Physical activity in Ecuador (from policy to action): Results based on the global observatory of physical activity monitoring

Background: Physical inactivity is a global health concern with significant implications for public health. Despite its recognized importance, many countries, including Ecuador, struggle to effectively promote physical activity. This study aims to describe progress in the prevalence of physical activity in Ecuador and assess the impact of physical activity policies implemented between 2013 and 2028. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) country cards and the GoPA! systematic review of literature from PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases provided additional insights. Additionally, we conducted a primary analysis of GoPA! Country card and their systematic review. The analysis included comparison of data from 2015 and 2020 GoPA! Ecuador cards, an examination of policy documents, and synthesis of key findings from articles selected by the GoPA! review. The analysis revealed a decline in physical activity prevalence in Ecuador, with 75% of adults engaging in physical activity in 2015 compared to 56% in 2020. Policy analysis indicated a lack of focus on physical activity as a primary objective, with targeted interventions primarily directed toward specific population groups. Additionally, a scarcity of research and surveillance in the country could have contributed to a decrease in the prevalence of physical activity in Ecuador. Conclusion: The decline in physical activity prevalence underscores the need for comprehensive policies that prioritize physical activity promotion across all demographic groups. Future interventions should address the limitations identified, including the lack of population-level policies and insufficient surveillance, to effectively improve physical activity levels and public health outcomes in Ecuador.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Lopez, Susana

Contributors dc:contributor

• Leão, Otavio

• Public Health
• Exercise
• Review

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Susana Lopez

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124385

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F124385