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Berson J, Adams SN. Experiences of caregivers of children with autism during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 71:e1-e12. [PMID: 39099285 PMCID: PMC11304107 DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1017] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has had a profoundly negative impact on people all over the world, particularly those with disabilities such as autism. However, there are gaps in research understanding the impact of COVID-19 on this population and the support required. AIM To explore the evidence available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of children with autism. METHOD A scoping review methodology using the Arksey and O'Malley framework was employed. Five electronic databases from March 2020 to December 2022 were reviewed. Two thousand two hundred and six articles were retrieved with primary search terms: caregivers (population), autism (diagnosis) and COVID-19 (context). Following the screening of titles, abstracts and articles, 36 articles were included in the final review. Thematic and content qualitative analysis was completed. RESULTS Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided the reporting of the findings. Three main themes were identified: (1) caregiver's mental health and wellbeing, (2) response to remote health care and support and (3) caregiver resilience. CONCLUSION The pandemic affected children with autism and their families regarding changes in routine, difficulties with support and emotional states. However, little research has been conducted on the impact in upper-middle-income countries such as South Africa.Contribution: The findings from this review carry practical implications that extend beyond the pandemic, such as political instability or natural disasters that may present similar stressors for children with autism and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Berson
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
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2
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Saleh MR, Abdelgaied MY, Galal N, Tarek M, Fouda A, Abdelkawy K. Unveiling the lockdown effects: exploring behavior, dietary habits and weight changes in rural Egypt during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional retrospective study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:85. [PMID: 38879511 PMCID: PMC11179345 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 lockdown significantly impacted dietary habits and body weights globally, particularly in Egypt, where 57.03% of the population resides in rural areas, despite lack of information. The study examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the weight changes of the rural Egyptian population through behavioral, physical, and dietary changes. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey using Microsoft Forms was distributed in Delta regions in Egypt. The questionnaire used a modified version of the validated 14- items PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The first part of the questionnaire addressed sociodemographic variables whereas the second one included questions related to dietary, behavioral and weight changes of participants. These changes were statistically tested for significance in relation to BMI, gender, home living, current job and family history of obesity. RESULTS A total of 306 participated in the study (70% females, 13% obese, 95% living with family, 56% university students, and 36% with family history of obesity). Obese showed a significant increase in sweet intake whereas underweight and normal weight people displayed a significant decrease in eating desire. Both females and males showed significant increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables with significant decrease in soft drink. However, women showed a significant decrease in sport activity relative to men. Participants living with family showed an increase in sweet intake while those living alone explored an increase in meal frequency. Employers revealed a significant decrease in sport activities and people with family history of obesity reported more sleeping times than those without family history of obesity. CONCLUSION During Covid-19 quarantine, Egyptians' eating habits improved, but daily routines were disrupted. Raising awareness about obesity and providing guidance on maintaining activity, energy, and mood is crucial for future quarantine situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Reda Saleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr- Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Y Abdelgaied
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Naira Galal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr- Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt
| | - Mai Tarek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr- Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt
| | - Aya Fouda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr- Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt
| | - Khaled Abdelkawy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr- Elsheikh, 33511, Egypt
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Middleton G, Golley RK, Patterson KA, Coveney J. Barriers and enablers to the family meal across time; a grounded theory study comparing South Australian parents' perspectives. Appetite 2023; 191:107091. [PMID: 37865298 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Family meals are positively associated with numerous beneficial health and social outcomes. Current discourse however claims that parents are faced with numerous barriers when trying to bring the family together to share a meal. Solutions for overcoming barriers to a positive shared family meal are often individualistic and do not address the systemic pressures and burdens families have faced for decades. The aim of this study was to explore the systemic and novel barriers and enablers to shared family meals as experienced by families across time. To achieve this, a qualitative study informed by grounded theory was conducted. Parents of South Australian families were recruited and interviewed in the 1990s, and a new sample of parents were recruited and interviewed in 2020. Transcripts were analysed using grounded theory and comparative analysis methods. Thirty-two parents from 16 families were interviewed in the 1990s, and 22 parents from 10 families in 2020. Ten factors were identified presenting as either enablers or barriers to the family meal, depending on the context they were experienced. Barriers and enablers were largely consistent across time. Scheduling and flexibility, children's disruptions and children's independence, privileges required to have family meals and motivation and commitment to the family meal were identified as persistent enablers and barriers across time. These findings indicate that parents are faced with similar challenges they have been facing for decades and are still not being adequately supported to execute family meals regularly. Recognising that factors present as either barriers or enablers to the family meal provides us with opportunities to transform barriers to enablers and support families to have regular, meaningful family meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Middleton
