Abstract
This study aimed to determine the differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in preschool children living in different geographical regions. Preschool children (N=1625) and their parents from different parts of Croatia, from urban and rural settlements, participated in this cross-sectional, population-based study. Parents completed the Netherlands Physical Activity Questionnaire (NPAQ), a measure of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children. The main results of this study show differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in preschool children living in four geographical regions in Croatia (F=4.45; p<0.01). The least physically active are children from a continental area that gravitates to the capital city, while the most active are children from a southern coastal region. Sedentary behaviour is the greatest in the rural eastern Croatian continental region. Higher physical activity and lower sedentary activities in young children living in coastal compared to continen- tal regions show possible specific advantages of Mediterranean climate in general. The practical importance of information obtained in this study is a need for a specific intervention strategy for improving physical activity in continental preschool institutions.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is recognized as the biggest public health problem of the 21st century
This study aimed to determine the differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in preschool children living in different geographical regions
This study reveals that children from the Central region, i.e., the continental area surrounding the capital city, are the least physically active, while the children from the rural settlements in the Dalmatian coastal region are the most active of all the preschoolers’ in Croatia
Summary
Physical inactivity is recognized as the biggest public health problem of the 21st century. To prevent obesity and other non-communicable diseases, physical activity, increased physical fitness, and reduced sedentary behaviour are crucial. Various public health actions are being taken to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity. Public health initiatives to promote physical activity use a multisector, multisystem approach. Schools and sports clubs play a major role in these initiatives by providing physical activity for children and offering programmes to develop knowledge and skills for healthy and active living habits (Investments that Work for Physical Activity, 2012). Health institutions worldwide have made recommendations regarding the necessary daily amount of physical activity for children.
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