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Pisolkar V, Dena I, Green KL, Palmer-Clarke Y, Hinz T, Muhajarine N. See us, hear us! children, adolescents and families in Saskatchewan coping with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2361494. [PMID: 38824661 PMCID: PMC11146264 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2361494] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the lived experiences of children and adolescents coping with mental health issues and seeking mental health services in Saskatchewan during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In our descriptive phenomenological qualitative study, we interviewed forty-six individuals, including children aged 8-15 and their parents. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data. RESULTS Our analysis identified three key themes: pyscho-behavioural impact, academic impact, and social impact. The pandemic adversely affected children due to factors like changes in behaviours such as increased screen time and decreased physical activity, limited access to mental health services, and disruptions to schooling and social interactions. Coping mechanisms varied, ranging from the utilization of available mental health supports and services to individual and family-based strategies. Disparities in timely access to mental health services were evident, with financially stable families accessing private services, while others struggled, particularly in rural areas. Families demonstrated resilience through parental efforts to seek balance and prioritize safety amidst COVID-19 challenges. CONCLUSIONS Social connectedness served as a crucial buffer against pandemic-induced stress. Children faced difficulty in accessing timely mental health services and supports. Echoing participant experiences, our findings emphasize the urgency of targeted interventions and policy adjustments to address existing gaps in mental health service accessibility and availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Pisolkar
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Isabelle Dena
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kathryn L. Green
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Yolanda Palmer-Clarke
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Tamara Hinz
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Nazeem Muhajarine
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Fillon A, Lambert C, Tardieu M, Genin P, Larras B, Melsens P, Bois J, Pereira B, Fearnbach NS, Tremblay A, Duclos M, Thivel D. Impact of the COVID-19 confinement on movement behaviors among French young children: the ONAPS national survey. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2024; 76:478-486. [PMID: 34515438 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.21.06194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study examines the effects of the COVID-19 confinement on health-related behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behaviors) of young French children. METHODS Parents of 348 French children under 6 years of age completed an online survey launched during the first days of the initial COVID-19-related confinement. They were asked to indicate whether their kids increased, decreased or maintained their physical activity level, time spent in sedentary behaviors, and sleep time. Information regarding the configuration of their home environment (access to outdoor facilities, implantation area) and lifestyle habits (solitary activity, parents' solicitation; nap time; night waking episodes and night duration) were also collected. RESULTS A total of 25.0% of the children were reported to decrease, 24.7% maintained and 50.3% increase their physical activity during the confinement. Greater proportions of kids who had access to a collective (51.4%) or individual (53.7%) outdoor area increased their physical activity. Regardless of the housing situation (urban, suburban or rural) or access to outdoor facilities, the majority of children increased their screen time (60.4%). Two-thirds (66.7%) of parents reported nap time remained unchanged for their kids. Fifty-one percent of parents admitted a link between teleworking and their kids' screen time. CONCLUSIONS Health behaviors were differentially impacted in very young kids during a confinement period. Importantly, a majority of parents admitted a causal effect of telecommuting on their kids' screen exposure. The present results also show that the proneness to increase physical activity during confinement is positively related to access to a favorable outdoor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Fillon
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, EA 3533, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Lambert
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michele Tardieu
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pauline Genin
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Benjamin Larras
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Melsens
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Bois
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
- MEPS, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour Tarbes (e2s UPPA), Pau, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Unit of Biostatistics, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Angelo Tremblay
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Duclos
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Unit of Biostatistics, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- UFR Medicine, University Clermont1, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- G. Montpied Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David Thivel
- National Observatory for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors (ONAPS), Clermont-Ferrand, France -
- Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, EA 3533, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Gabet S, Levasseur A, Thierry B, Wasfi R, Kestens Y, Moullec G, Simonelli G. Household and housing determinants of sleep duration during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the COHESION Study. Sleep Health 2024:S2352-7218(24)00115-3. [PMID: 39003102 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced individuals to spend more time at home. We sought to investigate the relationship between housing characteristics and sleep duration in the context of COVID-19. METHODS Our exploratory study was part of the COvid-19: Health and Social Inequities across Neighborhoods (COHESION) Study Phase-1, a pan-Canadian population-based cohort involving nearly 1300 participants, launched in May 2020. Sociodemographic, household and housing characteristics (dwelling type, dissatisfaction, access to outdoor space, family composition, etc.), and self-reported sleep were prospectively collected through COHESION Study follow-ups. We explored the associations between housing and household characteristics and sleep duration using linear regressions, as well as testing for effect modification by income satisfaction and gender. RESULTS Our study sample involved 624 COHESION Study participants aged 50 ± 16years (mean±SD), mainly women (78%), White (86%), and university graduates (64%). The average sleep duration was 7.8 (1.4) hours. Sleep duration was shorter according to the number of children in the household, income dissatisfaction, and type of dwelling in multivariable models. Sleep was short in those without access to a private outdoor space, or only having a balcony/terrace. In stratified analyses, sleep duration was associated with housing conditions dissatisfaction only in those dissatisfied with their income. CONCLUSION Our exploratory study highlights the relationship between housing quality and access to outdoor space, family composition and sleep duration in the context of COVID-19. Our findings also highlight the importance of housing characteristics as sources of observed differences in sleep duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gabet
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, ULR 4483-IMPacts de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé (IMPECS), Lille, France
| | - Anthony Levasseur
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CEAMS), Centre de Recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benoit Thierry
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rania Wasfi
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada/Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yan Kestens
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Grégory Moullec
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, École de Santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CEAMS), Centre de Recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guido Simonelli
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine (CEAMS), Centre de Recherche du Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS-NIM), Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Koç MC, Yıldırım E, Ozdurak Singin RH, Talaghir LG, Iconomescu TM, Karakaş N. Adaptation and Validation of the Post-Pandemic Health Promotion Behavior of Young Adults in the Digital Age (PS-SGD) Scale in the Turkish Population. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1337. [PMID: 38998871 PMCID: PMC11241518 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adulthood is a critical developmental period in which individuals establish life-long health behaviors and take responsibility for their own health care. Health promotion strategies tailored to young adults, leveraging digital tools, and addressing challenges exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic are needed. The aim of this study was to adapt the post-pandemic health promotion behavior of young adults in the digital age (PS-SGD) scale to the Turkish population in order to assess and compare the health behavior of young adults after the pandemic. METHODS A total of 312 participants, aged between 19 and 29 years, were included in the study via non-probabilistic criterion sampling, while the Turkish adaptation process started with translation and back translation methods performed with three language and two health science experts. For statistical analysis, EFA and CFA were conducted to evaluate internal consistency and structural validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to confirm the structure of the six sub-dimensions. Additionally, measurement invariance was examined regarding participants' gender to determine if the scale accurately captured similar traits across diverse groups. The relationship between the test-retest data was tested by Pearson correlation to measure consistency and its invariance over time. RESULTS The gender distribution of the sample was found to be 61.3% female and 38.7% male. According to the results of EFA, items 8 and 18 were removed from the Turkish-adapted version. As a result of the reliability analysis conducted with the Turkish version of the scale, the Cronbach alpha coefficient was obtained as 0.851 for the post-pandemic health promotion behavior. Additionally, the scale was rated as reliable with the following Cronbach alpha values: 0.79 for the "personal hygiene", 0.78 for "dietary habits", 0.72 for "using mobile devices", 0.70 for "emotional health", 0.68 for "health care and physical activity", and 0.51 for "social health" sub-dimensions. To examine the six sub-dimension factor structures of the scale, fit indices were calculated as χ2/df (1.722), GFI (0.894), IFI (0.908), TLI (0.892), CFI (0.907), RMSEA (0.048), and SRMR (0.057) and were within acceptable limits. Findings of the multi-group confirmatory factor analysis for measurement invariance were less than or equal to 0.01 for the ∆CFI and ∆RMSEA values across all indices. Consequently, it was observed that the item-factor structure, factor loadings, variances, covariances, and error variances of the scale were equivalent for both male and female young adults, while test-retest results showed a high positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS The Turkish version of the post-pandemic health promotion behavior scale of young adults in the digital age scale, consisting of 25 items and six subscales, was proven to be a valid and reliable tool to measure health promotion behavior in young adults aged 19-29 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Can Koç
- School of Physical Education and Sports, Istanbul Gelisim University, 34310 Istanbul, Türkiye
- Directorate of Sports Sciences Application and Research Center, Istanbul Gelisim University, 34310 Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Elif Yıldırım
- Department of Statistics and Quality Coordinator, Konya Technical University, 42250 Konya, Türkiye
| | - Rabia Hurrem Ozdurak Singin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, 44000 Malatya, Türkiye
| | | | | | - Neşe Karakaş
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, 44000 Malatya, Türkiye
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Bennett AE. Perspectives of primary school teachers on the capacity of schools to support post-pandemic health needs emerging among school-age children. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13285. [PMID: 38874376 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on capacity building for health promotion in primary schools from the perspectives of primary school teachers. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted via an anonymous online survey between February and May 2022. Three-quarters (n2460) of all schools in the Republic of Ireland were invited to participate. Demographics such as gender, teaching experience, school type and delivering equality of opportunity in schools (DEIS) designation were collected. Perceived capacity for health promotion was measured on a 10-point Likert scale. Facilitators and barriers related to health promotion and aspects of child health prioritised for health promotion in the 2 years after restrictions eased were explored via closed- and open-ended questions. RESULTS Of the 595 responses, 493 were eligible for analysis. Participants were based in schools in every county in the Republic of Ireland, with most (85.4%, n421) being female. Almost a third (30.5%, n150) were 11-20 years post-qualification, and a quarter (25.2%, n124) had over 30 years' teaching experience. Mean capacity for school-based health promotion pre-pandemic was moderate, at 6.6 ± 2.2 on a 10-point scale. Mean capacity in spring 2022 decreased significantly (p < 0.001) to 4.1 ± 2.4, indicating poor capacity. Capacity ratings did not significantly differ by school type (p = 0.31), socioeconomic designation (p = 0.27) or years post-qualification (p = 0.08). Capacity decrements were most frequently (49.7%, n245) attributed to organisational factors, while individual and community-level factors were cited by 27.6% (n136) and 21.5% (n106) of respondents, respectively. Healthy eating significantly (p < 0.001) decreased as a priority for health promotion between pre-pandemic times (76.3%, n376) and spring 2022 (23.1%, n114). Mental health significantly (p < 0.01) increased as a priority, being listed by 38.1% (n188) as a priority pre-pandemic and doubling to 72.6% (n358) in spring 2022. CONCLUSIONS Fostering a holistic approach to health promotion in schools remains a challenge. Further efforts are needed to support schools to implement sustainable and balanced systems of health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie E Bennett
- Unit of Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Park M, Han MA, Park J, Choi SW. Effects of changes in daily life attributed to COVID-19 on allergic diseases among Korean adolescents. J Asthma 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38850521 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2366525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The daily lives of adolescents have changed significantly because of COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the effects of changes in daily life attributed to COVID-19 on allergic diseases among Korean adolescents. METHODS Data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used. In total, 54,848 survey participants were included in the analysis. Allergic diseases included allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Changes attributed to COVID-19 included family economic difficulties, physical activity, breakfast skipping frequency, alcohol consumption, smoking, and depressive moods. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of changes in daily life attributed to COVID-19 on allergic diseases. RESULTS Among the Korean adolescents surveyed, 29.8% experienced a deterioration in their economic status due to COVID-19, 49.1% reported decreased physical activity, 2.8% reported increased alcohol consumption, 1.0% reported an increase in their smoking behavior, and 36.9% reported an increase in depressive moods. Those diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, or asthma within the previous 12 months accounted for 17.1%, 6.2%, and 1.0% of the population, respectively. Adolescents who were significantly affected by COVID-19 in their daily lives were frequently diagnosed with allergic diseases within the last 12 months. CONCLUSION Changes in daily life due to COVID-19, including decreased physical activity and increased depressive mood, were common in adolescents and were associated with an increased prevalence of allergic diseases. Since changes in daily life due to the pandemic may increase the burden of allergic disease, additional interventions for disease management should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miso Park