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Rebecca K Golley
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Karen A Patterson
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John Coveney
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Tarntanya, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Lee Y, Yoon H, Kim T, Jung H. Food Insecurity during the Pandemic in South Korea: The Effects of University Students' Perceived Food Insecurity on Psychological Well-Being, Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction. Foods 2023; 12:3429. [PMID: 37761140 PMCID: PMC10528267 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183429] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the impact of university students' perceptions of food insecurity on psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and observed that the students' gender plays a moderating role in this causal relationship, based on a total of 491 university students who participated in this empirical study. This study used SPSS (Version 22.0) and AMOS (Version 20.0) for the analyses. This study examines the structural relationship of this causal model. Our findings suggest that students' perceived food insecurity negatively affects the status of their psychological well-being and self-efficacy. However, contrary to expectations, perceived food insecurity has no negative effects on students' life satisfaction. In addition, the level of students' psychological well-being positively influences their life satisfaction, while self-efficacy does not. The moderating effects of gender differences in this research were also disclosed. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyehyun Yoon
- Department of Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management, College of Hotel & Tourism Management, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taehee Kim
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyosun Jung
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Arroyo Laguna J, Aramburú C. [Patterns of social behavior among informal workers during extreme events: lessons from social life during the Covid-19 pandemic in Lima, Peru.]. Salud Colect 2023; 19:e4494. [PMID: 37992292 DOI: 10.18294/sc.2023.4494] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes changes in social life during the pandemic and the early stages of the post-pandemic period within a population characterized by high levels of informality in Lima, particularly the textile district of Gamarra, encompassing 89,123 people. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on 62 semi-structured interviews with garment manufacturers, in-store traders, and street vendors. Two distinct moments could be identified: a) experiences confronting the shock induced by the Covid-19 pandemic; and b) experiences of reconfiguring work and daily life, alongside strategies adopted by the population. In conclusion, the study suggests that some elements of daily life acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic may carry over into the future, inducing society to place greater emphasis on preventive measures against emerging risks, including behaviors related to hygiene and health, fostering closer family ties, increased utilization of digitalization and hybrid work models, and the cultivation of enhanced social capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Arroyo Laguna
- Doctor en Ciencias Sociales. Docente, Pontifica Universidad Católica del Perú. Investigador, Instituto de Analítica Social e Inteligencia Estratégica, Pontifica Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Perú
| | - Carlos Aramburú
- Master of Science. Master en Demography. Decano y Docente, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Perú
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Galván M, Hernández-Cabrera J, López-Rodríguez G, Bustos N, García-Cruz R, Guzmán-Saldaña R, Alzate-Yepes T, Galván-Valencia O. Perceptions of food environments in the school and at home during Covid-19: An online cross-sectional study of parents, teachers and experts from Latin America. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287747. [PMID: 37384611 PMCID: PMC10309603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287747] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of overweight and obesity in children from Latin America (LA) have been related to obesogenic food environments. Besides, the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic should also be considered. The objective of this research was to describe and compare the perceptions of parents, teachers, and experts in LA of food environments at home and school that favor healthy habits in schoolchildren in pre Covid-19 stage and during the pandemic. METHODS This study used a survey self-reporting regarding conditions at home and the school favoring healthy habits, for three profiles: parents, primary school teachers, and experts. A fisher exact test was used to establish the difference between the response categories between countries and profiles. Logistic regression models were used to determine the probability of response in the levels of importance adjusted for sex and nationality. RESULTS Information from 954 questionnaires was reported: 48.4% experts, 32.0% teachers, and 19.6% parents. There were differences in the perception of food environments at school between profiles (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression models, experts and teachers were 20% more likely to give greater importance to elements of the food environment at school compared to parents (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that parents were less likely to perceive important elements of the school food environment compared to experts and teachers. Interventions are required to improve healthy eating environments that consider children's interpersonal mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Galván
