Physical activity surveillance in the context of low-and middle-income countries

Abstract

In low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is a large burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). From an epidemiological perspective, it is essential that surveillance of NCDs and their risk factors, such as physical activity (PA), is well designed and implemented. Only then can comprehensive and evidence-based public policy evolve to meet country-specific needs. PA surveillance is a process of systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data on PA in the population. It can take place as a part of (a) NCD surveillance systems, (b) behavioral risk factor surveillance systems, (c) specialized PA surveillance systems, and (d) surveillance systems in non-health sectors. Ideally, surveillance of PA is a simple, sustainable, ongoing, adaptable, and affordable process that provides comprehensive and generalizable data of good quality and enables between-study and cross-country comparisons. Most LMICs do not have any elements of a well-developed PA surveillance system in place. To help address the growing burden of NCDs in LMICs, improving national PA surveillance should be a public health priority. International frameworks for NCD and behavioral risk factor surveillance provided by the World Health Organization may help when establishing or improving PA surveillance in LMICs.