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Health Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ah Han
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Woo Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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Fairclough SJ, Clifford L, Foweather L, Knowles ZR, Boddy LM, Ashworth E, Tyler R. Move Well, Feel Good: Feasibility and acceptability of a school-based motor competence intervention to promote positive mental health. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303033. [PMID: 38861557 PMCID: PMC11166299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown measures Move Well, Feel Good (MWFG) was developed as a school intervention using improvement of motor competence as a mechanism for promoting positive mental health. Study objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MWFG and to describe changes in child-level outcomes. METHODS Five northwest England primary schools were recruited. MWFG was delivered over 10-weeks through physical education (PE) lessons, which were supplemented by optional class-time, break-time, and home activities. The intervention focused on development of 9-10 year-old children's motor competence in locomotor, object control, and stability skills, and psychosocial skills. Feasibility was evaluated against nine pre-defined criteria using surveys, interviews (teachers), and focus groups (children). Pre- and post-intervention assessments of motor competence, mental health, prosocial behaviour, wellbeing, and 24-hour movement behaviours were also completed. RESULTS The five recruited schools represented 83% of the target number, 108 children consented (54% of target) with teachers recruited in all schools (100% of target). Intervention dose was reflected by 76% of the 45 scheduled PE lessons being delivered, and adherence was strong (>85% of children attending ≥75% of lessons). Positive indicators of acceptability were provided by 86% of children, 83% of PE teachers, and 90% of class teachers. Data collection methods were deemed acceptable by 91% of children and 80% of class teachers, and children spoke positively about participating in the data collection. Child-level outcome data collection was completed by 65%-97% of children, with a 3%-35% attrition rate at post-intervention, depending on measure. Favourable changes in motor competence (+13.7%), mental health difficulties (-8.8%), and prosocial behaviour (+7.6%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS MWFG is an acceptable and feasible motor competence intervention to promote positive mental health. Content and delivery modifications could inform progression to a pilot trial with a more robust design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J. Fairclough
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Sport, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Clifford
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Sport, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence Foweather
- The Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe R. Knowles
- The Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lynne M. Boddy
- The Physical Activity Exchange, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Ashworth
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Tyler
- Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Sport, Physical Activity, Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, United Kingdom
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Orgilés M, Delvecchio E, Francisco R, Mazzeschi C, Godinho C, Pedro M, Espada JP, Morales A. Daily Activities in European Children and Adolescents During COVID-19 School Closure: A Longitudinal Study Exploring Physical Activity, Use of Screens, and Sleep Patterns. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2024; 45:467-482. [PMID: 38564144 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-024-00778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
This longitudinal study aimed to analyze the evolution of patterns of daily activities (physical activity time, screen usage time, and sleep hours) in European youth during school closure due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Participants were 624 caregivers of children and adolescents aged 3-18 from Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Evaluations were online, and four time-points were considered: retrospective measurement of daily activities before confinement (T1), and two (T2), five (T3), and eight (T4) weeks after starting the lockdown. Generally accepted international guidelines on physical activity time, screen usage time, and hours of sleep by age group were used to determine whether the pattern might increase the risk for ill health or not. To estimate the evolution of daily activities, generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used. The percentage of children who practiced less than 60 min of daily exercise increased significantly from before home confinement (47.8%) to T2 (86.4%); it slightly decreased at T3 (79.8%), and remained stable at T4 (76.1%). The percentage of children who made excessive use of screens (according to their age group) significantly increased from T1 to T2 and remained stable and high in the rest of the evaluations. The percentage of children who slept fewer or more hours than recommended for their age group remained stable between T1 and T4, although there was a significant increase at T3. In general, results found unhealthier behaviors as confinement was extended. Results are discussed in order to find strategies for promoting healthy daily activities for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Orgilés
- Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain.
- Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | - Marta Pedro
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Tseng TC, Wang TM, Hsu YC, Hsu CT, Lin YH, Lin MC. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants: a retrospective national cohort study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002493. [PMID: 38823798 PMCID: PMC11149170 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002493] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Premature infants born in 2018 were assigned to the pre-pandemic group, while those born in 2019 were assigned to the during-pandemic group. SETTING Nationwide cohort study. PATIENTS Very low birthweight premature infants registered in the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network database. INTERVENTIONS Anti-epidemic measures, including quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing, the closure of public spaces and restrictions on travel and gatherings during COVID-19 pandemic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes were measured by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition at corrected ages of 6, 12 and 24 months old. Generalised estimating equation (GEE) was applied to incorporate all measurements into a single model. RESULTS Among the 1939 premature infants who were enrolled, 985 developed before the pandemic, while 954 developed during the pandemic. Premature infants whose development occurred during the pandemic exhibited better cognitive composite at the corrected age of 6 months (beta=2.358; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.65; p<0.001), and motor composite at corrected ages of 12 months (beta=1.680; 95% CI, 0.34 to 3.02; p=0.014). GEE analysis showed that infants who had grown during the pandemic achieved higher scores in cognitive composite (beta=1.416; 95% CI, 0.36 to 2.48; p=0.009). CONCLUSION Premature infants in Taiwan who developed during the pandemic showed better neurodevelopment compared with those born before the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Cheng Tseng
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Teh-Ming Wang
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chi Hsu
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ting Hsu
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Lin
- Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Bougmiza I, Selim N. COVID-19 lockdowns weigh heavily on youth: an analysis of the impact on BMI for Age Z scores in children and adolescents. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:209-222. [PMID: 38291903 PMCID: PMC11141597 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad287] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lifestyle and health of children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the lifestyle changes brought about by COVID-19-related school closures and their impact on the Body Mass Index for Age Z (BAZ) scores of governmental school students in Qatar. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2022 targeting students aged 8-15 years. Data on lifestyle behaviors were gathered through telephone interviews with parents of selected students. The BAZ scores before and after school closures that were automatically calculated by the electronic health records system were extracted. RESULTS We completed 1546 interviews. We found a significant increase in unhealthy food categories, a reduction in physical activity and an increase in the screen time over the period of schools' closure. The BAZ increased significantly by 0.30 (95% CI 0.26-0.35). The increase in BAZ scores was significantly higher among male students and the younger age group compared to females and older counterparts, respectively. The student's age group, sex, nationality and change in physical activity were significant predictors of the change in BAZ scores. CONCLUSIONS School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the lifestyle of students in Qatar and resulted in a significant increase in the BAZ scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Matteucci I, Corsi M. Adolescents' attitudes, habits, identity and social support in relation to physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11035. [PMID: 38745043 PMCID: PMC11094044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60548-y] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on adolescents' cognitive processes, behaviors and social support (SS) as they relate to physical activity (PA) before and after the pandemic. The aims of the study were: (1) to investigate the changes in adolescents' engagement in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and examine the changes in PA-related attitudes and behaviors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) to analyze the correlations between the significant changes that were found, PA engagement, and SS. The survey targeted third-year middle school students of Italian nationality, attending male and female mixed classes, residents in urban, periphery and sub-urban areas, living in families with different incomes, and different habits of engaging in PA. A longitudinal study was developed using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered in April-May 2023 to a sample of 952 students aged 11/14 residing in the Marche region in Central Italy. Increasing values were found in the post-COVID-19 phase for all the cognitive processes and attitudes, in particular, those regarding habits (0.66 vs 0.50, + 32%) and identity (0.70 vs 0.55, + 27%) related to PA. Significant correlations were found between these values and VPA engagement and between the values of the same indicators and SS (p < 0.01). The strongest relationship was found with the dimension of identity (r = 0.51; r = 054).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Matteucci
- Department of Communication Sciences, International Studies and Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Mario Corsi
- Department of Communication Sciences, International Studies and Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
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12
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Rahman A, Othman N, Kuddus MA, Hasan MZ. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia: A pilot study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:833-842. [PMID: 38547630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.019] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child malnutrition risk factors are globally recognized, but the specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of child malnutrition, considering socioeconomic burdens and changes in family lifestyles, remains underexplored. This study aims to identify the significance of COVID-19-related factors in relation to the prevalence of child malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia. METHODS Purposive sampling was employed in this pilot study to select the households with under-5 children and, a structured questionnaire was developed to gather data. Chi-squared tests, logistic regression modelling and World Health Organisation AnthroPlus software-based visualization were used for analyses. RESULTS The present study's findings indicate that demographic and social factors, including 'Citizenship,' 'Type of House,' 'Number of Earning Members,' 'Father's Highest Educational Level,' and 'Number of Children in a Family,' have a statistically significant association with Wasting. Additionally, the mother's 'Highest Educational Level' is found to be linked to underweight prevalence. Within COVID-19 factors, "COVID-19 Impact on Employment/Business" demonstrated significance for both stunting and wasting. Multivariate analysis revealed disparities in childhood malnutrition by gender, age, and factors such as "COVID-19 impact on children's physical activity" and "COVID-19 impact on children's decrease in health over the last two weeks." CONCLUSIONS This study identified COVID-19 factors alongside sociodemographic variables with statistically significant relationships impacting childhood malnutrition in Selangor, Malaysia. The results underscored the substantial influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on child malnutrition prevalence. Decision-makers at family and community levels can benefit by considering these factors in their actions. However, the study's limitation lay in its dataset, urging larger-scale analyses to explore further sub-categories of the examined variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizur Rahman
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia.
| | - Nezza Othman
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
| | - Md Abdul Kuddus
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; Department of Mathematics, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zobaer Hasan
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia; School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
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13
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Haegele JA, Sun F, Li C, Ng K, Lee J, Chee Ang SH, Alves MLT, Yang H, Wu Y, Tan JSY, Rintala P, Huang WY, Healy S, Dos Santos Alves I, Schliemann AL, Maeng H, Karna E, Ding D. Environmental Correlates of Physical Activity and Screen-Time in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Seven-Country Observational Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1740-1748. [PMID: 36849839 PMCID: PMC9970125 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05918-7] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional observational study sought to examine the environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-time among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of youth with ASD (n = 1,165) from seven countries/regions provided responses to an online survey form measuring environmental correlates (i.e., physical activity neighborhood environment, social network, social trust and cohesion, bedroom media, social home environment) and outcomes (i.e., physical activity, screen-time). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to determine environmental predictors of the outcomes. Physical activity neighborhood environment (B = 0.15, p = 0.047), social network (B = 0.16, p = 0.02), and social home environment (B = 1.07, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical activity, whereas social trust and cohesion and bedroom media were not. Further, social trust and cohesion (B = -0.14, p = 0.001), bedroom media (B = 0.10, p = 0.001), and social home environment (B = -0.16, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with screen-time while neighborhood environment and social network were not. The identified environmental attributes of physical activity and screen-time behaviors should be targeted for health promotion among youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Haegele
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
- Center for Movement, Health, & Disability, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
| | - Fenghua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, South China Normal University, 51006, Guangzhou, China.