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Jhazmín Hernández-Cabrera
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe López-Rodríguez
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Nelly Bustos
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Nutrition and Food Technology Institute, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rubén García-Cruz
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Guzmán-Saldaña
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Research Center, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Teresita Alzate-Yepes
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Oscar Galván-Valencia
- Interdisciplinary Network of Experts in School Environments in Latin America, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Miregård J, Nowicka P, Nylander C. National data showed an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among four-year-old Swedish children during the first year of COVID-19. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:1269-1274. [PMID: 36872489 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM This paper summarised national data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 4-year-old children in Sweden in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It compares this with data from 2018. Differences between regions and sex were identified. METHODS Comparative data from Swedish Child Health Services were available for 18/21 regions. Chi-square tests were used to compare data from 2018 and 2020 and to examine differences between the sexes. Sex and year were examined through interaction tests. RESULTS In 2020, 13.3% of the 100 001 children had overweight or obesity: 15.1% of the girls and 11.6% of the boys (p < 0.001). In 2018, 11.4% of the 105 445 children had overweight or obesity: 13.2% of the girls and 9.4% of the boys. This was an overall increase of 16.6% (p = 0.000) in the national Swedish data from 2018 to 2020. The increase between the years was greater for obesity (31.8%, p = 0.000) than for overweight (13.3%, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 4-year-olds in Sweden increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to be addressed. The prevalence needs to be followed as part of prevention programmes and to evaluate health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulina Nowicka
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden.,Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Nylander
- Child Health Services Sörmland, Eskilstuna, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Eskilstuna, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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8
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Weber P, Ludwig T, Michel LK. The role of technology use in food practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2023; 31:100687. [PMID: 36844903 PMCID: PMC9938531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2023.100687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the last three years, COVID-19, with its lockdowns, social restrictions, and work from home structures, had a significant influence on our daily lives. The resulting changes in technology practices are likely to be explored in the years ahead. We will contribute to this exploration by looking specifically at the impact of COVID-19 on everyday food practices and the role of involved technology. To explore food practices and technology use, we conducted a qualitative interview study with 16 interviewees and delved into the underlying influencing factors behind them. Thereby we can better understand potential behavioral changes and technology usage by people to design not only for future pandemics and exceptional situations but to also for non-pandemic times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Weber
- Cyber-Physical Systems, University of Siegen, Kohlbettstraße 15, 57072, Siegen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ludwig
- Cyber-Physical Systems, University of Siegen, Kohlbettstraße 15, 57072, Siegen, Germany
| | - Lea Katharina Michel
- Cyber-Physical Systems, University of Siegen, Kohlbettstraße 15, 57072, Siegen, Germany
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Loth KA, Hersch D, Trofholz A, Harnack L, Norderud K. Impacts of COVID-19 on the home food environment and eating related behaviors of families with young children based on food security status. Appetite 2023; 180:106345. [PMID: 36257356 PMCID: PMC9575311 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods study endeavored to expand the current understanding of how early pandemic related disruptions impacted the home food environment and parent feeding practices of families with young children. Data for this study are taken from the Kids EAT! Study, a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of families with 2-5 year old children. Individual interviews were conducted by phone and video conference with mothers (n = 25) during August/September of 2020 and were coded using a hybrid deductive/inductive analysis approach. Parents also reported on their family's food insecurity status enabling qualitative findings to be stratified by family-level food security status. Two overarching themes were identified related to how families in this sample describe the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on their home food environment. Themes included 1) Impacts on obtaining food for one's family, and 2) Specific changes in parent feeding practices. Findings indicated variation within each theme by family food security status. Overall, families experiencing food insecurity more frequently discussed using various coping strategies, including stocking up, rationing food, and use of supplemental food resources, to overcome challenges associated with obtaining food brought on by COVID-19. Families with food insecurity also reported having more time for home cooked meals and more frequently discussed enforcing less structure (timing of meal, place) related to meals/snacks consumed at home during the pandemic. The impacts of the COVID-19 persist, ranging from ongoing economic challenges, inconsistent access to childcare for families, and the emergence of new, more contagious, variants. With this, interventions to address food insecurity amongst families with young children should consider how to optimize the home food environment and promote healthful parent feeding practices within the families they serve in the face of an evolving public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Loth
