Movement behaviour of 3-5-year-old children in selected public health administrative areas in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Movement and sleep behaviours profoundly impact children's health, particularly concerning childhood obesity and overall well-being. Global research on these behaviours remains sparse, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on screen time and physical activity. Studies indicate varied impacts across income levels, with Sri Lanka facing rising childhood obesity rates despite intervention efforts.
Objectives: To assess the movement and sleep behaviours of 3-5-year-old children in selected public health areas in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka, alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months in 7 public health areas within the Colombo District. Study population comprised children registered in birth and immunization registry. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire, Preschool-age children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (Pre-PAQ), and 1-week movement diary. Data was analysed with SPSS version 25 using appropriate statistical tests.
Results: Study included 425 participants (51.8% female). Of participants, 52.2% on weekdays and 55.5% on weekends met WHO guideline of 180 minutes or more of daily physical activity (PA) but only 23.1% met recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA. Sedentary behaviour exceeded WHO recommendations, with 47.5% and 46.1% adhering to guidelines on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Most children (72.3%) adhered to sleep guidelines. No significant demographic or socio-economic predictors of compliance with movement behaviour guidelines were identified, except for the number of siblings influencing weekend PA compliance.
Conclusions: Whilst 23.1% children met the WHO recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA, 72.3% children adhered to WHO sleep guidelines and 47% adhered to WHO sedentary behaviour guidelines.