- Adapted Physical Activity + Laboratory, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Kwok Ng
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Finland
- Faculty of Education, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Kinesiology, San José State University, San Jose, USA
| | | | | | - Hannah Yang
- Department of Adapted Physical Education, Baekseok University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Yandan Wu
- School of Physical Education & Sports Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jernice Sing Yee Tan
- School of Sports, Health and Leisure, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pauli Rintala
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Wendy Yajun Huang
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sean Healy
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Hyokju Maeng
- College of Education & Human Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Eija Karna
- School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ding Ding
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Raccanello D, Vicentini G, Rocca E, Hall R, Burro R. Can a web application foster emotional competence in children and adolescents? The case of PandHEMOT®. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:672-695. [PMID: 38035795 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12511] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had many traumatic consequences for the physical and psychological functioning of children and adolescents. Internet-based interventions can reach a large audience and be a potentially powerful resource for promoting well-being among young people. We tested the efficacy of the web application PandHEMOT®, developed ad hoc for increasing knowledge about pandemics, emotions, and emotion regulation. We involved a sample of 147 Italian third and seventh graders. The sample was assigned to an experimental (participating in the training) and a waitlist condition (who participated following a waitlist design). All the participants completed pretest and posttest measures. The intervention was structured into three units. The training took place between November and December 2021. Generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed models revealed that knowledge about pandemics, emotions, emotion regulation, and metacognitive awareness increased for the experimental condition. Moreover, adolescents performed better than children. The findings supported the efficacy of an Internet-based training for increasing children and adolescents' resilience, according to the standards of evidence-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giada Vicentini
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emmanuela Rocca
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rob Hall
- Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Environmetrics, Killara, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roberto Burro
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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15
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Poirier K, Gauvin L, Haddad S, Bélanger RE, Leatherdale ST, Turcotte-Tremblay AM. Evolution of Sleep Duration and Screen Time Between 2018 and 2022 Among Canadian Adolescents: Evidence of Drifts Accompanying the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:980-988. [PMID: 38340126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.023] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We quantified the joint evolution of sleep duration and screen time between 2018 and 2022 in a large sample of adolescents from Quebec, Canada, to ascertain changes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A natural experiment design was used to compare variations from year to year and in association with the pandemic outbreak. Using structural equation modeling on data collected between 2018 and 2022 among adolescents attending 63 high schools, we analyzed the joint evolution of sleep duration and screen time while adjusting for previous year values, concurrent flourishing score, sex, age, and family level of material deprivation. RESULTS A total of 28,307 adolescents, aged on average 14.9 years, were included in the analyses. Between 2019 and 2022, sleep duration increased by 9.6 (5.7, 13.5) minutes and screen time by 129.2 (120.5, 138.0) minutes on average. In 2022, the adolescents spent almost equal amounts of time sleeping and using screens. Lower flourishing scores were associated with shorter sleep duration and lengthier screen time. Girls' screen time became similar to boys' over time. DISCUSSION Adolescents now spend almost equal amounts of time sleeping and using screens, a situation that calls for urgent public health actions. These findings highlight the importance of tracking changes in adolescents' behaviours over time, to design and implement interventions adapted to the changing health needs of different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystel Poirier
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Slim Haddad
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard E Bélanger
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine - Université Laval, Ferdinand Vandry Pavillon, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott T Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
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16
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Kasai A, Shikano A, Tanaka R, Yoshinaga M, Noi S. School-aged children's movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: a cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures and after school reopenings. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1204. [PMID: 38689272 PMCID: PMC11061910 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18712-6] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children's movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health complaints remains inadequately understood. This study compared adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines and the prevalence of subjective health complaints during school closure and one year after reopening. We also examined how combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations relate to subjective health complaints. METHODS A repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two points. The first survey in May 2020 included 1535 (766 boys and 769 girls) participants during school closures, while the second survey from May to July 2021 involved 1125 (583 boys and 542 girls) participants one year after school reopening. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and subjective health complaints. Differences between periods were analysed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models assessed the association between adherence to guidelines and subjective health complaints. RESULTS During school closure, children were more likely to meet 'only sleep' recommendations and have irritability and lethargy symptoms. Irrespective of sex, those adhering to two or all three recommendations (excluding physical activity and screen time) had a lower risk of symptoms related to physical and mental pain, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy as compared to those who met none of the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Children should meet at least one physical activity or screen time recommendation in addition to sleep recommendations for subjective health. Strategies considering the priority of each movement behaviour are crucial, even during abnormal situations, such as pandemic-related social restrictions. This study offers insightful findings concerning children's mental health issues during unprecedented and massive disasters or crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Kasai
- Graduate School of Health and Sport Science, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Shikano
- Research Institute for Children's Physical Health, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanaka
- School of Sport Sciences, Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mari Yoshinaga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Noi
- Research Institute for Children's Physical Health, Nippon Sport Science University, Tokyo, Japan.
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17
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Kim KW, Wallander JL, Wiebe D. Associations among COVID-19 Family Stress, Family Functioning, and Child Health-Related Quality of Life through Lifestyle Behaviors in Children. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:483. [PMID: 38671700 PMCID: PMC11049322 DOI: 10.3390/children11040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lasting effects on children, necessitating a thorough understanding of its impact for effective recovery planning. This study investigated the associations among COVID-19 family stress, family functioning, children's lifestyle behaviors (i.e., healthy food intake, unhealthy food intake, physical activity, and screen time), and their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Data from a 2022 survey of parents with children aged 5 to 12 (mean age of boys: 8.36, mean age of girls: 7.76) in the United States through the online Prolific platform were analyzed using path analysis and gender-based multi-group analysis. The results showed an inverse relationship between family stressors and functioning (β = -0.39, p < 0.05). COVID-19 family stress was negatively related to child physical HRQOL (β = -0.20, p < 0.05) but not psychosocial HRQOL. Family functioning showed a positive relation with child healthy food intake (β = 0.26, p < 0.05) and a negative relation with unhealthy diet consumption (β = -0.27, p < 0.05), while no significant associations were found with child physical activity and screen time. Family functioning was indirectly associated with both types of HRQOL through the child's eating patterns. These relationships were more pronounced for girls. The findings point to a complex interplay between family stress and functioning, dietary habits, and the HRQOL of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly concerning girls' food intake and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay W. Kim
- Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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18
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Prince SA, Dempsey PC, Reed JL, Rubin L, Saunders TJ, Ta J, Tomkinson GR, Merucci K, Lang JJ. The Effect of Sedentary Behaviour on Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 2024; 54:997-1013. [PMID: 38225444 PMCID: PMC11052788 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01986-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important indicator of current and future health. While the impact of habitual physical activity on CRF is well established, the role of sedentary behaviour (SB) remains less understood. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the effect of SB on CRF. METHODS Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus from inception to August 2022. Randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and cohort studies that assessed the relationship between SB and CRF were eligible. Narrative syntheses and meta-analyses summarised the evidence, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) certainty was based on evidence from randomised controlled trials. RESULTS This review included 18 studies that focused on youth (four randomised controlled trials, three quasi-experimental studies, 11 cohort studies) and 24 on adult populations (15 randomised controlled trials, five quasi-experimental studies, four cohort studies). In youth and adults, evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests mixed effects of SB on CRF, but with the potential for interventions to improve CRF. Quasi-experimental and cohort studies also support similar conclusions. Certainty of evidence was very low for both age groups. A meta-analysis of adult randomised controlled trials found that interventions targeting reducing SB, or increasing physical activity and reducing SB, had a significant effect on post-peak oxygen consumption (mean difference = 3.16 mL.kg-1.min-1, 95% confidence interval: 1.76, 4.57). CONCLUSIONS Evidence from randomised controlled trials indicates mixed associations between SB and CRF, with the potential for SB to influence CRF, as supported by meta-analytical findings. Further well-designed trials are warranted to confirm the relationship between SB and CRF, explore the effects of SB independent from higher intensity activity, and investigate the existence of such relationships in paediatric populations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022356218.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Prince
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, 785 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Paddy C Dempsey
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Reed
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Exercise Physiology and Cardiovascular Health Lab, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lukas Rubin
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Science, Humanities and Education, Technical University of Liberec, Liberec, Czech Republic
- Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Travis J Saunders
- Department Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Josephine Ta
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grant R Tomkinson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Justin J Lang
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, 785 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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19
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Jetiyanuwat S, Kawilapat S, Narkpongphun A, Pojanapotha P. Association between Family Functioning, Child Emotional and Behavioral Problems, and Parental Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:270. [PMID: 38667066 PMCID: PMC11047722 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on people of all ages, especially children. This is a cross-sectional study in Thailand to explore the emotional and behavioral problems of school-aged children and associated factors during the lockdown. An online survey was conducted with 942 parents of school-age children. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores showed that total difficulties and all subscale difficulties (hyperactivity, conduct problems, peer problems, and emotional problems) were increased, whereas prosocial behaviors were decreased in the pandemic period. The factors significantly associated with higher parental stress were higher emotional and peer problems after the COVID-19 outbreak, high family difficulty, and sleep problems. Sleep problems were associated with all children's difficulties, except prosocial behavior. High score in family difficulty subscale was associated with increased emotional problems, whereas poor family communication was associated with increased hyperactivity. Appetite change was negatively associated with parental stress and some children's difficulties. Higher household income, family time, physical activities, and recreational activities were associated with a decreased level of some difficulties and family functioning problems, but positively with an increase in the prosocial behavior of children. Additionally, higher screen time was associated with a higher level of hyperactivity, conduct problems, and poor family communication. This study demonstrated that Thai children were at high risk of developing mental health problems during the pandemic lockdown. We suggest that intervention to promote physical activities and reduce screen time is needed. Moreover, efficient monetary policy is urgently required. The limitations here include a recall bias with no baseline to compare and a potential selection bias due to parental selection and a webpage announcement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suttipong Kawilapat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Assawin Narkpongphun
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Pichaya Pojanapotha
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
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20
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Abed Alah M, Abdeen S, Bougmiza I, Selim N. From classrooms to controllers: how school closures shaped children's video gaming habits. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z. [PMID: 38472654 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02635-z] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19-related school closures on screen time and video gaming habits among governmental school students in Qatar and explore the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) within this context. METHODS A cross-sectional approach was employed, spanning two months from June to August 2022. A random sample of students aged 8-15 years was drawn from the national electronic health record system of Qatar. Telephone interviews with parents were conducted to collect data. The Parental Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (PIGDS) was used for IGD assessment. RESULTS Of 428 parents, 257 (60%) confirmed their child's engagement in video gaming during school closures. Participants averaged 11 years in age with 92 (35.8%) females and 165 (64.2%) males. Nationality included 62.6% expatriates and 37.4% Qatari locals. Average weekly screen time increased significantly from 19.7 ± 10.1 h to 31.9 ± 12.6 h during closure (p < 0.001). Video gaming time rose from 8.6 ± 8.6 h to 13.0 ± 12.4 h per week (p < 0.001). The prevalence of IGD was 8.6% (95% CI 5.4-12.7). Male students, expatriates, and those reporting increased video gaming time were more likely to develop IGD than their female and local counterparts. CONCLUSION The observed associations between video gaming increase and IGD highlight the need for focused interventions to address potential risks and promote healthier digital habits among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Abed Alah
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.
