Low Human Development Index Countries Research Articles

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in children: an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study

IntroductionSurgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, there is a lack of data available about SSI in children worldwide, especially from low-income and...

Risk factors associated with adverse maternal outcomes following intrapartum cesarean birth: a secondary analysis of the WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health, 2004\u20132008

BackgroundTo identify risk factors associated with a composite adverse maternal outcomes in women undergoing intrapartum cesarean birth.MethodsWe used the facility-based, multi-country, cross-sectional WHO Global Survey of Maternal and Perinatal Health (2004–2008) to examine associations between woman-, labor/obstetric-, and facility-level characteristics and a composite adverse maternal outcome of postpartum morbidity and mortality. This analysis was performed among women who underwent intrapartum cesarean birth during the course of labor.ResultsWe analyzed outcomes of 29,516 women from low- and middle-income countries who underwent intrapartum cesarean birth between the gestational ages of 24 and 43 weeks, 3.5% (1040) of whom experienced the composite adverse maternal outcome. In adjusted analyses, factors associated with a decreased risk of the adverse maternal outcome associated with intrapartum cesarean birth included having four or more antenatal visits (AOR 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43–0.84; p = 0.003), delivering in a medium- or high-human development index country (vs. low-human development index country: AOR 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01–0.85 and AOR 0.02; 95% CI: 0.001–0.39, respectively; p = 0.03), and malpresentation (vs. cephalic: breech AOR 0.52; CI: 0.31–0.87; p = 0.04). Women who were medically high risk (vs. not medically high risk: AOR 1.81; CI: 1.30–2.51, p < 0.0004), had less education (0–6 years) (vs. 13+ years; AOR 1.64; CI: 1.03–2.63; p = 0.01), were obstetrically high risk (vs. not high risk; AOR 3.67; CI: 2.58–5.23; p < 0.0001), or had a maternal or obstetric indication (vs. elective: AOR 4.74; CI: 2.36–9.50; p < 0.0001) had increased odds of the adverse outcome.ConclusionWe found reduced adverse maternal outcomes of intrapartum cesarean birth in women with ≥ 4 antenatal visits, those who delivered in a medium or high human development index country, and those with malpresenting fetuses. Maternal adverse outcomes associated with intrapartum cesarean birth were medically and obstetrically high risk women, those with less education, and those with a maternal or obstetric indication for intrapartum cesarean birth.

Contextual effect of school SES on reading performance: a comparison between countries in the European Union

ABSTRACT A central objective of schooling processes at the international level is reading skills development. Unfortunately, many students in the European Union underperform at this, and these low performances can be more pronounced in countries with lower Human Development Index (HDI) values. This study analysed the contextual effect of school socioeconomic status (SES) on reading performance using PISA data from 27 countries. We found that school SES had a positive contextual effect on student reading performance, especially countries with lower HDI values, via reading self-competence. However, in middle and higher HDI countries, the contextual effect was smaller, and we did not observe an indirect effect via reading self-competence. We conclude that school SES, rather than student SES, matters the most. Therefore, the modification of school composition and resources might act as a buffer for low student SES, particularly in lower HDI countries.

Profiles of Active Transportation among Children and Adolescents in the Global Matrix 3.0 Initiative: A 49-Country Comparison.

This article aims to compare the prevalence of active transportation among children and adolescents from 49 countries at different levels of development. The data was extracted from the Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth from the 49 countries that participated in the Global Matrix 3.0 initiative. Descriptive statistics and a latent profile analysis with active transportation, Human Development Index and Gini index as latent variables were conducted. The global average grade was a “C”, indicating that countries are succeeding with about half of children and youth (47–53%). There is wide variability in the prevalence and in the definition of active transportation globally. Three different profiles of countries were identified based on active transportation grades, Human Development Index (HDI) and income inequalities. The first profile grouped very high HDI countries with low prevalence of active transport and low inequalities. The second profile grouped low and middle HDI countries with high prevalence of active transportation and higher inequalities. And the third profile was characterized by the relatively high prevalence of active transportation and more variability in the socioeconomic variables. Promising policies from countries under each profile were identified. A unified definition of active transportation and contextualized methods for its assessment are needed to advance in surveillance and practice.