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
| | - Derek Hersch
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Amanda Trofholz
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
| | - Lisa Harnack
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Kristin Norderud
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle and Wellbeing of Children, Adolescents and Their Parents: A Qualitative Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121929. [PMID: 36553372 PMCID: PMC9776844 DOI: 10.3390/children9121929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prior studies have shown that changes in daily structure and habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the lifestyle and wellbeing of families. This study aimed to obtain in-depth information on children's and adolescents' experiences regarding their lifestyle and wellbeing during the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with fifteen families were carried out between May and November 2021. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts and fundamental qualitative description to describe the results. Children and adolescents revealed an overall unhealthier lifestyle and decreased wellbeing. These negative effects were even larger in adolescents and children with overweight or psychosocial complaints. Our results revealed that parents were actively involved in maintaining a normal daily structure. Furthermore, diet changes were inconsistent and dependent on food availability. An increase in screen time was experienced as inevitable, and external influences were necessary to keep children and adolescents active. Almost no effects were reported on physical health, whereas negative emotions were experienced in varying degrees. Moreover, the decrease in social interactions was reported as the most negative effect of the pandemic. The above-mentioned insights may contribute to the development of preventive measures to promote a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing of children and adolescents during future pandemics.
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11
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Costa AL, Pereira JL, Franco L, Guinot F. COVID-19 Lockdown: Impact on Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Practices of Portuguese and Spanish Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16004. [PMID: 36498079 PMCID: PMC9739203 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the oral health attitudes, dietary habits and access to dental care of Portuguese and Spanish children. A cross-sectional observational study involving caregivers of 3−17-year-old children who had cohabited during a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain and Portugal was conducted. Caregivers completed an online anonymous questionnaire. Aiming groups comparison, chi-square test was used for qualitative variables. 770 surveys were obtained. Significant changes in the children’s routine were higher in Portugal (p < 0.001). Both countries showed a large percentage of children who had between 2−3 snacks between meals (p < 0.001) and a higher consumption of snacks was particularly noticed among Spanish children with untreated dental caries during the lockdown (p = 0.003). Most caregivers reported children’s oral hygiene habits did not suffer noteworthy alterations (p = 0.417), although parental supervision of toothbrushing was associated with dental attendance during the lockdown. The majority of the sample had no dental attendance during confinement. Confinement appears to have not markedly affected the oral health status and habits of the majority of these children, although an important impact of some demographic and behavioral factors upon dietary and oral care/habits was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L. Costa
- Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation and Research in Oral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana L. Pereira
- Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation and Research in Oral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lara Franco
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 080195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Francisco Guinot
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 080195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
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Miller A, Bochner R, Sohler N, Calixte R, Chan C, Umpaichitra V, Shalmiyev E, Novikova N, Desai N, Seigel W, Chin V, Periasamy S, Waldman L, Bamji M, Nagpal N, Duh‐Leong C, Reznik M, Messito M, Bargman R. Modified body mass index z-scores in children in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatr Obes 2022; 17:e12958. [PMID: 35770679 PMCID: PMC9350030 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine whether the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain trajectories among children attending well-child visits in New York City persisted after the public health restrictions were reduced. STUDY DESIGN Multicenter retrospective chart review study of 7150 children aged 3-19 years seen for well-child care between 1 January 2018 and 4 December 2021 in the NYC Health and Hospitals system. Primary outcome was the difference in annual change of modified body mass index z-score (mBMIz) between the pre-pandemic and early- and late-pandemic periods. The mBMIz allows for tracking of a greater range of BMI values than the traditional BMI z-score. The secondary outcome was odds of overweight, obesity, or severe obesity. Multivariable analyses were conducted with each outcome as the dependent variable, and year, age category, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance status, NYC borough, and baseline weight category as independent variables. RESULTS The difference in annual mBMIz change for pre-pandemic to early-pandemic = 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.20) and for pre-pandemic to late-pandemic = 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06). There was a statistically significant interaction between period and baseline weight category. Those with severe obesity at baseline had the greatest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods and those with underweight at baseline had the lowest mBMIz increase during both pandemic periods. CONCLUSION In NYC, the worsening mBMIz trajectories for children associated with COVID-19 restrictions did not reverse by 2021. Decisions about continuing restrictions, such as school closures, should carefully weigh the negative health impact of these policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Miller