- Clinical Effectiveness Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Abdeen
- Community Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Nagah Selim
- Community Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Doha, Qatar
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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21
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Rodrigue C, Rodgers RF, Carbonneau N, Bégin C, Dion J. COVID-19-Related distress, body image, and eating behaviors: a cross-sectional explanatory model. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:117. [PMID: 38431696 PMCID: PMC10908208 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01613-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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents. To better understand these associations, this study tested an explanatory model in which appearance-focused social media use, internalization of social media pressure, and mindfulness abilities mediated the relationship between COVID-related distress and body dissatisfaction, which in turn was associated with dietary restraint and binge eating episodes. METHODS Adolescents (N = 493, Mage= 16.7; 47.5% girls) recruited within high schools completed online measures. We conducted model testing through path analysis in MPlus, using modification indices to derive a well-fitting model. RESULTS The initially hypothesized model was a poor fit for the data. The final well-adjusted model confirmed several significant paths and supported the parallel mediational roles of social media (specifically, the use of appearance-focused social media and internalization of social media pressure) along with mindfulness, on the relationship between COVID-19-related distress and body satisfaction. Model adjustments involved adding three paths, resulting in two additional significant indirect effects, and suppressing one path. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that mindfulness, media use and the internalization of social media pressure are potential key processes explaining body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among adolescents who experienced higher levels of COVID-related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Rodrigue
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351 des Forges Blvd, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Laval University, 2440 Hochelaga Blvd, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- Intersectional Center for Sustainable Health, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, 555 de l'Université Blvd, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada.
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, MA02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noémie Carbonneau
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351 des Forges Blvd, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, 90 Vincent d'Indy, Montreal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - Catherine Bégin
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Laval University, 2440 Hochelaga Blvd, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, 90 Vincent d'Indy, Montreal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Dion
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, 3351 des Forges Blvd, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada
- Intersectional Center for Sustainable Health, University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, 555 de l'Université Blvd, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 2B1, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, 90 Vincent d'Indy, Montreal, QC, H2V 2S9, Canada
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22
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Pombo A, Cordovil R, Rodrigues LP, Moreira AC, Borrego R, Machado M, Costa V, Almeida A, Tavares AS, de Sá CC, Luz C. Effect of Motor Competence and Health-Related Fitness in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024; 95:110-117. [PMID: 36751024 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2022.2158998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: In the last decades we have seen an increase in sedentary behaviors and a decrease in physical activity in children when compared to past generations. This lifestyle is commonly associated with the development of clustering risk factors that define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Knowing that motor competence (MC) development can influence lifelong physical activity habits, it is reasonable to assume that children's MC will directly link to clustered cardiometabolic health outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of MC in MetS risk factors. Methods: Seventy children with a mean age of 7.49 (SD = 1.28) years were evaluated on motor competence (MCA-Motor Competence Assessment instrument), cardiovascular fitness (PACER test), upper body strength (UBS; handgrip), and the components of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting blood glucose. The composite value of MetS was calculated according to Burns et al. (2017). Multiple standard regressions were performed to explore the effect of different variables on MetS. Motor competence and health-related fitness (cardiovascular fitness and relative upper body strength) were used as independent variables (predictors) and MetS as dependent variable. Results: Overall, the results showed that motor competence (β = -.072; p < .05) is a significant predictor and this model explained 7,1% of the variance in MetS. Conclusion: Although more studies are needed, our results indicate that MC seems to have a positive role in children's health markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Pombo
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT)
| | | | - Luis Paulo Rodrigues
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT)
- Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo
- Research Center in Sports Sciences Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Luz
- Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT)
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23
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Bucksch J, Möckel J, Kaman A, Sudeck G. Physical activity of older children and adolescents in Germany - Results of the HBSC study 2022 and trends since 2009/10. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2024; 9:62-78. [PMID: 38559682 PMCID: PMC10977466 DOI: 10.25646/11874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Physical activity is central to health, beginning in childhood and adolescence, and regular monitoring provides important information for strategic decisions on promoting physical activity in Germany. Methods The current survey cycle of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study gives an insight into the prevalence of the indicators daily recommended physical activity, high and low physical activity, and sporting activity among students aged between 11 and 15 for 2022. In addition, the data is compared to the survey cycles of the 2009/10, 2013/14, and 2017/18 school years and analysed over time. Results The results of the current survey cycle show that 10.8 % of girls, 20.9 % of boys, and 12.4 % of gender diverse adolescents fulfil the daily physical activity recommendation. There are also major gender-specific differences for the other indicators. The group of gender diverse adolescents needs to be analysed further. The changes over time between 2009/10 and 2022 are relatively small. While girls' physical activity habits decreased slightly for the various indicators between 2009/10 and 2022, boys' prevalence remained relatively stable over the same period. Conclusions Overall, in part due to the effects of the various COVID-19 lockdowns, the need for effective and population-based measures to promote physical activity in childhood and adolescence remains high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bucksch
- Heidelberg University of Education, Faculty of Natural and Social Sciences, Department of Prevention and Health Promotion
- Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg Centre for Prevention and Health Promotion
| | - Juliane Möckel
- Heidelberg University of Education, Faculty of Natural and Social Sciences, Department of Prevention and Health Promotion
- Heidelberg University of Education, Heidelberg Centre for Prevention and Health Promotion
| | - Anne Kaman
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Child Public Health Research Section
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Institute of Sports Science
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Interfaculty Research Institute for Sport and Physical Activity
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24
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Larouche R, Bélanger M, Brussoni M, Faulkner G, Gunnell K, Tremblay MS. Correlates of Active School Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Canadian 7- to 12-Year-Olds: A National Study. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:294-306. [PMID: 38171354 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0243] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Active school transportation (AST) is an important source of physical activity for children and a potentially important climate change mitigation strategy. However, few studies have examined factors associated with AST in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We used baseline data from a longitudinal survey to investigate correlates of AST during the second wave of COVID-19 (December 2020). We collected survey data from 2291 parents of 7- to 12-year-olds across Canada and linked this information with data on neighborhood walkability and weather from national databases. We assessed potential correlates representing multiple levels of influence of the social-ecological model. We used gender-stratified binary logistic regression models to determine the correlates of children's travel mode to/from school (dichotomized as active vs motorized), while controlling for household income. We examined the correlates of travel mode for both the morning and afternoon trips. RESULTS Consistent correlates of AST among Canadian children during the COVID-19 pandemic included greater independent mobility, warmer outdoor temperature, having a parent who actively commuted to work or school, living in a household owning fewer vehicles, and living in a more walkable neighborhood. These findings were largely consistent between boys and girls and between morning and afternoon school trips. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers, urban planners, and public health workers aiming to promote AST should focus on these correlates while ensuring that neighborhoods are safe for children. Future research should monitor the prevalence and correlates of AST as COVID-19 restrictions are removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Larouche
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Mathieu Bélanger
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, NB, Canada
| | - Mariana Brussoni
- Human Early Learning Partnership, Department of Pediatrics, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katie Gunnell
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark S Tremblay
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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25
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Oh J, Kim M, Rhee SY, Rahmati M, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Kim MS, Fond G, Boyer L, Kim S, Shin JI, Yon DK. National Trends in the Prevalence of Screen Time and Its Association With Biopsychosocial Risk Factors Among Korean Adolescents, 2008-2021. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:504-513. [PMID: 38085201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.021] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prior studies suggested an increase in screen time among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, due to limited sample size and a short-term observation period, these associations are inconclusive and inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to compare screen time during the pandemic and the long-term trend through a Korean large-scale and long-term study of one million adolescents. METHODS Data from 2008 to 2021 on 913,191 Korean adolescents aged 12-18 years were obtained via a nationwide, large-scale, and serial study. We investigated the change of screen time use over time and the change in trend before and during the pandemic (2008-2019 vs. 2020-2021) by using weighted linear regression model with estimates of β-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, we analyzed the differences in vulnerability of biopsychosocial factor before and during the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 913,191 adolescents were included in this analysis. During the pandemic, the overall screen time of Korean adolescents significantly increased compared to the expected based on the prepandemic period during the pre-COVID-19 period (weighted screen time before the pandemic [133.24 min/day; 95% CI, 132.08-134.40] vs. during the pandemic [303.66 min/day; 95% CI, 300.59-306.73]; βdiff 0.331; 95% CI, 0.311-0.351). Comparing before and during the pandemic, potential risk factors associated with screen exposure included female sex, sadness, suicidal thoughts, alcohol consumption, low educational level of parents, low level of vigorous physical activity, middle school students, and low household income. DISCUSSION Through large-scale nationwide study, this study described the 14-year trend of screen time among Korean adolescents. In the era of COVID-19, the prevalence of screen exposure has been increasing more rapidly than before at the population level. Also, the pandemic amplified the differences in screen time across grade, sex, sadness, suicidal thoughts, smoking, alcohol consumption, education level of parents, physical activity, and household income groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Oh
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran; Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-E-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Medical and Population Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Guillaume Fond
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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26