Neurodevelopmental Trajectories of Preterm Infants of Italian Native-Born and Migrant Mothers and Role of Neonatal Feeding.

There is evidence that preterm infants of migrant mothers are at a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than those of native-born mothers, and that human milk feeding is beneficial to infants’ neurodevelopment. Using the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) to classify mother’s country of origin, we investigated whether type of neonatal feeding (human milk vs. mixed milk vs. exclusive formula milk) affected preterm newborn neurodevelopment varying across different HDI categories (Italian native-born vs. high HDI migrant vs. low HDI migrant) up to 2 years of age. Neurodevelopment of 530 infants born in Italy at ≤32 weeks of gestational age and/or weighing <1500 g was measured at 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months corrected age (CA) using the revised Griffiths Mental Development Scale 0–2 years. The trajectories of the general developmental quotient and its five subscales were estimated using mixed models. At 24-months CA only preterm infants of low HDI migrant mothers and fed exclusive formula milk showed moderate neurodevelopment impairment, with lower developmental trajectories of eye-hand coordination, performance, and personal-social abilities. Migrant mothers from low HDI countries and their preterm infants should be targeted by specific programs supporting maternal environment, infant development, and human or mixed milk neonatal feeding. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which type of feeding and mother migrant conditions interact in influencing preterm infants’ neurodevelopment.

Variation in global uptake of the Surgical Safety Checklist.

The Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a patient safety tool shown to reduce mortality and to improve teamwork and adherence with perioperative safety practices. The results of the original pilot work were published 10 years ago. This study aimed to determine the contemporary prevalence and predictors of SSC use globally. Pooled data from the GlobalSurg and Surgical Outcomes studies were analysed to describe SSC use in 2014-2016. The primary exposure was the Human Development Index (HDI) of the reporting country, and the primary outcome was reported SSC use. A generalized estimating equation, clustering by facility, was used to determine differences in SSC use by patient, facility and national characteristics. A total of 85 957 patients from 1464 facilities in 94 countries were included. On average, facilities used the SSC in 75·4 per cent of operations. Compared with very high HDI, SSC use was less in low HDI countries (odds ratio (OR) 0·08, 95 per cent c.i. 0·05 to 0·12). The SSC was used less in urgent compared with elective operations in low HDI countries (OR 0·68, 0·53 to 0·86), but used equally for urgent and elective operations in very high HDI countries (OR 0·96, 0·87 to 1·06). SSC use was lower for obstetrics and gynaecology versus abdominal surgery (OR 0·91, 0·85 to 0·98) and where the common or official language was not one of the WHO official languages (OR 0·30, 0·23 to 0·39). Worldwide, SSC use is generally high, but significant variability exists. Implementation and dissemination strategies must be developed to address this variability.

National, regional, and global burdens of disease from 2000 to 2016 attributable to alcohol use: a comparative risk assessment study

Alcohol use has increased globally, with varying trends in different parts of the world. This study investigates gender, age, and geographical differences in the alcohol-attributable burden of disease from 2000 to 2016. This comparative risk assessment study estimated the alcohol-attributable burden of disease. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated by combining alcohol exposure data obtained from production and taxation statistics and from national surveys with corresponding relative risks obtained from meta-analyses and cohort studies. Mortality and morbidity data were obtained from the WHO Global Health Estimates, population data were obtained from the UN Population Division, and human development index (HDI) data were obtained from the UN Development Programme. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were estimated using a Monte Carlo-like approach. Globally, we estimated that there were 3·0 million (95% UI 2·6-3·6) alcohol-attributable deaths and 131·4 million (119·4-154·4) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2016, corresponding to 5·3% (4·6-6·3) of all deaths and 5·0% (4·6-5·9) of all DALYs. Alcohol use was a major risk factor for communicable, maternal, perinatal, and nutritional diseases (PAF of 3·3% [1·9-5·6]), non-communicable diseases (4·3% [3·6-5·1]), and injury (17·7% [14·3-23·0]) deaths. The alcohol-attributable burden of disease was higher among men than among women, and the alcohol-attributable age-standardised burden of disease was highest in the eastern Europe and western, southern, and central sub-Saharan Africa regions, and in countries with low HDIs. 52·4% of all alcohol-attributable deaths occurred in people younger than 60 years. As a leading risk factor for the burden of disease, alcohol use disproportionately affects people in low HDI countries and young people. Given the variations in the alcohol-attributable burden of disease, cost-effective local and national policy measures that can reduce alcohol use and the resulting burden of disease are needed, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. None.

