S09-4: Global Almanac for Physical Education: Launching the GoPE! First Edition

Abstract

Purpose: To present the First Edition of the Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) Almanac. Methods: Following a standardised methodology, data was collected for five key dimensions with standardised indicators to characterise PE worldwide. These include country demographic characteristics, physical activity (PA) participation, PE surveillance, PE policy, and PE and school-based PA intervention research indicators. This information was summarised into one-page cards – Country Cards – and compiled into the GoPE! First Edition Almanac. Results: At this moment, GoPE! collected data from 218 countries, confirmed by country representatives for 124 countries (56.9%). Preliminary results, disaggregated by the World Health Organization regions and based on the 124 countries with data confirmed, show: Coverage (represented countries): SEARO (90.9%), EURO (85.5%), WPRO (78.1%), AFRO (74.5%), EMRO (72.7%), and PAHO (56.8%). PA participation (countries with adolescents’ data): EURO (71.7%), SEARO (70%), EMRO (50%), PAHO (68%), WPRO (68%), and AFRO (37.1%). Policy (countries with national PE policies for the compulsory school years of primary and secondary education): EURO (69.8%), PAHO and WPRO (36%), EMRO (18.8%), SEARO (20%), and AFRO (17.1%). Surveillance (countries with national PE surveillance systems): WPRO (56%), SEARO (30%), EURO (28.3%), PAHO (24%), EMRO (25%), and AFRO (2.9%). Research (countries contributing to PE and school-based PA intervention research): EURO (50.9%), PAHO (32%), SEARO (30%), WPRO (28%), EMRO (12.5%), and AFRO (2.9%). Conclusions: The GoPE! First Almanac is a tool for the global network of dedicated PE and school-based health-enhancing PA researchers, policymakers, and advocates. It will contribute to the mission of having more active and healthier children and adolescents worldwide. Support/Funding Source: Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!).