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Rhodes RE, Hollman H, Sui W. Family-based physical activity interventions and family functioning: A systematic review. FAMILY PROCESS 2024; 63:392-413. [PMID: 36748347 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Family physical activity (PA) can confer multiple health benefits, yet whether PA interventions affect general family functioning has not been appraised. The purpose of this review was to evaluate studies that have examined the effect of family PA interventions, where child PA was the focus of the intervention, on constructs of family functioning. Literature searches were concluded on January 11, 2022 using seven common databases. Eligible studies were in English, utilized a family PA intervention, and assessed a measure of family functioning as a study outcome. The initial search yielded 8413 hits, which was reduced to 20 independent PA interventions of mixed quality after screening for eligibility criteria. There was mixed evidence for whether family PA interventions affected overall family functioning; however, analyses of subdomains indicated that family cohesion is improved by PA interventions when children are in the early school years (aged 5-12). High-quality studies also showed an impact of family PA interventions on family organization. Targeted interventions at specific family subsystems (e.g., father-son, mother-daughter), characteristics (low-income, clinical populations, girls), and broad multibehavioral interventions may have the most reliable effects. Overall, the findings show that family PA interventions can promote family cohesion and organization, particularly among families with children in the early school years. Higher quality research, employing randomized trial designs and targeting specific intervention and sample characteristics (e.g., different clinical conditions, specific parent-child dyads), is recommended in order to better ascertain the effectiveness of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Rhodes
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Wuyou Sui
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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27
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Saunders T, Colley RC. Regional trends in the moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and screen time of Canadians before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16913. [PMID: 38436001 PMCID: PMC10909361 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health approaches and disease-transmission varied widely across Canadian regions. This may have led to different trajectories for moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and screen time during this period. The purpose of this investigation was to describe age- and gender-specific regional trends in MVPA and screen time for Canadian youth (ages 12-17 years) and adults (ages 18+) from 2018 to 2021. Methods Data was collected using the Canadian Community Health Survey, which includes representative data for 5 distinct regions: Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, the Prairie Provinces, and British Columbia (BC). Participants aged 12+ in each region self-reported their total daily screen time, as well as MVPA in 5 domains: overall, recreational, school, occupational/household and active transportation. Results were compared for 2018 (pre-pandemic), January-March of 2020, September-December of 2020, and 2021 using repeated measures t-tests. Results Among youth, all regions except for Atlantic Canada and BC experienced significant reductions in the proportion of youth meeting MVPA recommendations in the fall of 2020 (all p < 0.001), although these had returned to baseline for all regions except Ontario by 2021. Trends varied across regions among adults aged 18-64 years. In Québec, there was 7-percentage point reduction in the proportion of males meeting the MVPA recommendations in the fall of 2020 compared to 2018, while there was a 4-percentage point increase among females in 2021 (all p < 0.05). In Ontario and the Prairie provinces, males saw a 4-percentage point decrease in activity recommendation adherence in 2021, when compared to 2018 (p < 005). There were no other significant differences for any region when comparing the fall of 2020 or 2021 with 2018 (all p > 0.05). Among adults aged 65+ years, significant increases in MVPA were observed in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies in the fall of 2020, and in Atlantic Canada, Québec and the Prairies in 2021 (all p < 0.05). With limited exceptions, self-reported screen time increased significantly across regions and age groups for both males and females (all p < 0.05). Conclusions MVPA levels of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic varied both by region and age group. Self-reported MVPA of Canadian youth dropped in most regions in the fall of 2020, before returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Activity levels of Canadians aged 18-64 years were relatively stable during the pandemic and increased for Canadians aged 65+ in most regions. Differences in trajectories across genders observed at the national level were often less apparent in individual regions. Recreational screen use increased across all regions, ages and genders with very few exceptions. These results highlight the differences and similarities in activity and screen time trajectories across the Canadian population and suggest the need for additional research to identify best practices for promoting healthy movement behaviours during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Saunders
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Rachel C. Colley
- Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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28
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Teuber M, Leyhr D, Sudeck G. Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students: a longitudinal study on daily level. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:598. [PMID: 38402396 PMCID: PMC10893600 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18082-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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity has been proven to be beneficial for physical and psychological health as well as for academic achievement. However, especially university students are insufficiently physically active because of difficulties in time management regarding study, work, and social demands. As they are at a crucial life stage, it is of interest how physical activity affects university students' stress load and recovery as well as their academic performance. METHODS Student´s behavior during home studying in times of COVID-19 was examined longitudinally on a daily basis during a ten-day study period (N = 57, aged M = 23.5 years, SD = 2.8, studying between the 1st to 13th semester (M = 5.8, SD = 4.1)). Two-level regression models were conducted to predict daily variations in stress load, recovery and perceived academic performance depending on leisure-time physical activity and short physical activity breaks during studying periods. Parameters of the individual home studying behavior were also taken into account as covariates. RESULTS While physical activity breaks only positively affect stress load (functional stress b = 0.032, p < 0.01) and perceived academic performance (b = 0.121, p < 0.001), leisure-time physical activity affects parameters of stress load (functional stress: b = 0.003, p < 0.001, dysfunctional stress: b = -0.002, p < 0.01), recovery experience (b = -0.003, p < 0.001) and perceived academic performance (b = 0.012, p < 0.001). Home study behavior regarding the number of breaks and longest stretch of time also shows associations with recovery experience and perceived academic performance. CONCLUSIONS Study results confirm the importance of different physical activities for university students` stress load, recovery experience and perceived academic performance in home studying periods. Universities should promote physical activity to keep their students healthy and capable of performing well in academic study: On the one hand, they can offer opportunities to be physically active in leisure time. On the other hand, they can support physical activity breaks during the learning process and in the immediate location of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Teuber
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Daniel Leyhr
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Methods Center, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Research Institute for Sports and Physical Activity, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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29
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Huang Y, Qiu K, Li Y, Wang H, Zhang M. Temporal trend of anisometropia incidence in Chinese school-aged children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1322402. [PMID: 38410753 PMCID: PMC10894982 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1322402] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze and compare the temporal trends in the incidence of anisometropia among Chinese school-aged children both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the incidence of anisometropia. Methods We conducted a retrospective study comprising six distinct and independent longitudinal cohorts, each including children aged 6 to 13 years who visited the Joint Shantou International Eye Center between January 2010 and December 2021. Children were grouped into cohorts based on the year of their first eye clinic visit: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, or 2020. Only children without anisometropia at initial visits, followed for 18 ± 6 months, were included. The cumulative incidence and risk factors of anisometropia were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, age groups, initial refractive error status, and initial interocular SE difference. Anisometropic children were further categorized into myopic and non-myopic, with subsequent subgroup analyses conducted. Results Of 11,235 children were recruited from six cohorts (2010: n = 1,366; 2012: n = 1,708; 2014: n = 1,896; 2016: n = 2,354; 2018: n = 2,514; 2020: n = 1,397), 869 children developed anisometropia during a mean follow-up of 17.5 ± 3.7 months. After adjustment of confounding factors, we found that the risk of anisometropia remained relatively stable before 2020 but significantly increased in the 2020 cohort (adjusted HR 2.93, 95% CI 2.23 to 3.86; p < 0.001). This trend persisted in studies of spherical anisometropia (adjusted HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.97; p < 0.001) and cylindrical anisometropia (adjusted HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.62; p < 0.001). Older age and a greater initial difference in SE between the two eyes were also significantly associated with a higher risk of developing anisometropia (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses consistently showed increased risk in the 2020 cohort. Conclusion This study reveals a concerning rise in anisometropia incidence among Chinese school-aged children during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the worrisome rise in anisometropia risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasize the importance of early detection and management to safeguard children's visual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Kunliang Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yuancun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hongxi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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30
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Friel CP, Diaz KM, Rupp K. Physical Activity, Sleep, and Screen Time in Children and Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of the 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:197-204. [PMID: 37879670 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231210389] [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: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine whether engagement in health behaviors changed from pre-pandemic (2019) to during the pandemic (2020). METHODS The combined 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) was used to inform this study. The NSCH is an annual survey designed to provide national estimates of key indicators of childhood health and well-being. Physical activity (number of days/week with >60 min of activity), screen-time (hours/day of TV viewing and computer use), and sleep (hours/day) were assessed by parental report. Adjusted binomial and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the association between survey year and health behaviors. RESULTS Children and adolescents were 36% more likely to be physically inactive in 2020 compared to 2019. Additionally, children and adolescents were 14% more likely to meet sleep guidelines and 39% less likely to meet screen-time guidelines in 2020 compared to 2019, independent of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and poverty level. Children (6-13 year) and adolescents (14-17 years) were 10% and 15% less likely to get below the recommended amount of sleep in 2020 compared to 2019, respectively. CONCLUSION Prevalence of meeting sleep guidelines increased among children and adolescents in 2020 but decreased for physical activity and screen-time. Initiatives targeting activity and screen-time may be urgently needed. Whether rates of these health behaviors return to pre-pandemic levels over the next few years should be closely assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciarán P Friel
- Institute of Health System Science, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith M Diaz
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristie Rupp
- Department of Health and Movement Sciences, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Weigelt A, Schöffl I, Rottermann K, Wällisch W, Müller SK, Dittrich S, Hübner MJ. Sports despite masks: no negative effects of FFP2 face masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in children. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:639-648. [PMID: 37950791 PMCID: PMC10912408 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Face masks were recognized as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in adults. These benefits were extended to children and adolescents. However, the fear of negative consequences from wearing a face mask during physical exercise led to cancellations of physical education lessons. This further decreased the amount of physical activity available to children and adolescents during the pandemic. However, there is little published data on the potential adverse effects of wearing the most effective and partially mandatory FFP2/N95 face masks during PE or physical activity (PA) in this age. Even though the pandemic has been declared as passed by the WHO, the rise of a new pandemic and thus the use of face masks for limiting its spread is inevitable, so we need to be better prepared for alternative options to lockdown and limitation of PA in such a scenario. Twenty healthy children aged 8-10 years performed two identical cardiopulmonary exercise tests as an incremental step test on a treadmill within an interval of 2 weeks, one time without wearing a protective mask and one time wearing an FFP2 mask. The cardiopulmonary exercise parameter and especially the end-expiratory gas exchange for oxygen and carbon dioxide (petO2 and petCO2) were documented for each step, at rest and 1 min after reaching physical exhaustion. Twelve boys (mean age 8.5 ± 1.4 years) and 8 girls (mean age 8.8 ± 1.4 years) showed no adverse events until maximal exertion. The mean parameters measured at peak exercise did not differ significantly between both examinations (mean peak VO2 = 42.7 ± 9.5 vs 47.8 ± 12.9 ml/min/kg, p = 0.097, mean O2pulse 7.84 ± 1.9 ml/min vs. 6.89 ± 1.8, p = 0.064, mean VE/VCO2slope 33.4 ± 5.9 vs. 34.0 ± 5.3, p = 0.689). The only significant difference was the respiratory exchange rate (RER, 1.01 ± 0.08 vs 0.95 ± 0.08, p = 0.004). The measured respiratory gases (end-tidal O2 and CO2) decreased and respectively increased significantly in almost every step when wearing an FFP2 mask. However, these levels were well below hypercapnia and above hypoxia. CONCLUSION In this study, no significant differences in the cardiorespiratory function at peak exercise could be discerned when wearing an FFP2/N95 face mask. While the end-tidal values for CO2 increased significantly and the end-tidal values for O2 decreased significantly, these values did never reach levels of hypercapnia or hypoxia. Furthermore, the children terminated the exercise at a lower RER and heart rate (HR) suggesting a subconscious awareness of the higher strain. Since the detrimental effects of limiting sports during the pandemic are well documented, stopping PE lessons altogether because of the minor physiological effects of wearing these masks instead of simply stopping pushing children to perform at their best seems premature and should be reconsidered in the future. WHAT IS KNOWN • Wearing a face mask has an influence on psychological, social, and physiological functions in adults. • Because of the observed effects of wearing face masks in adults, physical activity in children was limited during the pandemic. WHAT IS NEW • Wearing an FFP2/N95 mask during physical activity did not lead to hypercapnia or hypoxia in children in this study. • Even though end-tidal CO2 values were significantly higher and end-tidal O2 values significantly lower when wearing an FFP2/N95 face mask, no pathological values were reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Weigelt
