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Cimino S. Parental Neglect and Childhood Obesity Amidst COVID-19: A Developmental Psychopathology Perspective on Health and Developmental Risks. Nutrients 2024; 16:2162. [PMID: 38999909 PMCID: PMC11243338 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health and developmental trajectories of children and adolescents, catalyzing a range of psychological and behavioral issues due to enforced lockdowns and other restrictions. This text explores these impacts through the lens of developmental psychopathology, which integrates clinical psychology and developmental science to examine the emergence and evolution of psychological disorders across a lifespan. This paper highlights how pandemic-related disruptions have exacerbated conditions such as anxiety and depression and, notably, increased childhood obesity due to changes in lifestyle and reductions in physical activity. The analysis includes a discussion of how isolation has not only restricted access to educational and psychological resources but also increased the risk of parental mental illness and related familial stress, thereby intensifying issues of neglect and their consequent impact on child health. By employing a developmental psychopathology framework, this paper argues for the necessity of targeted interventions that address these complex interplays of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Such interventions aim to support children through structured educational and health-oriented strategies, ensuring their well-being amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. This approach underscores the importance of early, multifaceted strategies involving parents, educators, and healthcare providers to foster healthier developmental outcomes for children facing unprecedented global health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinic and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Samigullin A, Groß G, Gählert J, Buchenberger S, Morcos M, Schwertz R, Öste R, Siegel E, Humpert P. Impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on the anthropometric development in primary school children in the Rhein-Neckar Region, Germany. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:78. [PMID: 38811974 PMCID: PMC11134761 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published data suggests that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected children's weight development. This study aims to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity after the COVID-19 lockdowns as well as anthropometric development among primary school children in the Rhein-Neckar Region, Germany. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, schools were selected in cooperation with the local health authority to include different socioeconomic backgrounds. Participation was voluntary at school and individual level, requiring written informed consent from legal guardians. Study visits in schools were conducted between October 2021 and July 2022. Anthropometric data from nationally recommended medical examinations at 4 years (U8) and 5 years (U9), data on nutrition, physical activity, and socioeconomic data was collected using questionnaires. zBMI and weight category were calculated based on German reference data. RESULTS 256 children with a mean age of 8.0 years (7.1-9.3 years) were included in the study. Most participants were from households with an above average income. 5.1% of the children were overweight, 4.7% were obese, 15.6% were underweight, and 74.6% were normal weight with a mean zBMI of -0.25 (SD 1.10), which is significantly lower than the mean zBMI of the German reference population (p < 0.001). No significant changes in zBMI were observed between U8 and U9 (p = 0.16). The mean zBMI decreased by 0.17 (SD 0.72) between U9 and the study visit (p = 0.02). A zBMI decrease of 0.5 was documented for the subgroup of overweight and obese children (p = 0.028) as well as a decrease of 0.23 (SD 0.63) for the normal-weight children subgroup (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous reports mean zBMI decreased significantly in the children studied. No significant changes in zBMI were observed between U8 and U9 examinations, which supports the hypothesis that the decrease in zBMI could be attributed to lockdown measures. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov on September 21st 2021 under the registration number NCT05077059.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azat Samigullin
- Starscience GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Gabriel Groß
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jana Gählert
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Buchenberger
- Starscience GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Morcos
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Erhard Siegel
- St. Josefskrankenhaus, Heidelberg, Germany
- Adipositasnetzwerk Rhein-Neckar e. V., Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Per Humpert
- Stoffwechselzentrum Rhein-Pfalz, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hauner H, Blanken CPS, Holzapfel C. Long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle and body weight: results of representative cross-sectional surveys in adults in Germany. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1199. [PMID: 38684999 PMCID: PMC11059715 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people's daily lives and health. Few studies have looked into the persistence of these changes. In the current study, we investigated to what extent changes in lifestyle and body weight were sustained after two years of restrictions. METHODS We performed two representative online surveys among adults living in Germany. The first survey (S1) was performed in April 2021; the second survey (S2) in June 2022. The questionnaire focused on changes in physical activity, dietary habits, body weight, and mental stress levels. The data were weighted to optimally represent the general population of Germany. Using Chi-square tests, results were compared between the two surveys, and - per survey - between subgroups based on sociodemographic factors and mental stress levels. Furthermore, binomial logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with weight gain. RESULTS A total of 1,001 (S1) and 1,005 (S2) adults completed the survey, of which 50.4% were men and 49.6% were women in both surveys. Mean body mass index (BMI) at the time of the survey was 27.4 ± 6.0 kg/m2 (S1) and 27.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2 (S2). Reduced physical activity was reported by 52% of the participants in S1 and by 40% in S2 (p < .001). Moderate to severe stress was reported by 71% of the participants in S1 and by 62% in S2 (p < .001). Less healthy eating compared to before the pandemic was reported by 16% of the participants in S1 and by 12% in S2 (p = 0.033). Weight gain was reported by 40% of the participants in S1 and by 35% in S2 (p = 0.059). Weight gain was associated with higher BMI, reduced physical activity levels, less healthy nutrition and increased consumption of energy-dense food. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that two years and three months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects on health-related lifestyle factors and body weight still existed, albeit to a lesser degree than directly after the first year of the pandemic. Targeted strategies are needed to better support the population subgroups most likely to change their lifestyle in unfavorable ways when faced with disruptions of their everyday lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Hauner
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany.
- Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany.
| | - Carmen P S Blanken
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, Munich, 80992, Germany
- Department of Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany
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Woods N, Seabrook JA, Schaafsma H, Burke S, Tucker T, Gilliland J. Dietary Changes of Youth during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. J Nutr 2024; 154:1376-1403. [PMID: 38408731 PMCID: PMC11007747 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken the lives of millions and disrupted countless more worldwide. Simply living through the pandemic has had drastic effects on the health of citizens. Diet, an important aspect of health, has been uniquely affected by the pandemic, although these changes have not been sufficiently studied among youth. OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review was to investigate dietary changes of youth during COVID-19. METHODS A prespecified literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and CINAHL to identify studies from January 2020 to May 2023 that assessed dietary changes among youth aged ≤20 y compared with before the pandemic. Only quantitative observational studies that were published in English were included. Two authors completed all screening/study selection independently, with disagreements being resolved via discussion. Data extraction was completed by 1 author. Dietary changes were categorized into food groups and habits for analysis purposes. RESULTS In total, 67 studies met inclusion criteria. Most studies used recall to assess changes (48/67; 71.6%). Most studies found an increase in fruits and vegetables (24/46; 52.2%), grain products (6/11; 54.5%), meat, poultry, and eggs (4/8, 50.0%), diet quality indices and/or overall dietary assessments (7/13, 53.8%), and the frequency of snacking (9/12; 75.0%), whereas generally finding a decrease in ultraprocessed foods (32/53; 60.4%), compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed findings or primarily no changes were found for fish and aquatic products, legumes, beans, seeds and nuts, milk and milk products, breakfast consumption, and nutrient intake. CONCLUSIONS Mostly favorable dietary changes appear to have occurred among youth during COVID-19, although there were several mixed findings and unclear takeaways among the foods and habits under study. The heterogeneity of defining food groups was a noted limitation in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Woods
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Holly Schaafsma
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Shauna Burke
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Trish Tucker
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Occupational Therapy, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Jason Gilliland
- School of Health Studies, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Geography and Environment, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Iacopetta D, Catalano A, Ceramella J, Pellegrino M, Marra M, Scali E, Sinicropi MS, Aquaro S. The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Obesity. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:135-150. [PMID: 38391001 PMCID: PMC10885050 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the developed world, pediatric obesity (PO) has been a major health concern since the last century, and this condition may lead to detrimental life-long physical and mental comorbidities. Currently, its prevalence has increased in low- and middle-income countries and in many high-income countries. Thus, the provision of effective and tailored care for children and their families has become vital. The social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are known everywhere, and among these, it has been argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on PO. Overall, the growth of PO over the last decade has been enhanced by the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children, adolescents and young adults gained weight as the pediatric population dealt with sedentary lifestyles and changes in food habits. In this review, we want to highlight the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on PO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Scali
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Schröder M, Babitsch B, Hassel H. Assessing readiness for childhood obesity prevention in German municipalities: application of the community readiness model. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad169. [PMID: 38071434 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has identified childhood obesity as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Understanding a municipality's readiness to address it is crucial to achieve successful interventions. However, the preparedness of German municipalities to address childhood obesity has not yet been investigated. This study is the first in Germany to apply the community readiness model (CRM) in this context. The purpose was to determine readiness of five municipalities for childhood obesity prevention and to identify factors that influence their readiness. Therefore, 27 semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted. First, the interviews were analysed following the CRM protocol to categorize the municipalities into a readiness level between one and nine. In a second step, a content analysis was carried out for an in-depth interpretation of the readiness scores. The municipalities achieved an average readiness of 3.84, corresponding to the 'Vague Awareness' stage. A lack of prioritization and leadership support, insufficient low-threshold efforts, a lack of knowledge and problem awareness as well as a lack of structures and resources were identified as factors that can determine municipal readiness to prevent childhood obesity. This study not only extends the application of the CRM to childhood obesity in German municipalities but also offers practical implications for professionals in assessing readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Schröder
- Department of New Public Health, Osnabrück University, Nelson-Mandela-Straße 13, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
- Department of Applied Sciences and Health, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Friedrich-Streib-Straße 2, 96450, Coburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Babitsch
- Department of New Public Health, Osnabrück University, Nelson-Mandela-Straße 13, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Holger Hassel
- Department of Applied Sciences and Health, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Friedrich-Streib-Straße 2, 96450, Coburg, Germany
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Drenowatz C, Ferrari G, Greier K, Chen S, Hinterkörner F. Physical fitness in Austrian elementary school children prior to and post-COVID-19. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:480-495. [PMID: 37304593 PMCID: PMC10251054 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented policies that included movement restrictions, social distancing and school closures in order to control the spread of the virus. Even though these actions may have been necessary to save lives, there have been some unintended consequences that could affect future public health. Methods The present study uses data from more than 24,500 Austrian elementary school children (51.2% male) that participated in a state-wide fitness evaluation program, which was initiated in the 2016/17 school year. In addition to body weight and height, data on cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular power, speed, agility, flexibility and object control were collected from three cohorts prior to the implementation of movement restrictions (school years: 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19) and one cohort in 2022, after the majority of COVID-19 policies had been lifted. Results Body mass index percentiles were significantly higher in children post-COVID-19 (p < 0.01). Further, cardiorespiratory endurance, agility and flexibility were significantly lower post-COVID-19 compared to the years preceding movement restrictions (p ≤ 0.01), while absolute muscular strength was higher in the year 2022 (p < 0.01). Conclusion Given the detrimental effects of COVID-19 policies on physical fitness in children, additional efforts are necessary that include versatile opportunities for physical activity and the promotion of physical fitness in order to modify the observed negative health trajectories and ensure future public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Drenowatz
- Division of Sport, Physical Activity and Health, University of Education Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) Santiago 7500618, Chile
| | - Klaus Greier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Physical Education, Private Educational College (KPH-ES) 6422 Stams, Austria
| | - Sitong Chen
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia
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