PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AND SCREEN-BASED ACTIVITIES IN MACEDONIAN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADOLESCENTS: AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITY

Background. A wide range of studies have confirmed that insufficient physical activity levels and screen-based activities are key risk factors for overweight and obesity, chronic conditions and significant noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). More than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active. The objectives of our cross-section study were to estimate the level of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in school-aged children and young adolescents and a significant correlation between two groups, physically active and inactive groups, and overweight and obesity development. Material and methods. The sample size involved 400 randomly selected children and adolescent from 14 to 18 years old. The International Questionnaire for assessment of Physical Activity (IPAQ-F) was used to monitor physical activity levels and screen-based activities. The statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis using SPSS Statistics17.0. Results. There was a significant difference in vigorous and moderate intensity physical activity between two groups. Screen-based activities exerted the highest influence on the development of childhood obesity. However, the unhealthy nutrition had a significant impact on obesity in school-aged children (14-15 years old), much more than vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Conclusions. The prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescent require system-level approaches that would include the skills of sports physicians, registered dieticians/nutritionists, and sports coaches. They also need consistent and integrated messages and environmental support across all sectors of society, especially educational sector.