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Exploring urban-rural differences in 24-h movement behaviours among tunisian preschoolers: Insights from the SUNRISE
Mohamed Amine Ltifi1, Olfa Turki1,2, Ghaith Ben-Bouzaiene1
1Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia.
Insights
Only 18% of preschoolers met all movement guidelines. Sedentary screen time and physical activity levels varied, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for children based on gender and location.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Movement Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Disparities in physical activity exist between urban and rural children.
- Limited data available on preschooler movement behaviors in low-to-middle-income countries.
- Global movement guidelines provide benchmarks for healthy child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess preschooler adherence to global movement guidelines.
- Evaluate SUNRISE study methods feasibility.
- Examine gender and urban-rural differences in health and behavior outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 112 preschoolers (3.0-4.9 years) using waist-worn ActiGraph for physical activity.
- Measured sleep duration, screen time, and movement behaviors.
- Evaluated gross and fine motor skills and executive functions.
Main Results:
- Only 18% of children met all movement guidelines.
- 53% met sedentary screen time recommendations; 41% met physical activity recommendations.
- 81% met recommended sleep duration (10-13 hours).
Conclusions:
- Significant proportion of preschoolers do not meet movement guidelines.
- Interventions needed to promote healthy movement behaviors.
- Targeted strategies should consider gender and urban/rural residence.
Abstract:
Little is known about differences in physical activity among children from urban and rural areas in low-to middle-income countries and some previous investigations revealed disparities in physical activity levels among children and adolescents residing in urban and rural environments. We aimed to: (i) assess the proportion of preschool-aged children (3.0-4.9 years) meeting the global movement guidelines, (ii) evaluate the feasibility of the methods for the SUNRISE study, (iii) examine gender- and urban-rural differences in health and behavior outcomes. Urban and rural location was based on national classifications. Physical activity (waist-worn ActiGraph); sleep duration, screen time and movement behaviors; Gross and fine motor skills (Lower body strength and mobility, Supine-Timed up and go [S-TUG], One-leg standing balance test, hand grip dynamometer, 9-hole peg-board test); and executive functions (visual-spatial working memory and inhibition) were assessed in 112 preschoolers (n = 50 boys, 33 urban), (n = 62 girls, 41 urban). The results showed that only 18% of children met all movement guidelines, with 53% and 41% meeting the recommendations for sedentary screen time and total physical activity, respectively. A large proportion of children (81%) met the recommended sleep duration of 10-13 hours (h) per day. There is a clear need to promote healthy movement behaviours among preschool-aged children through targeted interventions that address their unique challenges related to gender and urban/rural residence.
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