Developing a national physical activity plan: the Kuwait example.
A rapid increase in economic well-being and urbanization in Kuwait have been accompanied by profound changes in lifestyle, including low levels of physical activity in all population groups. These changes have contributed to a high prevalence of overweight and obesity and to the escalation of the non-communicable disease rates, particularly coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. The evolution of physical activity promotion, internationally, and a series of related meetings in Kuwait and neighboring countries, have started to generate an awareness among health authorities of the importance of physical activity in health promotion and disease prevention. A National Physical Activity Committee has been formed to design and implement a National Physical Activity Plan, which could also serve as a model for other countries. The authors describe the background and principles behind the development of the National Plan, summarize a template based upon the Kuwait experience and share the lessons learned from these efforts.
Ramadan
Jasem
J
Physical Activity and Exercise Physiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. ramadan@hsc.edu.kw
Vuori
Ilkka
I
Lankenau
Becky
B
Schmid
Tom
T
Pratt
Michael
M
D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009043:Motor Activity; D016730:Program Development; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods*