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Kang MG, Tablante GI, Mendoza K, Bandong AN, Guisihan R, Lim AA, Lunar FR, Olegario CD, Rotor E, Palad Y. Content Validation and Pilot Testing of the Promoting Active Lifestyle Among Children With Disability Questionnaire in Filipino and English. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:1046-1053. [PMID: 39244196 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0220] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary carers, school teachers, and administrators are key influencers in promoting active lifestyle among children with disabilities (CWD). Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior Model, the Promoting Active Lifestyle among CWD (PALS) Questionnaire aims to determine these influencers' perceptions, capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in active healthy lifestyle promotion. This study evaluated the content validity and feasibility of the PALS Questionnaire in Filipino and English. METHODS Six experts rated the relevance of the items in the Filipino and English versions of the PALS Questionnaire. Item and scale content validity indices and agreement among raters (modified kappa k*) were computed. The questionnaires were revised and pilot tested among 11 participants comprising primary carers, and special education teachers and administrators using 3 methods of administration: online survey, phone interview, and pen-and-paper survey. RESULTS Scale-level content validity index indicated excellent content validity (0.96-0.97). Item-level content validity index ranged between 0.67 and 1.00. Interrater agreement on the relevance of all items was excellent (k* = .82-1.00), except for the item on teaching assistants (k* = .56). Most participants found the items easy to understand. The average time needed to complete a questionnaire was 30 minutes. The online version of the questionnaire was identified as the most feasible mode of administration. CONCLUSION The PALS Questionnaire is a useful instrument for understanding Filipino primary carers' and educators' perceptions on promoting CWD's active healthy lifestyle. Information from the PALS Questionnaire could inform initiatives toward better CWD health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Grace Kang
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gabriella Isabel Tablante
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kristofferson Mendoza
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Aila Nica Bandong
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Roselle Guisihan
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Audrey Anne Lim
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Frances Rom Lunar
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Carlos Dominic Olegario
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Esmerita Rotor
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Yves Palad
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
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Ostermeier E, Gilliland J, Irwin JD, Seabrook JA, Tucker P. Developing community-based physical activity interventions and recreational programming for children in rural and smaller urban centres: a qualitative exploration of service provider and parent experiences. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1017. [PMID: 39227835 PMCID: PMC11373125 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11418-w] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children's physical inactivity is a persisting international public health concern. While there is a large body of literature examining physical activity interventions for children, the unique physical activity context of low-density communities in rural areas and smaller urban centres remains largely underexplored. With an influx of families migrating to rural communities and small towns, evaluations of health promotion efforts that support physical activity are needed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the growing populations in these settings. The aim of this community-based research was to explore service providers' and parents' perspectives on physical activity opportunities available in their community and recommendations toward the development and implementation of efficacious physical activity programming for children in rural communities and smaller urban centres. METHODS Three in-person community forums with recreation service providers (n = 37 participants) and 1 online community forum with the parents of school-aged children (n = 9 participants) were hosted. An online survey and Mentimeter activity were conducted prior to the community forums to gather participants' views on the barriers and facilitators to physical activities and suggestions for activity-promoting programs. The service provider and parent discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a deductive approach guided by Hseih and Shannon's (2005) procedure for direct content analysis. A code list developed from the responses to the pre-forum survey and Mentimeter activity was used to guide the analysis and category development. RESULTS Seven distinct categories related to the existing physical activity opportunities and recommendations for programs in rural communities and smaller urban centres were identified during the analysis: (1) Recovery from Pandemic-Related Measures, (2) Knowledge and Access to Programs, (3) Availability, (4) Personnel Support, (5) Quality of Programs and Facilities, (6) Expenses and Subsidies, and (7) Inclusivity and Preferences. CONCLUSION To improve the health and well-being of children who reside in low-density areas, the results of this study highlight service provider and parent recommendations when developing and implementing community-based physical activity programs and interventions in rural and smaller urban settings, including skill development programs, non-competitive activity options, maximizing existing spaces for activities, and financial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ostermeier
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, Social Science Centre, Rm 2333 - 1151 Richmond Street Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Berner-Rodoreda A, Baum N, Wachinger J, Zangerl K, Hoegl H, Bärnighausen T. Taking emic and etic to the family level: interlinking parents' and children's COVID-19 views and experiences in Germany. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1595. [PMID: 38880912 PMCID: PMC11181526 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18983-z] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 impacted families globally, restricting movement, and changing daily routines and family dynamics. In order to explore and contrast children's and parents' experiences and perceptions of life during COVID-19, we used Pike's distinction of emic (an insider's view) and etic (an outsider's view) and adapted the concept to the family level to differentiate between children's and parents' own perspectives (emic) and their view of other family members (etic). METHODS Our qualitative study is based on face-to-face in-depth individual interviews with parents (n = 13) and their children (n = 16) and included migrant families as a hitherto underrepresented group in COVID-19 research in Germany. Interviews were recorded, transcribed in NVivo and quality-checked. We employed thematic analysis to explore similarities and differences in perceptions and experiences of children and parents at the family level and across the entire data set. RESULTS We identified the following major themes in parents' and children's experiences: managing role and relationship changes within the nuclear family, coping with social expectations and demands, and re-evaluations of life's priorities. Parents' etic views on children showed strong overlap with children's emic view in terms of physical movement restrictions, experiencing good and tense family times, and internalizing rules. For issues such as experiencing stigma, divorce or language acquisition, parents' views were not reflected in children's accounts. Children's testing experience, by contrast, was more nuanced than parents' perceptions of it. Children's etic views of parents, a perspective rarely found in qualitative research with children, overlapped with mothers' experiences of role strain. CONCLUSIONS The consideration of parents' and children's emic and etic perspectives provided deeper insights into family members' experiences, navigation, and views of COVID-19 measures. Applying the emic/etic distinction to the family context enriches the sociology of childhood studies and enables a more nuanced understanding of diverging experiences within families and should thus be further explored within and beyond epidemics in order to guide future pandemic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Berner-Rodoreda
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Nina Baum
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Zangerl
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henriette Hoegl
- Kindernetzwerk e.V, Am Glockenturm 6, 63814, Mainaschaff, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, INF 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Yi K, Luo H, Wei L. From the pitch to personal growth: Investigating self-esteem as a mediator and parental support as a moderator in youth sports in China. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31047. [PMID: 38770300 PMCID: PMC11103519 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31047] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the intricate connections among youth sports, personal development, and skill acquisition in contemporary China. Building upon established theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay among various variables. Employing a robust methodology that accounts for mediation and moderation effects and with a sample of 808 individuals representing diverse demographics, the findings shed light on the significant influence of family structure, particularly the prevalence of extended family arrangements, on an individual's character development. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal role of personal characteristics, particularly self-esteem, in shaping admirable traits. The research identifies several contributing factors to positive character development, including active participation in sports, parental support, accessibility to sports facilities, positive peer influence, and high self-esteem. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure by offering positive reinforcement and serving as role models. These findings hold important implications for youth development programs, emphasizing the vital role of parents in guiding character development, particularly in the context of peer pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yi
- Physical Education College, Hunan University of Technology, 412007, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Han Luo
- Changjun Bilingual School, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lihong Wei
- School of Physical Education, Changsha University of Science and Technology, 410076, Changsha, China
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Gavryutina I, Bochner R, Chin V, Bargman R. A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Parental Outdoor Play Preferences and Association With Child Overweight and Obesity. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:466-473. [PMID: 37246752 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231176350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Childhood obesity is highly prevalent among certain populations of New York. This cross-sectional pilot study examined the associations between parental attitudes about outdoor activities and body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was distributed among parents of 1 to 13 aged children at ambulatory pediatric clinics. Of 104 children included in the study 57 were of normal weight and 47 were overweight or obese. Most parents of children with BMI <85% reported frequent playground utilization, considered longer hours to spend outside on weekdays, reported a larger total temperature range for outdoor playground utilization and a lower tolerable minimum temperature compared to parents of children with BMI ≥85%, p < .05. Only having a parent born outside of the United States remained a significant predictor of overweight and obesity in the final model. Parents of children with BMI < 85% are more willing to spend time outdoors, regardless of weather. Immigrant parents are protective against overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gavryutina
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Risa Bochner
- Department of Pediatrics, New York City Health and Hospitals Harlem Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vivian Chin
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Renee Bargman
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, New York City Health and Hospital South Brooklyn Health, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Dou N, Kowalski AJ, Lane H, Hatton R, Black MM, Hager ER. Perceptions of Parental Support for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating among School-age Children During COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING 2023; 3:76-99. [PMID: 38077293 PMCID: PMC10699858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Family routines play a key role in promoting child health behaviors. This study 1) describes changes in children's perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating family routines across three time points: pre-pandemic (2017-2020), early pandemic (2020), and mid-pandemic (2021); and 2) explores how sex, age, and pandemic-related economic stressors relate to changes. Children's perceptions of family routines were assessed using four subscales adapted from the Comprehensive Home Environment Survey: PA-policies, Diet-policies, Diet-rules, and PA-Diet-role-model. Linear mixed models assessed changes in perceptions and associated factors (child age and sex; caregiver(s) job loss during pandemic). Children (N=277) were aged 9.3-15.5y at pandemic onset (March 2020), dichotomized by median age (12.1y) as younger and older. Children's perceptions of PA-policies (pre-pandemic mean=15.4) and Diet-policies (pre-pandemic mean=26.3) increased significantly from pre- to early (b=1.2 and 2.3, respectively) and mid-pandemic (b=1.0 and 1.2, respectively). Diet-rules (pre-pandemic mean=10.8) decreased significantly from pre- to early (b=-1.1) and mid-pandemic (b=-2.0), with no PA-Diet-role-model changes. Younger children had a greater increase in perceived PA-policies and Diet-policies across the pandemic. Females (59.9%) had a greater decrease in perceived Diet-rules across the pandemic and less increase in Diet-policies and PA-Diet-role-model from pre- to early pandemic. Children whose caregiver(s) lost employment (51.8%) perceived a greater increase in PA-policies. Overall, children reported increased parental policies to support PA and healthy eating and decreased parental rules for diet during the pandemic. Future research is needed to understand how changes in family routines relate to PA and healthy eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Dou
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Alysse J. Kowalski
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Hannah Lane
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ross Hatton
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Maureen M. Black
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
| | - Erin R. Hager
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
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Toktaş N, Köse E, Lapa TY, Kaas ET, Serdar Yücel A, Derman S. Global trends and future prospects of COVID-19 and physical activity: Bibliometric analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35316. [PMID: 37773796 PMCID: PMC10545167 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Containment measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to drastic changes in daily life and effects on health behaviors such as decrease in physical activity (PA) levels. This study aims to present a general framework to researchers on COVID-19 and PA research in relation with changes in studies within years, current trend topics, gaps in the research field and possible future trends. METHODS A total of 1819 articles indexed in the WoS core collection database were analyzed according to publication year, citation, country and institution collaborations, coword, co-citation networks, concept-topic trends and topic clusters using bibliometric analysis. RESULTS The most productive country was the USA(n = 335), and the most productive institution was University of London in UK (n = 38). The most cited publication was the study by Ammar et al, (2020) (n = 188). In 2020, the most popular topics were PA and health meanwhile in 2021 behavior, lifestyle, social media and in 2022 habits, long COVID, sleep quality topics were in the foreground. Studies in 2023 focus on how COVID-19 affects PA habits and the associations between COVID-19-based anxiety and sleep patterns. These studies focused especially on effects of sport participation on life quality, diet, depression, mental health on young athletes, children, adolescent persons, older adult groups. CONCLUSIONS An important gap in the study area is research on effect of changing lifestyle due to pandemic on individuals and the society during the Post COVID-19 period. If benefits of PA will not be limited to only physical benefits and psychological emotional, cognitive and social benefits are also taken into consideration, it is important that researchers conduct long-term and widescale observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neşe Toktaş
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Elif Köse
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | | | | | | | - Süleyman Derman
- Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, Lütfi Kirdar City Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye
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Naish C, McCormack GR, Blackstaffe A, Frehlich L, Doyle-Baker PK. An Observational Study on Play and Physical Activity Associated with a Recreational Facility-Led Park-Based "Loose Parts" Play Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1049. [PMID: 37371280 DOI: 10.3390/children10061049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Play is a human right, yet opportunities for unstructured play are declining. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced children's play opportunities. We conducted an observational study of a novel community-based intervention (play hubs) that facilitated unstructured play by offering loose parts in parks (Calgary, Canada) during the pandemic. Our descriptive study included systematic observation using the System for Observing Children's Activity and Relationships During Play (SOCARP) and Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO) to capture physical activity, play, and social and environment interactions among children participating in the play hubs for 10-weeks in 2021 (n = 160) and 2022 (n = 147). Play hub attendance was low. Most children observed were aged 5 to 12 years (2021: 93% and 2022 98%), with boys and girls represented (2021: 58% male/42% female and 2022: 52% male/48% female). Standing, sitting, and moderate activity were common activities. Physical, exploratory, and expressive play were common, while digital, bio, and rule-based play were less common. Children typically played alone or in small groups and engaged with loose parts or played in the open spaces. The play hubs encouraged unstructured play and promoted positive social interactions among children, despite the challenges of implementing a community-based intervention under pandemic public health restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calli Naish
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gavin R McCormack
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa 359-1192, Japan
- School of Planning, Architecture, and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Anita Blackstaffe
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Levi Frehlich
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Patricia K Doyle-Baker
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- School of Planning, Architecture, and Landscape, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Stankova M, Kamenski T, Ivanov I, Mihova P. Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Children with ASD-The Lessons That We Learned from the Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:969. [PMID: 37371201 PMCID: PMC10297218 DOI: 10.3390/children10060969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The data available for changes in the behavior and emotional state of children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in lockdown situations are controversial and scarce. In our research, we compare results before the first COVID-19 lockdown of 21 children with ASD and 21 typically developing children, four to five years of age with those obtained immediately after. The study attempts to answer the question of whether there are changes in the levels of emotional and behavioral problems in children with ASD after the lockdown and how these new living conditions affect some aspects of their functioning. The instruments used for data analysis are the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST); Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); Survey on the consequences of COVID-19 on the life and development of the participants. No significant differences in the emotional and behavioral state of the participants were found, except for attention deficit/hyperactivity problems where ASD children showed lower levels after the lockdown. ASD group parents' answers to the survey pointed towards more positive consequences of staying at home. Some reported they had more time for learning together, communicating, playing, and assisting the learning process through online therapy. As negatives, the parents of ASD children reported low physical activity, increased time with electronic devices, and time spent with the same people. Caregivers of typically developing children agreed that the lockdown had only negative effects. To conclude, for children with ASD in the study, the lockdown period demonstrated that more time spent with parents in structured everyday activities is an opportunity that can lead to positive results in their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Stankova
- Department of Health Care and Social Work, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria; (T.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Tsveta Kamenski
- Department of Health Care and Social Work, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria; (T.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Polina Mihova
- Department of Health Care and Social Work, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria; (T.K.); (P.M.)
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