategies) largely due to policy implementations and commitments made to promoting physical activity among children. Community infrastructure resuscitation, allocation of financial resources and the new curriculum allotting time and examination of physical education in schools were noted as targeting physical activity among children. There was insufficient evidence to accurately assign grades for Physical Fitness and Family and Peers. Grades assigned for each indicator are presented in the table below.
Indicator |
Grade |
Overall Physical Activity |
C+ |
Organized Sport Participation |
B |
Active Play |
D+ |
Active Transportation |
A- |
Sedentary Behaviours |
B |
Physical Fitness |
Incomplete |
Family and Peers |
Incomplete |
School |
C |
Community and Environment |
D |
Government Strategies and investments |
C- |
Conclusions/Recommendations: There is limited, and mostly unpublished research evidence on the physical activity among children in Zimbabwe. Overall physical activity levels for Zimbabwean children are lower than desired. Robust research using nationally representative samples, persistent advocacy and stakeholder engagement is needed.