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Risa Bochner
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Nancy Sohler
- City University of New York School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Rose Calixte
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Cameron Chan
- City University of New York School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Vatcharapan Umpaichitra
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Elman Shalmiyev
- New York City Health and Hospitals Central OfficeManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Natalia Novikova
- New York City Health and Hospitals Central OfficeManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Ninad Desai
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Warren Seigel
- New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Vivian Chin
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Sundari Periasamy
- New York City Health and Hospitals Harlem HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Lee Waldman
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Mahrukh Bamji
- New York City Health and Hospitals Metropolitan HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Nikita Nagpal
- New York City Health and Hospitals Bellevue HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Carol Duh‐Leong
- New York City Health and Hospitals Bellevue HospitalManhattanNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Makhmood Reznik
- New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Mary Messito
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,New York University Grossman School of MedicineManhattanNew YorkUSA
| | - Renee Bargman
- New York City Health and Hospitals Kings County HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA,State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew YorkUSA,New York City Health and Hospitals Coney Island HospitalBrooklynNew YorkUSA
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13
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Egli V, Hunter L, Roy R, Te Morenga L, De Backer C, Teunissen L, Cuykx I, Decorte P, Gerritsen S. Household Mealtimes During the 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand: The Influence of Household Type and Psychological Distress. Front Nutr 2022; 9:855866. [PMID: 35774541 PMCID: PMC9237537 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.855866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdown meant disruptions to daily routines for households in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research presented here investigates how mealtimes changed for people living in New Zealand during the first COVID-19 lockdown in mid-2020 and sought to determine if household composition type and psychological distress impacted the frequency of engaging in several mealtime behaviors. The COVID Kai Survey collected data using an anonymous, online survey and asked questions on sociodemographic characteristics including household composition, frequency of engaging in different mealtime behaviors before and during lockdown, and psychological distress, which was measured using the Kessler 6 screening tool. The findings of this study shows an increase in the perceived importance of mealtimes (n = 807, 26.9% before lockdown, n = 1,154, 38.5% during lockdown) and an increase in the proportion of the survey respondents who stated that they frequently ate meals at the dinner table (n = 1,343, 44.8% before lockdown, n = 1,481, 49.4% during lockdown). There was a decrease, across all household composition types, in the proportion of respondents who ate out frequently at a restaurant or café (n = 878, 29.3% before lockdown, n = 5, 0.2% during lockdown, P < 0.001). The use of meal kits, e-dining, and eating meals in front of screens is also presented and discussed. All results are discussed with reference to Aotearoa New Zealand’s stringent lockdown restrictions. Respondents who experienced psychological distress during lockdown were 1.47 times more likely to consider mealtimes an important part of their day and respondents living in households with one adult and at least one child who also experienced psychological distress were 5.95 times more likely to eat dinner at the dinner table than those who did not report psychological distress. Findings of this study further the understanding of the wider societal impact of COVID-19 lockdown on everyday life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Egli
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Victoria Egli,
| | - Lauren Hunter
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rajshri Roy
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Isabelle Cuykx
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paulien Decorte
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Gerritsen
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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14
