Physical activity, sport and physical education in Northern Ireland school children: A cross-sectional study

Internationally, insucient physical activity (PA) is a major health concern. Children inNorthern Ireland (NI) are recorded as having the lowest levels of PA in the United Kingdom (UK).To date, validated and representative data on the PA levels of NI school children are limited. Theaim of this study was to provide surveillance data on self-reported PA, sport and physical education(PE) participation of school children in NI. Dierences between genders and factors associated withPA were also examined. A representative sample of primary (n = 446) and post-primary (n = 1508)children was surveyed in school using validated self-report measures. Findings suggest that PAlevels are low, with a minority of children (13%) meeting the PA guidelines (primary pupils 20%,post-primary pupils 11%). NI school children have lower levels of PA, PE and sports participationthan UK and European peers. A trend of age-related decline across all the domains of PA wasapparent. The data presented highlighted that females are less likely to achieve PA guidelines,children from lower socio-economic background participate in school and community sport less often,and that enjoyment and social support are important variables in PA adherence. Policy solutions thatwould support implementation e.g., mandatory minimum PE time, whole school approaches to PApromotion and targeted investment in schools, particularly in areas of deprivation and for females,are suggested.