Survey Results

Variable Name: Indicator 1.5: Physical activity (K7Q41)

Survey Items: K7Q41; AGEYR_CHILD.

Denominator: Children age 6-17 years

Numerator: Number of days during previous week children engaged in vigorous physical activity: 0 days; 1-3 days; 4-6 days; Everyday

Revisions and Changes: Wording of question K7Q41 was revised for 2007. In 2003, item S7Q21 read: “During the past week, on how many days did [child] exercise or participate in a physical activity for at least 20 minutes that made [him/her] sweat and breathe hard, such as basketball, soccer, running, swimming laps, fast bicycling, fast dancing, or similar aerobic activities?” In 2007 the wording was simplified and shortened to: “During the past week, on how many days did [child] exercise, play a sport, or participate in a physical activity for at least 20 minutes that made [him/her] sweat and breathe hard?” Examples of active sports from the 2003 version were moved to a help screen used only when respondents needed assistance. Take these changes into consideration when comparing results across survey years.

Additional Notes: Responses to K7Q41(number of days during the past week) are combined into four categories.
Section 7 questions were asked only for children 6 through 17 years of age.

Treatment of Unknown Values: Unknown values (responses coded as 'refused', 'don't know', or system missing) are not included in the denominator when calculating prevalence estimates and weighted population counts displayed in the data query results table. In nearly every case, the proportion of unknown values is less than 1% and the exclusion of these values does not change the prevalence estimates (%) and only marginally affects the weighted population counts (Weighted Est.). Exceptions are noted in the form of a “Data Alert” at the bottom of a results table.

History and Development: The Maternal and Child Health Bureau leads the development of the NSCH survey and indicators, in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and a national technical expert panel. The expert panel includes representatives from other federal agencies, state Title V leaders, family organizations, and child health researchers. Previously validated questions and scales are used when available. Respondents’ cognitive understanding of the survey questions is assessed during the pretest phase and revisions made as required. All final data components are verified by NCHS and DRC/CAHMI staff prior to public release.