Process and Success of Releasing “Report Cards” for Health Promotion and Advocacy: Experiences From Canada, Mexico and Kenya

Introduction: The recent UN Declaration on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) highlights the global importance of healthy active living for the preservation and enhancement of health. Recent increases in childhood physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and obesity in high, middle and even low income countries is of particular concern. In many countries there is a dearth of evidence, attention, resources and capacity for the promotion and maintenance of healthy active living and prevention of NCDs. The release of “Report Cards” may be strategic for elevating the importance of healthy active living. Objective: To describe, contrast and compare the development, release and evaluation of the release of evidence-informed report cards on the physical activity of children in Canada, Mexico and Kenya. Methods: In each country a scientific work group (SWG) was formed to lead the development of a national report card on physical activity of children. Comprehensive reviews of the published and grey literature were completed to gather and synthesize evidence for report card indicators including physical activity, sports participation, sedentary behaviour, active transportation, physical education, built environment, family, policies and investments in physical activity. The SWG followed an established system to provide a grade for each indicator. The information and grades were packaged into an attractive, concise, publicly available report card supported by a high profile public launch event. Results: Similar processes were completed successfully in each country. Grades varied substantially across indicators within and between countries with overall grades in Kenya exceeding those in Canada or Mexico. Interest by stakeholder groups, the public and media was significant, receiving over 100 million media impression in Canada in 2011. Conclusion: Evidence from Canada, Mexico and Kenya suggest that the release of a report card is a feasible and effective means to support and amplify efforts for the prevention of NCDs.