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Isabelle Schöffl
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, LS13HE Leeds, UK
| | - Kathrin Rottermann
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wällisch
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sarina Katrin Müller
- Department of Otholaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstraße 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Dittrich
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Jens Hübner
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Zahry NR, Ling J, Robbins LB. Mental health and lifestyle behavior changes during COVID-19 among families living in poverty: A descriptive phenomenological study. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2024; 37:e12447. [PMID: 38404002 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12447] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM Families living in poverty may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The current study focuses on caregivers of preschoolers aged 3-5 years old who lived in poverty to explore how COVID-19 affected mental health and lifestyle behaviors and what coping strategies were helpful for dealing with challenges induced by COVID-19. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using individual semi-structured interviews with 17 caregivers. FINDINGS Both caregivers and preschoolers experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and reported unhealthy eating habits and excessive screen time. Physical activity increased in preschoolers, but declined among caregivers during COVID-19. Caregivers' coping strategies included taking short walks, seeking professional and social support, and praying; avoidant caregiver coping strategies including eating when stressed and increased screen time. CONCLUSIONS Future interventions are warranted to empower caregivers who live in poverty with the skills needed to maintain optimal physical and mental health, as well as assisting them to cope with challenges that may continue post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwan R Zahry
- Department of Communication, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jiying Ling
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Lorraine B Robbins
- Michigan State University College of Nursing, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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McQuillan K, Yoshida-Montezuma Y, Jambon M, Vanderloo LM, Gonzalez A, Anderson LN. Physical activity and unexpected weight change in Ontario children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis of the Ontario Parent Survey 2. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292934. [PMID: 38300964 PMCID: PMC10833564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between children's parent-reported physical activity levels and weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and youth in Ontario Canada. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in parents of children 5-17 years living in Ontario from May to July 2021. Parents recalled their child's physical activity and weight change during the year prior to their completion of the survey. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for the association between physical activity and weight gain or loss, adjusted for child age and gender, parent ethnicity, current housing type, method of school delivery, and financial stability. Overall, 86.8% of children did not obtain 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day and 75.4% of parents were somewhat or very concerned about their child's physical activity levels. For all physical activity exposures (outdoor play, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), lower physical activity was consistently associated with increased odds of weight gain or loss. For example, the adjusted OR for the association between 0-1 days of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity versus 6-7 days and child weight gain was 5.81 (95% CI 4.47, 7.56). Parent concern about their child's physical activity was also strongly associated with child weight gain (OR 7.29; 95% CI 5.94, 8.94). No differences were observed between boys and girls. This study concludes that a high proportion of children in Ontario had low physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and that low physical activity was strongly associated with parent reports of both weight gain and loss among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn McQuillan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulika Yoshida-Montezuma
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Jambon
- Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh M. Vanderloo
- ParticipACTION, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura N. Anderson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Adams EK, Murray K, Trost SG, Christian H. Longitudinal effects of dog ownership, dog acquisition, and dog loss on children's movement behaviours: findings from the PLAYCE cohort study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:7. [PMID: 38287372 PMCID: PMC10826268 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01544-9] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regular physical activity is important for children's physical and mental health, yet many children do not achieve recommended amounts of physical activity. Dog ownership has been associated with increased physical activity in children, however, there have been no longitudinal studies examining this relationship. This study used data from the Play Spaces and Environments for Children's Physical Activity (PLAYCE) cohort study to examine the longitudinal effects of dog ownership status on children's movement behaviours. METHODS Change in dog ownership from preschool (wave 1, age 2-5) to fulltime school (wave 2, age 5-7) was used as a natural experiment with four distinct dog ownership groups: continuing non-dog owners (n = 307), continuing dog owners (n = 204), dog acquired (n = 58), and dog loss (n = 31; total n = 600). Daily movement behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary time, sleep, and screen time, were measured using accelerometry and parent-report surveys. Differences between groups over time and by sex were tested using linear mixed effects regression models. RESULTS Girls who acquired a dog increased their light intensity activities and games by 52.0 min/day (95%CI 7.9, 96.0) and girls who lost a dog decreased their light intensity activities and games by 62.1 min/day (95%CI -119.3, -4.9) compared to no change among non-dog owners. Girls and boys who acquired a dog increased their unstructured physical activity by 6.8 (95%CI 3.2, 10.3) and 7.1 (95%CI 3.9, 10.3) occasions/week, compared to no changes among non-dog owners. Girls and boys who lost a dog reduced their unstructured physical activity by 10.2 (95%CI -15.0, -5.3) and 7.7 (95%CI -12.0, -3.5) occasions/week. Girls who lost a dog decreased their total physical activity by 46.3 min/day (95%CI -107.5, 14.8) compared to no change among non-dog owners. Continuing dog ownership was typically not associated with movement behaviours. Dog ownership group was not associated with changes in sleep and had mixed associations with screen time. CONCLUSION The positive influence of dog ownership on children's physical activity begins in early childhood and differs by child sex. Further research should examine the specific contributions dog-facilitated physical activity makes to children's overall physical activity, including the intensity and duration of dog walking and play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Adams
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | - Kevin Murray
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Stewart G Trost
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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Stephen A, Douglas M, Ngmenkpieo F, Amenuvegbe GK, Adoma PO, Emmanuel M. Challenges associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related self-quarantine in Ghana: lessons for future self-quarantine interventions. Pan Afr Med J 2024; 47:5. [PMID: 38371652 PMCID: PMC10870165 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.5.41064] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction self-quarantine was one of the key public health interventions in halting the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ghana. Despite its success, self-quarantine was bridled with challenges across the country, including in the Eastern Region. Consequently, it was pertinent to ascertain these challenges to inform future self-quarantine interventions in the region and the country. The study aimed to ascertain challenges faced by COVID-19 self-quarantined persons in the Eastern Region of Ghana to inform future policies on self-quarantine in the region and the country in general. Methods thirty-five (35) participants were interviewed in both Twi and English. Following the thematic content analysis approach, Atlas. ti software was used to analyse the data. Relevant quotes were extracted from the transcripts to back the various sub-themes in presenting the results. Results three global themes emerged from the analyses: socio-economic challenges of self-quarantine (lack of access to essential goods and services, loss of income, and poor housing conditions), health-related challenges (sedentary lifestyle, non-supply of essential personal protective equipment such as face masks, development of oedema and weight gain), and psychological challenges (loneliness, boredom, and anxiety). Conclusion COVID-19-related challenges self-quarantined persons faced in the Eastern Region of Ghana were multifaceted, ranging from socio-economic, and health to psychological ones. Consequently, emergency preparedness for future pandemic control using self-quarantine as a tool should bring on board various stakeholders to ensure challenges identified in this study are holistically addressed and do not recur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaman Stephen
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Mbuyiselo Douglas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | - Frederick Ngmenkpieo
- Department of Educational Foundations, School of Education and Lifelong Learning, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Gregory Kofi Amenuvegbe
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Prince Owusu Adoma
- Department of Health Administration and Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Manu Emmanuel
- Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
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Kopp PM, Möhler E, Gröpel P. Physical activity and mental health in school-aged children: a prospective two-wave study during the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:4. [PMID: 38172986 PMCID: PMC10765890 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00695-8] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because physical activity (PA) has many benefits for children's and adolescents' mental health, it has been suggested that PA may be an effective strategy to physically and mentally recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This study tested the reciprocal relationship between PA and mental health during the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. It was hypothesized that mental health during the pandemic would determine how much children and adolescents re-engage in PA after easing the restrictions. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that PA engagement would predict mental health improvement after the pandemic. METHODS This was a prospective study with two measurement occasions. Pretest data collection was undertaken in February 2022, shortly before German authorities eased and lifted the COVID-19 restrictions. The follow-up (posttest) occurred six weeks later (April 2022). Both times, a sample of elementary and grammar school students aged 6 to 18 years (N = 170) reported their mental health problems and health-related quality of life. Mental health problems were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and health-related quality of life was assessed with the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire. PA was measured continuously during the study period using smart electronic devices with a built-in pedometer. RESULTS PA gradually increased after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions (p < .001). This increase was unrelated to pretest mental health problems and health-related quality of life except for emotional symptoms (p = .041). Participants with higher emotional symptoms showed a sharper increase in PA towards the end of the study period. Furthermore, hyperactivity decreased (p = .004) and physical well-being (p = .004), perceived autonomy (p < .001), and perceived quality of school environment (p = .008) improved from before to after the easing of restrictions, yet participants' PA predicted none of these changes. CONCLUSIONS The adverse effects of COVID-19 containment on PA seem to alleviate after children and adolescents are allowed to return to schools. This is likely to be due to the school setting, which provides many different opportunities for formal and informal PA rather than students' mental health. School-related PA programs should be part of children's and adolescents' recovery from the pandemic .
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M Kopp
- Saarland University Hospital (UKS), Homburg, Germany.
