TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Turning the tide: national policy approaches to increasing physical activity in seven European countries
JO  - British journal of sports medicine
A1  - Bull, Fiona
A1  - Milton, Karen
A1  - Kahlmeier, Sonja
A1  - Arlotti, Alberto
A1  - Juričan, Andrea Backović
A1  - Belander, Olov
A1  - Martin, Brian
A1  - Martin-Diener, Eva
A1  - Marques, Ana
A1  - Mota, Jorge
A1  - Vasankari, Tommi
A1  - Vlasveld, Anita
SP  - 749
EP  - 756
VL  - 49
IS  - 11
N2  - BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is one of the four leading behavioural risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD). Like tobacco control, increasing levels of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) will require a national policy framework providing direction and a clear set of actions. Despite frequent calls, there has been insufficient progress on policy development in the majority of countries around the world. This study sought and summarised national HEPA policy in seven European countries (Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Switzerland). <br><br>METHODS: Data collection used a policy audit tool (PAT), a 27-item instrument structured into four sections. <br><br>RESULTS: All countries reported some legislation or policy across the sectors of education, sport and health. Only some countries reported supportive policy in the transport and environment sectors. Five countries reported a stand-alone HEPA policy and six countries reported national recommendations. HEPA prevalence targets varied in magnitude and specificity and the presence of other relevant goals from different sectors highlighted the opportunity for joint action. Evaluation and the use of scientific evidence were endorsed but described as weak in practice. Only two countries reported a national multisector coordinating committee and most countries reported challenges with partnerships on different levels of policy implementation. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Bringing together the key components for success within a national HEPA policy framework is not simple. This in-depth policy audit and country comparison highlighted similarities and differences and revealed new opportunities for consideration by other countries. These examples can inform countries within and beyond Europe and guide the development of national HEPA policy within the NCD prevention agenda.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0306-3674
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-093200
ID  - ref1
ER  -