The economics of physical activity in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Introduction: Evidence on the economic costs of physical inactivity and the cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is sparse, and fragmented where they are available. This is the first review aimed to summarize available evidence on economics of physical activity in LMIC, identify potential target variables for policy, identify and report gaps in current knowledge on economics of physical activity in LMIC. Methods and analysis: Peer reviewed journal articles of observational, experimental, quasi experimental studies and mixed method studies on economics of physical activity in LMIC will be identified by electronic data base search; Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus. Websites of WHO, NICE international, World Bank and reference lists of included studies will be searched for relevant studies. Study selection process will be a two stage approach; title and abstract screen for inclusion, followed by review of selected full text articles by two independent reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus and discussion with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted using standardized piloted data extraction forms. Risk of bias will be critically appraised using standard checklists based on study designs. Descriptive synthesis of data is planned. Where relevant, summaries of studies will be classified according to type of economic analysis, country or country category, population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design. Meta-analysis will be performed where appropriate. This protocol for systematic review prepared according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis for Protocols (PRISMA-P) -2015 statement.