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Hospital (UKS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Eva Möhler
- Saarland University Hospital (UKS), Homburg, Germany
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Hospital (UKS), Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Peter Gröpel
- University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Sport Psychology, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Tami SH, Khan S, Bano R. Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Curfew Restrictions on the Body Mass Index and Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors of Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e52669. [PMID: 38384642 PMCID: PMC10880872 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the current study was to assess the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) curfew restrictions on the body mass index (BMI) and dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire in Saudi Arabia in May and June 2020, during the curfew restriction period. The questionnaire included three sections with questions regarding sociodemographic data, dietary behaviors, and moderate and vigorous activities. RESULTS A total of 504 Saudi adults participated in this study. Even though there were no significant differences in the BMI status before and during COVID-19 curfew restrictions, the percentage of overweight participants slightly increased during the period of COVID-19 curfew restrictions. The frequency of intake of fruits and beverages were significantly increased (p<0.05), whereas the consumption of meat and fish, bread and cereals, and sandwiches and burgers showed a significant reduction (p=0.001). Although the overall percentage of participants engaged in moderate physical activities increased during curfew restrictions, there was a reduction in vigorous physical activities. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated changes in BMI and dietary and physical activity behaviors due to the COVID-19 curfew restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan H Tami
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
| | - Sabiha Khan
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji National University, Suva, FJI
| | - Rafia Bano
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU
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Szpunar M, Bourke M, Vanderloo LM, Bruijns BA, Truelove S, Burke SM, Gilliland J, Irwin JD, Tucker P. Association Between Children's and Parents' Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Lagged Analysis. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:68-76. [PMID: 37922891 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0356] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused closures of movement supporting environments such as gyms and schools in Canada. This study evaluated the association between Ontario parents' and children's physical activity levels across time during COVID-19, controlling for variables that were identified as significant predictors of children's and parents' physical activity (e.g., children's age, parents' employment status). METHODS Parents (n = 243; mean age = 38.8 y) of children aged 12 and under (n = 408; mean age = 6.3 y) living in Ontario, Canada completed 2 online surveys, the first between August and December 2020 and the second between August and December 2021. At baseline, parents were asked to recall prepandemic physical activity levels. To determine the association between parent and child physical activity during COVID-19, a cross-lagged model was estimated to determine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parents' and children's physical activity across time. RESULTS Bivariate associations revealed that parents' and children's physical activity levels were significantly related during lockdown and postlockdown but not prelockdown. The autoregressive paths from prelockdown to during lockdown were significant for children (β = 0.53, P < .001) and parents (β = 1.058, P < .001) as were the autoregressive paths from during lockdown to postlockdown for children (β = 0.61, P < .001) and parents (β = 0.48, P < .001). In fully adjusted models, the cross-lagged association between parents' physical activity prelockdowns was significantly positively associated with their children's physical activity during lockdowns (β = 0.19, P = .013). CONCLUSIONS Resources are needed to ensure that children and parents are obtaining sufficient levels of physical activity, particularly during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szpunar
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew Bourke
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- ParticipACTION, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brianne A Bruijns
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Truelove
- Member Interest Groups Section, Professional Development and Practice Support, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Shauna M Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Kolit Z, Temizkan E, Kara ÖK, Kara K, Şahin S. Occupational performance and participation in children with developmental coordination disorders before and during Covid-19. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13216. [PMID: 38100218 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13216] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children's occupational performance and participation. It is known that the Covid pandemic has adversely affected the whole world in many areas. We aim to investigate the occupational performance and participation of children with DCD before and during the COVID-19. METHODS Sixty-five children aged 5-12 years included in the study were assessed by the Canadian Measure of Occupational Performance and the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were detected in occupational performance and satisfaction scores (p < 0.01). Additionally, except for 'involvement in the home environment' (p > 0.05), there were statistically significant differences in all other areas of participation (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The occupational performance and participation of children with DCD are impacted during COVID-19. In addition, it is seen that the desire of families to change regarding participation has increased due to COVID-19. It would be beneficial to include strategies to improve these areas in the rehabilitation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Kolit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ege Temizkan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özgün Kaya Kara
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Koray Kara
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Sedef Şahin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Wiciak MT, Shazley O, Santhosh D. Social Media Behaviors and Lifestyle Changes in Young Adults (Ages 18-28 years) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis From an International Cross-Sectional Study. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241228117. [PMID: 38291923 PMCID: PMC10832443 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241228117] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screen time (ST), mainly social media (SM), has increased during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, impacting mental and physical health. This study aims to analyze SM use in young adults ages 18 to 28 years and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 to provide a baseline on pandemic habits in the younger population. METHODS An international cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021. Participants responded about their SM behavior, and activities they noticed they did less and more during COVID-19. A total of 183 responses were analyzed. RESULTS The top reason respondents increased SM was for entertainment. Many respondents increased ST, physical activity (PA), and sleeping habits during COVID-19, while many decreased socialization, PA, and going outdoors. PA had mixed results among participants, indicating some increased PA and some decreased. Evidence suggests that timing of quarantining during the pandemic significantly influenced variables, like ST (P = .004) and socialization (P = .037). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Respondents generally noticed increased SM use for various reasons, including socialization, potentially explaining why respondents feel they socialize less. ST use increased; some people reported increased PA while others reported a decrease. Altogether, this provides vital context on young adults' SM and lifestyle habits, highlighting potential areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Omar Shazley
- Saint James School of Medicine, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
| | - Daphne Santhosh
- Saint James School of Medicine, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies
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Song YY, Xu L, Liu D, Feng M, Yang C, Jiang Y, Wu Y. Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Their Associated Factors Among Chinese Residents After the Lifting of the Dynamic Zero-COVID Policy: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:5921-5934. [PMID: 38106974 PMCID: PMC10725747 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s442093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose China lifted its strict zero-Covid approach on December 7, 2022. This study aimed to investigate depression and anxiety symptoms and their associations among Chinese residents after the change in public policy. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 925 Chinese residents (726 females and 199 males) was recruited using convenience and snowball sampling approach between 16 and 25 December 2022. Participants completed online questionnaires on basic information, depression, anxiety, COVID-19 related perceptions, and protective behaviors change. Results Mild and moderate-to-severe depression symptoms were reported by 35.6% and 19.1% of participants, respectively. Nearly 40% of participants reported mild anxiety and 18.7% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety. Results from multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender, younger age, the presence of chronic disease, poorer self-rated mental health status, perceived impact, and worry were risk factors for both depression and anxiety, while higher education and protective behaviors change were protective factors. Besides, living with or caring for children (4-6 years), family members or other housemates currently with influenza-like symptoms, and perceived severity were also risk factors for depression. Conclusion Our findings provided initial evidence that Chinese residents may face heightened depression and anxiety during the early stage after the policy was released. Furthermore, we identified some vulnerable populations in need of prioritizing mental health assistance and some potentially modifiable factors associated with depression and anxiety, which provides an important guide for developing timely and effective psychological interventions and preparing for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Nursing/Evidence-Based Nursing Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China
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Paterson D, Beauchamp MR, Masse LC, Moore SA, Faulkner G. "I'm going to change the WIFI password if you don't go outside!": a qualitative examination of changes in parenting practices over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1270516. [PMID: 38192375 PMCID: PMC10773578 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1270516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parenting practices are an important influence on the movement behaviours of children. Parenting practices are shaped by various contextual factors (e.g., culture, sociodemographic, community) and are susceptible to external pressures, such as health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Situated within the revised Family Ecological Model, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore changes in parenting practices over time in relation to the evolving nature of this global event. Methods One-on-one semi-structured interviews with 40 parents of children (aged 7-11) in three Canadian provinces were conducted in August, 2021. A narrative thematic analysis was conducted to develop themes mapping changes in parenting practices and organize the temporal patterns of these changes into shared case trajectories over time. Results Four themes were constructed to highlight changes in parenting practices: (1) Screen time permissiveness, (2) Force and coercion, (3) Agents of unstructured physical activity, and (4) Stepping back from structured physical activity. These themes were organized into three distinct case trajectories that each represent a shared, chronological narrative for how the first 18 months of the pandemic were broadly experienced by parents. The three trajectories were characterized by: (1) Resilience (2) Enduring impact and (3) Adaptive growth. Discussion Parenting practices were changed in response to circumstances in both temporary and enduring manners that may continue beyond the pandemic. Further research is needed to longitudinally assess these trajectories in order to support families and enhance understanding of parenting practices in challenging circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Paterson
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark R. Beauchamp
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Louise C. Masse
- School of Population Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah A. Moore
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Gliga T, Hendry A, Kong SP, Ewing B, Davies C, McGillion M, Gonzalez‐Gomez N. More frequent naps are associated with lower cognitive development in a cohort of 8-38-month-old children, during the Covid-19 pandemic. JCPP ADVANCES 2023; 3:e12190. [PMID: 38054058 PMCID: PMC10694540 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background How often a child naps, during infancy, is believed to reflect both intrinsic factors, that is, the need of an immature brain to consolidate information soon after it is acquired, and environmental factors. Difficulty accounting for important environmental factors that interfere with a child's sleep needs (e.g., attending daycare) has clouded our ability to understand the role of intrinsic drivers of napping frequency. Methods Here we investigate sleep patterns in association with two measures of cognitive ability, vocabulary size, measured with the Oxford-Communicative Development Inventory (N = 298) and cognitive executive functions (EF), measured with the Early EF Questionnaire (N = 463), in a cohort of 8-38-month-olds. Importantly, because of the social distancing measures imposed during the Covid-19 Spring 2020 lockdown, in the UK, measures of sleep were taken when children did not access daycare settings. Results We find that children with more frequent but shorter naps than expected for their age had lower concurrent receptive vocabularies, lower cognitive EF and a slower increase in expressive vocabulary from spring to winter 2020, when age, sex, and SES were accounted for. The negative association between vocabulary and frequency of naps became stronger with age. Conclusions These findings suggest that the structure of daytime sleep is an indicator of cognitive development and highlight the importance of considering environmental perturbations and age when investigating developmental correlates of sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Gliga
- School of PsychologyUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Alexandra Hendry
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Shannon P. Kong
- Centre for Psychological ResearchOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Ben Ewing
- School of PsychologyUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Catherine Davies
- School of Languages, Cultures and SocietiesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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Dabravolskaj J, Veugelers PJ, Mandour BA, Flynn J, Maximova K. Delivering health promotion during school closures in public health emergencies: building consensus among Canadian experts. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad172. [PMID: 38091618 PMCID: PMC10716908 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
School-based health promotion is drastically disrupted by school closures during public health emergencies or natural disasters. Climate change will likely accelerate the frequency of these events and hence school closures. We identified innovative health promotion practices delivered during COVID-19 school closures and sought consensus among education experts on their future utility. Fifteen health promotion practices delivered in 87 schools across Alberta, Canada during COVID-19 school closures in Spring 2020, were grouped into: 'awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental wellness', 'virtual events', 'tangible supports' and 'school-student-family connectedness'. Two expert panels (23 school-level practitioners and 20 decision-makers at the school board and provincial levels) rated practices on feasibility, acceptability, reach, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and other criteria in three rounds of online Delphi surveys. Consensus was reached if 70% or more participants (strongly) agreed with a statement, (strongly) disagreed or neither. Participants agreed all practices require planning, preparation and training before implementation and additional staff time and most require external support or partnerships. Participants rated 'awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviours and mental wellness' and 'virtual events' as easy and quick to implement, effective and cost-effective, sustainable, easy to integrate into curriculum, well received by students and teachers, benefit school culture and require no additional funding/resources. 'Tangible supports' (equipment, food) and 'school-student-family connectedness' were rated as most likely to reach vulnerable students and families. Health promotion practices presented herein can inform emergency preparedness plans and are critical to ensuring health remains a priority during public health emergencies and natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dabravolskaj
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Paul J Veugelers
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Boshra A Mandour
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Jenn Flynn
- APPLE Schools, 206-A, 12227 – 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 1Y9, Canada
| | - Katerina Maximova
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
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Pfefferbaum B, Tucker P, Ekambaram V, Van Horn RL. Children's Sleep and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:847-856. [PMID: 37957452 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The COVID-19 pandemic and protracted home confinement required adjustments to schedules and routines generating concern about children's sleep. This review describes general considerations regarding children's sleep, changes and disturbances in their sleep during the pandemic, and the association of sleep measures with health and psychological outcomes in general and in the context of the pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS A number of studies found an increase in the duration of children's sleep with later bedtimes and waketimes for some children. The research also documented sleep disturbances and associations between children's sleep and psychological outcomes. The extent to which increased sleep duration and changed sleep behaviors translated into improved sleep quality and/or a change in sleep disturbances remains unclear. This review suggests the importance of considering children's sleep in other mass trauma situations including, for example, natural and man-made disasters, as well as pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, WP 3217, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK, 73126-0901, USA.