Global Burden and Trends in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer has distinct etiologies, prognoses, and patient impact at pre- and post-menopausal ages. We sought to assess the global burden and trends in breast cancer by menopausal status. Methods: Menopausal status was defined using age as a proxy, where breast cancer cases/deaths at >50 years were considered as post-menopausal. Age-standardized breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in 2018 were calculated using GLOBOCAN data. Incidence trends for 1998-2012 were assessed in 44 populations from 41 countries using CI5plus data by calculating the annual average percent change. Findings: Approximately 645,000 pre-menopausal and 1.4 million post-menopausal breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2018, with approximately 130,000 and 490,000 deaths occurring in each menopausal group, respectively. Proportionally, Low Human Development Index (HDI) countries faced a greater burden of pre-menopausal breast cancer for both incidence and mortality compared to more developed countries. Very High HDI countries had the highest pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer incidence rates (30·6 and 253·6 per 100,000 respectively), while Low and Medium HDI countries had the highest pre-menopausal and post-menopausal mortality rates respectively (8·5 and 53·3 per 100,000 respectively). When examining incidence trends, we observed significantly increasing rates of pre-menopausal breast cancer in 20/44 populations, and significantly increasing rates of post-menopausal breast cancer in 24/44 populations. The increases exclusively at pre-menopausal ages largely occurred in the most developed countries, while the increasing post-menopausal breast cancer burden was most notable in countries under transition. Interpretation: We provide evidence of a rising burden of both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer worldwide, and wide inequities in breast cancer care. Although early diagnosis and access to treatment remain crucial in developing countries, primary prevention efforts seeking to decrease obesity and alcohol consumption, and increase physical activity and breastfeeding, are warranted in all world regions to curb the future breast cancer burden. Funding Statement: This study was undertaken without any funding. Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no conflicts of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Not required.

Global Variation in Climate, Human Development, and Population Density Has Implications for Urban Ecosystem Services

Humans rely upon ecosystem services to regulate their environment and to provide resources and cultural benefits. As the world’s urban population grows, it becomes increasingly important to find ways of improving the provision of ecosystem services in urban areas. However, the kinds of ecosystem services that are most needed or demanded by urban populations, and the opportunities to provide these, vary widely in cities around the world. Here we explore variation in climate, Human Development Index (HDI), and population density, and discuss their implications for providing and managing urban ecosystem services. Using 221 published studies of urban ecosystem services, we analyse the extent to which existing research adequately covers global variation in climatic and social conditions. Our results reveal an under-representation of studies from tropical cities and from lower HDI countries, with implications for how we conceptualize and quantify urban ecosystem services, and how we transfer benefits across case studies. Future work should be aimed at correcting these deficits and determining the extent to which conclusions about urban ecosystem services are transferable from one city to another.

Incidence, severity and pattern of burns in children and adolescents: An epidemiological study among immigrant and Swiss patients in Switzerland

BackgroundDespite advances in surgical management and critical care for burn surgery, morbidity and mortality of patients with severe burns remains high. Especially in the pediatric population, burns often lead to devastating consequences such as the necessity of corrective surgery until adulthood. Worldwide, 80%–90% of all severe burns occur in low to middle income countries. But also in high income countries, burns are distributed inequitably. Risk factors include age, sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. AimThe objective of this study was to determine the typical demographics and injury-related data of pediatric burn patients in order to contribute to preventive measures. Special interest was paid to the question of whether the incidence of severe burns is higher among patients with an immigration background. Patients and methodsPatient records of the 4373 patients admitted to the Pediatric Burn Unit of the University Children’s Hospital of Zurich from 2006 to 2018 were analyzed. Demographic data and injury patterns are presented descriptively. Temporal trends concerning duration of hospitalization and setting (inpatient versus outpatient), differences in relative incidence and in burn mechanism in distinct cohorts (by nation and Human Development Index (HDI)) and seasonal trends were analyzed. Furthermore, risk factors for large burns and for (prolonged) inpatient treatment were examined using a multivariate approach. ResultsTemporal resolution shows considerable variation between inpatient and outpatient treatment (p>0.001) and with shorter hospital stays (p=0.004). Swiss citizens and patients with an immigration background from very highly developed countries sustain a significantly lower incidence of heat-related injuries than all others (p<0.001). The most common burn causes among all children, independent of their country of citizenship, are related to kitchen items or hot tea and coffee (35.57%±4.01% resp. 32.39%±5.95%). Logistic regression revealed that migration background from a low HDI country is significantly associated with larger burns (>5% TBSA) and with a need for inpatient treatment. ConclusionThe study emphasizes the need for highly specific measures of burn prevention and indicates the necessity of focusing on certain target groups who are especially vulnerable to burns, such as immigrants from less developed countries.

