Young Children's Physical Activities (PA) in the US Affiliated Pacific (USAP): The Children's Healthy Living (CHL) Program

Abstract

Little is known about the activities of children in the USAP. Our objectives were to examine the top 10 activities most frequently reported by the CHL jurisdictions (Hawaii (HI), Alaska (AK), American Samoa (AS), Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)) and compare jurisdictional differences. Children (2‐8 y) were recruited from selected communities within the jurisdictions. Parents/caregivers completed PA logs for their children to include a description of each activity for two 24‐hour periods. This report represents 1,746 children. Upon removing the “default for additional minutes”, eating was most frequently reported, followed by sleeping, watching TV and riding in a car. The average time spent in PA was 39 minutes. Jurisdictional differences in the PA reported frequently occurred. In CNMI, light running/jogging was one of the top PA reported. For Alaska, child dressing and undressing and getting ready for bed were within the top 10, while AS included child taking notes/class discussion. In this sample, sedentary and light PA behaviors were predominant. Moderate and vigorous PA were reported less frequently. There exists opportunities to promote active lifestyles across the USAP.
 Supported by: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Coordinated Agricultural Program Grant no 2011‐68001‐30335