| | - Phebe Tucker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, c/o 15509 Claremont Blvd, Edmond, OK, 73013, USA
| | - Vijayabharathi Ekambaram
- Department of Psychiatry, HCA Florida West Hospital, 8383 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL, 32514, USA
| | - Richard L Van Horn
- University of Oklahoma, 920 Stanton L. Young Boulevard, WP 3217, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK, 73126-0901, USA
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Blanta M, Karathanasi A, Tzonichaki I. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's occupations. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:69-83. [PMID: 38027048 PMCID: PMC10680856 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231204905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed the daily lives and limited everyday activities of children worldwide. Objectives To document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's occupations, the associated factors, and the impact on children's health, wellbeing, and development. Methods A narrative review was conducted by searching four databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). Results A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Out of the 34 articles, 23 were relevant to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupations related to leisure (n = 17), productivity (n = 11), and self-care (n = 9). Ten articles highlighted specific factors that had been linked to changes in occupational engagement and child behavior. Ten articles focused on the impact of occupational disruption during COVID-19 on health, wellbeing, and general development. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have had a negative impact on children's occupations, while the restrictions were still in effect. Further research is needed to establish reliable conclusions.
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Kiss O, Nagata JM, de Zambotti M, Dick AS, Marshall AT, Sowell ER, Van Rinsveld A, Guillaume M, Pelham WE, Gonzalez MR, Brown SA, Dowling GJ, Lisdahl KM, Tapert SF, Baker FC. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on screen time and sleep in early adolescents. Health Psychol 2023; 42:894-903. [PMID: 36972087 PMCID: PMC10522787 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents and families have turned to online activities and social platforms more than ever to maintain well-being, connect remotely with friends and family, and online schooling. However, excessive screen use can have negative effects on health (e.g., sleep). This study examined changes in sleep habits and recreational screen time (social media, video gaming), and their relationship, before and across the first year of the pandemic in adolescents in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. METHOD Mixed-effect models were used to examine associations between self-reported sleep and screen time using longitudinal data of 5,027 adolescents in the ABCD Study, assessed before the pandemic (10-13 years) and across six time points between May 2020 and March 2021 (pandemic). RESULTS Time in bed varied, being higher during May-August 2020 relative to pre-pandemic, partially related to the school summer break, before declining in October 2020 to levels lower than pre-pandemic. Screen time steeply increased and remained high across all pandemic time points relative to pre-pandemic. Higher social media use and video gaming were associated with shorter time in bed, later bedtimes, and longer sleep onset latency. CONCLUSIONS Sleep behavior and screen time changed during the pandemic in early adolescents. More screen time was associated with poorer sleep behavior, before and during the pandemic. While recreational screen usage is an integral component of adolescent's activities, especially during the pandemic, excessive use can have negative effects on essential health behaviors, highlighting the need to promote balanced screen usage. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Kiss
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Jason M. Nagata
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Anthony Steven Dick
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199 USA
| | - Andrew T. Marshall
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033
| | - Elizabeth R. Sowell
- Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033
| | | | - Mathieu Guillaume
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William E. Pelham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 S Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Marybel R. Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 S Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sandra A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 S Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gayathri J. Dowling
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Krista M. Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | - Susan F. Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 S Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Major D, Fazekas-Pongor V, Pártos K, Tabák AG, Ungvari ZI, Eörsi D, Árva D, Terebessy A. Effect of school lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic on screen time among adolescents in Hungary: a longitudinal analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1233024. [PMID: 38098820 PMCID: PMC10720660 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1233024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies indicate that due to school lockdown during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, screen time increased more steeply than pre-pandemic years. The aim of our study was to examine changes in screen time and its components (screen time spent on videos, games, homework, and other activities) of adolescents affected by COVID-19 school closures compared to controls from pre-pandemic years and to assess the effect of family structure and family communication. Methods Two sets of ninth-grader boys and girls transitioning into 10th grade were included in the analysis. The 'pre-COVID classes' (controls) completed the baseline survey in February 2018 and the follow-up survey in March 2019. 'COVID classes' (cases) completed the baseline survey in February 2020 (1 month before the COVID-19-related school lockdowns) and the follow-up survey in March 2021. Linear mixed models stratified by sex were built to assess the change in screen time over one year adjusted for family structure and communication. Results Our study population consisted of 227 controls (128 girls, 99 boys) and 240 cases (118 girls, 122 boys). Without COVID-19, overall screen time did not change significantly for boys, but there was a decrease in screen time for gaming by 0.63 h, which was accompanied by an increase of 1.11 h in screen time for other activities (consisting mainly of social media and communication). Because of the pandemic, all components increased by 1.44-2.24 h in boys. Girls' screen time and its components remained stable without school lockdown, while it increased for videos and homework by 1.66-2.10 h because of school lockdown. Living in a single-parent household was associated with higher, while better family communication resulted in lower screen time. Discussion Our results indicate that COVID-19-related school lockdowns modified the age-specific increase in screen time for boys and girls as well. This trend, however, may be counterbalanced by improving communication between family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Major
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vince Fazekas-Pongor
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Pártos
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam G. Tabák
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- UCL Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltan I. Ungvari
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Departments of Translational Medicine and Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Dániel Eörsi
- Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Árva
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Terebessy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Kim J, Hwang IW, Park JH, Kim Y, Lee JM. Effects of COVID-19 outbreak on Korean adolescents: Impact of altered economic perception on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and stress levels in an age-, gender-, and BMI-matched study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294270. [PMID: 37956137 PMCID: PMC10642811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study is to examine the disparities in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and stress levels in Korean adolescents concerning changes in their perception of family economic status (ES) during COVID-19. Among a total of 6144 Korean adolescents aged 12 to 18, the participants were categorized into two groups based on their responses regarding changes in their family ES due to COVID-19: Declined ES (n = 3072) and Non-changed ES (n = 3072), with matching in terms of age, gender, and BMI. All variables were assessed using the 16th year (2020) of the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS 26.0 version, employing independent t-tests to examine anthropometrics' differences and multinominal logistic regression to predict the impact of perception of family ES on PA, SB, and stress while comparing the two groups. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. Adolescents in the Declined ES group were 1.2 times more likely to engage in MVPA for less than 420 mins/wk (OR = 1.16, p = 0.039), 1.7 times more likely to meet recommended muscular strength activities (i.e., ≥ 3 days/wk) (OR = 1.70, p < 0.001), 37% less likely to not meet recommended recreational sitting time (i.e., ≥ 840 mins/wk) (OR = 0.63, p < 0.01), and were 2.1 times more likely to experience very severe stress level than the Non-changed ES group (p < 0.001). These results shed light on the importance of promoting mental health care in adolescents, regardless of PA levels, for their well-being during potential future pandemics. Understanding the impact of perceived ES changes on health behaviors can inform targeted interventions and support strategies to improve the mental health outcomes of adolescents during challenging times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Kim
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - In-Whi Hwang
- Graduate School of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University (Global Campus), Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Sports Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University (Global Campus), Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hui Park
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Youngdeok Kim
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jung-Min Lee
- Graduate School of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University (Global Campus), Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Sports Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University (Global Campus), Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Awn MA, Mohroofi AD, Alsaqer JK, Aljowder AA, Mohroofi AD, Alsuliti MA. Impact of covid-19 outbreak on the behavior of children and adolescents in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35925. [PMID: 37960760 PMCID: PMC10637495 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035925] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions and lockdown, children and adolescents have experienced emotional and physical isolation from family and community members. This isolation has a negative impact on children's and adolescents' mental health, physical health, and behavior. An online cross-sectional study of children and adolescents aged 5 to 11 years was conducted to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their behavior, emotions, and sleep routines. A total of 413 participants, with a mean age of seven (217 boys and 195 girls), were included in the study. Most of the children were in primary school and lived with both parents. Boys and older children were found to have been fatigued during the pandemic. A significant association was found between the participants' age and regression, opposition, and adaptation behaviors. A significant increase in screen usage and decrease in children's physical activity after the outbreak were noted. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected children's and adolescents' psychosocial, behavioral, and physical habits. Government programs to support the mental and psychological well-being of children and adolescents should be encouraged. Social communication, physical activity, and collaborative games are also important factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna A. Awn
- Family Medicine Department, Royal Medical Service – Bahrain Defense Force Hospital, Riffa, Bahrain
| | - Abdulrahman D. Mohroofi
- Pediatric Department, Royal Medical Service – King Hamad University Hospital, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | | | - Ahmed A. Aljowder
- Anesthesia Resident, Royal Medical Service – Mohammed Bin Khalid Bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Center, Awali, Bahrain
| | | | - Mariam A. Alsuliti
- Family Medicine Department, Royal Medical Service – Bahrain Defense Force Hospital, Riffa, Bahrain
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