The global prevalence of primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause: a meta-analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the global prevalence of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and early menopause (EM).Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in several databases to retrieve relevant English articles published between 1980 and 2017. To assess the methodological quality of the studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used. The heterogeneity of results across the studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and quantified by the I2 statistic. Prevalence estimates of all studies were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model at a confidence level of 95%.Results: A total of 8937 potentially relevant articles were identified from the initial searches. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of POI and EM was calculated as 3.7% (95% confidence interval: 3.1, 4.3) and 12.2% (95% confidence interval: 10.5, 14), respectively. The prevalence of POI was higher in medium and low Human Development Index countries. The prevalence trend did not change over time.Conclusion: The prevalence of POI and EM in women is considerable. The results of this study could contribute to consciousness-raising of health policy-makers toward the necessity of prioritizing, planning, and allocating health resources as preventive and treatment interventions for these women.

An audit of breast lumps detected during cancer screening: A report from Southwest Nigeria

Background: In low-Human Development Index countries, population-based screening programs for breast cancer are virtually nonexistent, but there are occasional screening programs organized by nongovernmental organizations in these countries. This study aims to describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics and the prevalence of breast diseases detected by clinical breast examination (CBE) in a cohort of women who participated in a community-based breast screening program. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of women who were referred for assessment in our Breast Clinic following CBE during a breast cancer screening program. Palpable lesions were subjected to biopsy and histopathological examinations. Results: Of the 2450 women screened, 102 had breast biopsy. Twenty-one were malignant (20.6%) and 79 were benign (77.5%). The mean age for benign breast disease was 32 ± 14 years, whereas that for women with malignant breast lesions was 57 ± 11 years (P

Survival and mortality rates of Wilms tumour in Southern and Eastern European countries: Socioeconomic differentials compared with the United States of America

BackgroundDespite recent therapeutic advancements, Wilms tumour (WT) presents remarkable survival variations. We explored mortality and survival patterns for children (0–14 years) with WT in 12 Southern and Eastern European (SEE) countries in comparison with the United States of America (USA). MethodsA total of 3966 WT cases (0–14 years) were registered by a network of SEE childhood cancer registries (N:1723) during available registration periods circa 1990–2016 and surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program (SEER) (N:2243; 1990–2012); mortality data were provided by the respective national statistical services. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the role of age, sex, year of diagnosis, urbanisation and Human Development Index (HDI) on overall survival (OS). ResultsPersisting regional variations shape an overall 78% 5-year OS in the participating SEE countries, lagging behind the USA figure (92%, p=0.001) and also reflected by higher SEE mortality rates. Worth mentioning is the gradually escalating OS in SEE (hazard ratio [HR]5-year increment:0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.60, 0.75) vs. a non-significant 10% improvement in the SEER data, which had a high starting value. OS differentials [two-fold less favourable among children aged 10–14 years, boys and those living in rural SEE areas (HR:1.37; CI:1.10–1.71) or countries with inferior HDI (2–3-fold)] were minimal in the USA. ConclusionsChildren with WT residing in SEE countries do not equally enjoy the substantial survival gains, especially for those living in rural areas and in lower HDI countries. Noteworthy are steep and sizeable survival gains in SEE along with the newly presented Greek data pointing to achievable survival goals in SEE despite the financial crisis.

