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Awareness and practice of physical activity in Omani children with CHDs: a cross-sectional study
Osama Al-Awidi1,2, Issam Al Abri3, Ahmed Al-Subhi3
1Child Health, https://ror.org/04wq8zb47SQU, Oman.
Insights
Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) in Oman have low physical activity levels. Parental involvement and cardiologist guidance are key to increasing activity in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease Research
- Public Health & Exercise Science
Background:
- Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital anomalies, affecting 1.1% of newborns.
- Increased survival rates for CHDs lead to long-term risks, including metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
- Physical activity is beneficial but often limited in children with CHDs due to safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify physical activity levels in Omani children with CHDs.
- To identify factors influencing physical activity participation in this population.
- To inform interventions for improving exercise habits in children with CHDs.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in Omani pediatric cardiology centers (January 2019-January 2023).
- Surveyed parents of 412 children (aged 5-18) with CHDs using a validated questionnaire.
- Excluded children with recent surgery, single ventricle, cardiomyopathies, or without consent.
Main Results:
- Mean weekly physical activity was 2.18 hours.
- Parental sports participation and cardiologist encouragement significantly boosted activity levels.
- Children living in houses and those with acyanotic CHD showed higher activity rates.
Conclusions:
- Omani children with CHDs exhibit insufficient physical activity levels.
- Parental engagement and cardiologist recommendations are crucial for promoting activity.
- Targeted educational programs and routine exercise counseling are recommended.
Background:
CHDs, affecting 1.1% of newborns, are the most prevalent congenital anomalies. Improved survival rates expose children with CHD to long-term risks such as metabolic and acquired cardiovascular disorders. Despite physical activity's benefits, participation is often limited by real and perceived safety concerns. This study evaluates awareness and practice of physical activity among Omani children with CHD.
Aim:
To quantify physical activity levels and identify influencing factors in Omani children with CHD.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study, conducted at major Omani paediatric cardiology centres, surveyed parents of children aged 5-18 years with CHD attending clinics from January 2019 to January 2023. A validated questionnaire assessed activity levels and influencing factors. Children with recent surgery (<3 months), single ventricle, cardiomyopathies, or without parental consent were excluded.
Results:
Among 412 children, mean weekly physical activity was 2.18 hours. Parental participation in sports (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and cardiologist encouragement (β = 0.38, p < 0.001) significantly increased activity levels. Children in houses (64% participation) were more active than those in apartments (34%, p = 0.004). Acyanotic CHD was associated with higher participation (66%) than cyanotic CHD (45%). Gender, parental education, and surgical history were not significant predictors.
Conclusion:
Omani children with CHD engage in insufficient physical activity. Parental involvement and cardiologist guidance are critical drivers. We recommend targeted educational programmes and routine exercise counselling to enhance participation.
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