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Scott L, Ensaff H. COVID-19 and the National Lockdown: How Food Choice and Dietary Habits Changed for Families in the United Kingdom. Front Nutr 2022; 9:847547. [PMID: 35685879 PMCID: PMC9171510 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.847547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 changed the way families in the UK live, with as yet uncertain impacts to food choice and dietary habits. This study sought to explore food-related experiences and changes to behavior of families with children, during the pandemic. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews with parents (n = 20) and, separately, their children (n = 22; aged 8-10 years) were conducted. An inductive thematic approach was adopted for the data analysis, and four main themes emerged: commensality; elevated place of food in the home; snacking; and food shopping. Study findings highlighted several changes: some related to increased snacking and more takeaway food; others were more favorable, including spending more time together, increased home cooking, more efficient shopping practices and reduced food waste. Overall, an elevation of the place of food within the home was apparent, alongside enhanced food literacy, and some evidence of the relocalisation of food. This study contributes to the international literature on the impact of COVID-19 and national lockdowns on family lifestyle behaviors, specifically food choice and dietary habits; further research into the longer-term effects of COVID-19 on family food practices is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H. Ensaff
- Nutritional Sciences and Epidemiology, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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15
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Nowicka P, Ek A, Jurca-Simina IE, Bouzas C, Argelich E, Nordin K, García S, Vasquez Barquero MY, Hoffer U, Reijs Richards H, Tur JA, Chirita-Emandi A, Eli K. Explaining the complex impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children with overweight and obesity: a comparative ecological analysis of parents' perceptions in three countries. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1000. [PMID: 35581642 PMCID: PMC9113066 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid-19 pandemic has changed children's eating and physical activity behaviours. These changes have been positive for some households and negative for others, revealing health inequalities that have ramifications for childhood obesity. This study investigates the pandemic's impact on families of children aged 2-6 years with overweight or obesity. METHODS Drawing on interviews conducted as part of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for childhood obesity, thematic analysis was used to examine how parents of pre-schoolers perceived changes in their eating, screentime and physical activity behaviours between the first and second waves of Covid-19. Parents (n = 70, representing 68 families) were interviewed twice during a period of 6 months in three countries with markedly different pandemic policies - Sweden, Romania, and Spain. The analysis is informed by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, which embeds home- and school-based influences within societal and policy contexts. RESULTS The findings show that, although all participants were recruited from an RCT for families of children with excess weight, they reported different responses to the pandemic's second wave, with some children engaging in healthier eating and physical activity, and others engaging in comfort eating and a more sedentary lifestyle. Differences in children's obesity-related behaviours were closely related to differences in parents' practices, which were, in turn, linked to their emotional and social wellbeing. Notably, across all sites, parents' feeding and physical activity facilitation practices, as well as their emotional and social wellbeing, were embedded in household resilience. In resilient households, where parents had secure housing and employment, they were better able to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, whereas parents who experienced household insecurity found it more difficult to cope. CONCLUSIONS As the Covid-19 pandemic is turning into a long-term public health challenge, studies that address household resilience are crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment responses to childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nowicka
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Ek
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - I E Jurca-Simina
- Department of Microscopic Morphology Genetics Discipline, Center of Genomic Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - C Bouzas
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - E Argelich
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - K Nordin
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S García
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - M Y Vasquez Barquero
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - U Hoffer
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - H Reijs Richards
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J A Tur
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - A Chirita-Emandi
- Department of Microscopic Morphology Genetics Discipline, Center of Genomic Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - K Eli
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.,School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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16
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Caveney B, Halterman JS, Fagnano M, Stern J, Frey SM. Caregiver Experiences Managing Persistent Childhood Asthma During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2022; 61:313-319. [PMID: 35139689 PMCID: PMC9900675 DOI: 10.1177/00099228211070659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has adversely affected child wellness, but it is unclear whether the pandemic led to changes in home management of chronic diseases like asthma. We surveyed 93 caregivers of children with persistent asthma from 2 ongoing asthma trials to measure changes in home asthma management, stressors, access to health care, and caregivers' worry about COVID-19 affecting their child's health. We conducted descriptive analyses, and assessed whether caregiver worry about COVID-19 was associated with asthma management, stressors, health care access, or recent symptoms. Most (80%) caregivers worried that COVID-19 would affect their child's health, and >50% restricted their child's physical activity to avoid asthma symptoms. We observed a dose-dependent relationship between increasing worry about COVID-19 and activity restrictions, financial hardship, difficulty obtaining asthma medications, and nocturnal asthma symptoms. These findings raise concern that children with persistent asthma may be at particular risk for weight gain and obesity-associated asthma morbidity due to the pandemic.