Global Inequalities in Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality

Objective: Cervical cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer in women after breast and colorectal cancers and is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the world. The aim this study is associations of cervix cancer incidence and mortality rates with Human Development Index (HDI).Methods: The Information of the incidence and mortality rates of CC obtained from the GLOBOCAN cancer project in year 2012 and data for the HDI 2013 obtained from the World Bank database. The linear regression models were used for assessment of the HDI effect on CC occurrence rates. Inequality in the age-specific incidence and mortality rates (ASR) of CC according to the HDI were assessed by using concentration index.Results: The results of this study that incidence and mortality rates of CC were very higher in regions with low & median HDI as compared to regions that had very high & high HDI, indeed Death and incidence from CC were more concentrated in low HDI countries. There was significant negative association between cervix cancer incidence and mortality rates with all the components of HDI including life expectancy (B= -0.98, P<0.001), Mean years of schooling (B= -1.86, P<0.001), GNI (B= -0.38, P<0.001), urbanization level (B= -0.29, P<0.001), and age standardized obesity (B= -0.45 , P<0.001).Conclusion: It seems CC significant public health problem in countries with low HDI and requires the implementation of prevention programs and screening for early detection and treatment.

Can education change the world? Education amplifies differences in liberalization values and innovation between developed and developing countries.

The present study investigated the relationship between level of education and liberalization values in large, representative samples administered in 96 countries around the world (total N = 139,991). These countries show meaningful variation in terms of the Human Development Index (HDI), ranging from very poor, developing countries to prosperous, developed countries. We found evidence of cross-level interactions, consistently showing that individuals’ level of education was associated with an increase in their liberalization values in higher HDI societies, whereas this relationship was curbed in lower HDI countries. This enhanced liberalization mindset of individuals in high HDI countries, in turn, was related to better scores on national indices of innovation. We conclude that this ‘education amplification effect’ widens the gap between lower and higher HDI countries in terms of liberalized mentality and economic growth potential. Policy implications for how low HDI countries can counter this gap are discussed.

Persisting inequalities in survival patterns of childhood neuroblastoma in Southern and Eastern Europe and the effect of socio-economic development compared with those of the US

AimNeuroblastoma outcomes vary with disease characteristics, healthcare delivery and socio-economic indicators. We assessed survival patterns and prognostic factors for patients with neuroblastoma in 11 Southern and Eastern European (SEE) countries versus those in the US, including—for the first time—the Nationwide Registry for Childhood Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumours (NARECHEM-ST)/Greece. MethodsOverall survival (OS) was calculated in 13 collaborating SEE childhood cancer registries (1829 cases, ∼1990–2016) and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), US (3072 cases, 1990–2012); Kaplan–Meier curves were used along with multivariable Cox regression models assessing the effect of age, gender, primary tumour site, histology, Human Development Index (HDI) and place of residence (urban/rural) on survival. ResultsThe 5-year OS rates varied widely among the SEE countries (Ukraine: 45%, Poland: 81%) with the overall SEE rate (59%) being significantly lower than in SEER (77%; p < 0.001). In the common registration period within SEE (2000–2008), no temporal trend was noted as opposed to a significant increase in SEER. Age >12 months (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.8–4.7 in subsequent age groups), male gender (HR: 1.1), residence in rural areas (HR: 1.3), living in high (HR: 2.2) or medium (HR: 2.4) HDI countries and specific primary tumour location were associated with worse outcome; conversely, ganglioneuroblastoma subtype (HR: 0.28) was associated with higher survival rate. ConclusionsAllowing for the disease profile, children with neuroblastoma in SEE, especially those in rural areas and lower HDI countries, fare worse than patients in the US, mainly during the early years after diagnosis; this may be attributed to presumably modifiable socio-economic and healthcare system performance differentials warranting further research.

Laryngeal cancer: Global socioeconomic trends in disease burden and smoking habits.

