Twenty-four-hour movement behaviours in the early years in Tanzania: SUNRISE pilot study

Abstract

During the early years, movement behaviours are important to health and development. Based on an international study of movement behaviours in early childhood (SUNRISE), this investigation examines the feasibility of the SUNRISE protocol in Tanzania and provides preliminary estimates of compliance with children’s guidelines on movement behaviours during the formative years. Physical activity (PA) was assessed using ActiGraph, while the other movement behaviours (screen time, restrained sitting, and sleep) were evaluated via parent questionnaire. The feasibility of the protocol was assessed with a total of 104 children aged 3–4-years-old based on the ability of the preschool staff, children, and their parents to implement the SUNRISE protocol under the researchers’ guidance. From a total of 95% eligible children enrolled in the study, 65% successfully undertook the accelerometer protocol, and 94% of parents completed the questionnaire. Findings on meeting WHO (2019) guidelines were as follows: total PA (85%), moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (94%), sleep time (63%), sedentary screen time (43%), restrained sitting time (37%), and all guidelines combined (23%). Physical activity, sleep time, and restrained sitting time differed significantly between rural and urban children. The present findings support the feasibility of conducting the SUNRISE main study in Tanzania.