To characterize health burden and determine the associated level of equality of laryngeal carcinoma (LC) burden at a global level. One hundred eighty-four countries were organized by socioeconomic status using Human Development Index (HDI) categorizations provided by the United Nations Development Program. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), obtained from The Global Health Data Exchange, were calculated and compared between each HDI category for the period from 1990 to 2015. Equality of LC burden was then evaluated with concentration indices. Global LC burden, as measured by age-standardized DALYs, has improved significantly over the 25-year period studied. This burden has declined for very high, high, and medium HDI countries, whereas it has remained unchanged for low HDI countries. The majority of LC global burden was found in high socioeconomic countries before 2010 and has shifted toward low socioeconomic countries, as indicated by concentration indices. Over the last 25 years, Central and Eastern Europe continue to have the largest disease burden in the world. This is the first analysis that we are aware of investigating health disparities of LC at a global level. The global burden of the disease has declined, which is a trend corresponding with significantly reduced smoking behaviors in developed countries. Although the global inequality gap decreased between 2010 and 2015, there remain reasons for concern. Smoking continues to trend upward in low socioeconomic countries, which could increase LC burden in low socioeconomic countries in the near future. A new global initiative directed toward low socioeconomic countries may yield dividends in preventing subsequent disparities in the LC burden. 4. Laryngoscope, 128:2039-2053, 2018.

The burden of non-communicable diseases in relation to economic status of countries

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and national human development index (HDI) of a country, as well as investigate the correlation between premature mortality from NCDs and national HDI.&#x0D; Method: Data for age-standardized mortality rate (ASRM) of NCDs and premature mortality (before age 70 years) in percentage for total NCDs in 2015 were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO) databases. National HDI data for the year 2015 were obtained from the 2015 Human Development Report. Linear regression model was used for assessment of correlation between HDI and mortality. One-way ANOVA was used to test the difference in mean mortality of various HDI group countries; P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: The results suggested an inverse correlation between HDI and ASRM for both men and women. The negative relation was also reported for percentage premature mortality and HDI. Tukey post hoc test (p &lt; 0.001) indicated that countries with very high HDI have low ASRM and premature mortality (compared to those with high HDI and so on). The greatest mortality was observed in low HDI countries.&#x0D; Conclusion: Management of non-communicable diseases is one of the greatest challenges for low and middle HDI countries. In order to control the disease burden, governments should pay serious attention to their economic development.

Human development index, children's health-related quality of life and movement behaviors: a compositional data analysis.

Health-related quality of life has been related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among children from developed nations. These relationships have rarely been assessed in developing nations, nor have behaviors been considered in their true context, as mutually exclusive and exhaustive parts of the movement behavior composition. This study aimed to explore whether children's health-related quality of life is related to their movement behavior composition and if the relationship differs according to human development index. Children aged 9-11 years (n = 5855), from the 12-nation cross-sectional observational International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment 2011-2013, self-reported their health-related quality of life (KIDSCREEN-10). Daily movement behaviors were from 24-h, 7-day accelerometry. Isometric log-ratio mixed-effect linear models were used to calculate estimates for difference in health-related quality of life for the reallocation of time between daily movement behaviors. Children from countries of higher human development index reported stronger positive relationships between health-related quality of life and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, relative to the remaining behaviors (r = 0.75, p = 0.005) than those from lower human development index countries. In the very high human development index strata alone, health-related quality of life was significantly related to the movement behavior composition (p = 0.005), with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (relative to remaining behaviors) being positively associated with health-related quality of life. The relationship between children's health-related quality of life and their movement behaviors is moderated by their country's human development index. This should be considered when 24-h movement behavior guidelines are developed for children around the world.

Global Matrix 3.0 Physical Activity Report Card Grades for Children and Youth: Results and Analysis From 49 Countries.

Accumulating sufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity is recognized as a key determinant of physical, physiological, developmental, mental, cognitive, and social health among children and youth (aged 5-17y). The Global Matrix 3.0 of Report Card grades on physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variation in child and youth physical activity and associated supports. Work groups from 49 countries followed harmonized procedures to develop their Report Cards by grading 10 common indicators using the best available data. The participating countries were divided into 3 categories using the United Nations' human development index (HDI) classification (low or medium, high, and very high HDI). A total of 490 grades, including 369 letter grades and 121 incomplete grades, were assigned by the 49 work groups. Overall, an average grade of "C-," "D+," and "C-" was obtained for the low and medium HDI countries, high HDI countries, and very high HDI countries, respectively. The present study provides rich new evidence showing that the situation regarding the physical activity of children and youth is a concern worldwide. Strategic public investments to implement effective interventions to increase physical activity opportunities are needed.