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17
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Hammons AJ, Robart R, Gonzalez G. Time at Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Focus Groups with Hispanic Parents. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9050634. [PMID: 35626811 PMCID: PMC9139527 DOI: 10.3390/children9050634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic upended family life, forcing many families to reorganize their daily routines. Hispanic families have been especially affected by the pandemic, experiencing cumulative stressors and increased risks of contracting the virus, hospitalization, and morbidity. To date, there is limited research examining home life within Hispanic families during the pandemic. Given the extended amount of time for which families have been isolated at home together, identifying factors that may enhance or detract from well-being within the home is important in advancing efforts to support at-risk families. In this qualitative study, 29 Hispanic parents (primarily mothers) living in California participated in one of eight focus groups conducted in Spanish. Parents described activities and behaviors during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following six themes were identified using reflexive thematic analysis: (1) parents focused on family time; (2) children adapted to the changes of the pandemic; (3) parents and children engaged in physical activity; (4) children mainly entertained themselves with screens; (5) COVID-19 media coverage was accessible in the home; and (6) parents worried about the virus, and its effects on the future. While findings include anxiety around the virus and its attendant effects, family strengths were also present throughout the discussions. Public policy should consider ways to leverage family strengths to preserve family relationships and routines during future public health crises.
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18
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Sylvetsky AC, Kaidbey JH, Ferguson K, Visek AJ, Sacheck J. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children's Sugary Drink Consumption: A Qualitative Study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:860259. [PMID: 35369093 PMCID: PMC8966582 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.860259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused striking alterations to daily life, with important impacts on children's health. Spending more time at home and out of school due to COVID-19 related closures may exacerbate obesogenic behaviors among children, including consumption of sugary drinks (SDs). This qualitative study aimed to investigate effects of the pandemic on children's SD consumption and related dietary behaviors. Children 8–14 years old and their parent (n = 19 dyads) participated in an in-depth qualitative interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded by two coders, after which, emergent themes and subthemes were identified and representative quotations selected. Although increases in children's SD and snack intake were almost unanimously reported by both children and their parents, increased frequency of cooking at home and preparation of healthier meals were also described. Key reasons for children's higher SD and snack intake were having unlimited access to SDs and snacks and experiencing boredom while at home. Parents also explained that the pandemic impacted their oversight of the child's SD intake, as many parents described loosening prior restrictions on their child's SD intake and/or allowing their child more autonomy to make their own dietary choices during the pandemic. These results call attention to concerning increases in children's SD and snack intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention strategies to improve the home food environment, including reducing the availability of SDs and energy-dense snacks and providing education on non-food related coping strategies are needed.
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19
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O'Meara L, Turner C, Coitinho DC, Oenema S. Consumer experiences of food environments during the Covid-19 pandemic: Global insights from a rapid online survey of individuals from 119 countries. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2022; 32:100594. [PMID: 34812406 PMCID: PMC8598973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates consumer experiences of food environments and food acquisition practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our rapid assessment online survey featured a convenience sample of 2015 individuals from 119 countries, spanning Western Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Data collection took place in April 2020 during the second month of the pandemic. Participants were recruited via existing networks of the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition, through social media, and by snowballing. The majority of participants were female (71.9%), from low- and middle-income countries (51.0%), and working in nutrition or healthcare (39.3%). Qualitative thematic analysis and descriptive statistics reveal a series of common global experiences related to food availability and accessibility, food prices and affordability, food acquisition practices, and food preparation and consumption. The importance of community food participation, food sharing, and resource allocation are highlighted, along with increasing awareness of healthy diets and food waste. We identify ten synergistic policy entry points to: 1) build resilient and equitable food environments resistant to stresses and shocks; 2) harness positive dietary-related behaviors manifested during the pandemic; and, 3) mitigate the projected nutrition crisis and promote sustainable healthy diets for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia O'Meara
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, UK
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20
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Menon L, Choudhury DR, Ronto R, Sengupta R, Kansal S, Rathi N. Transformation in culinary behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: In-depth interviews with food gatekeepers in urban India. Appetite 2022; 172:105948. [PMID: 35085666 PMCID: PMC8786404 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.105948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 and its associated regulatory measures including lockdowns, curfews, and physical distancing norms have significantly affected individual's dietary and culinary behaviours. Although there is ample empirical evidence available on dietary changes within the Indian context, very limited evidence exists about the factors influencing these dietary modifications and changes in culinary behaviours during COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore the views of Indian household food gatekeepers towards meal planning, food purchasing, and meal preparation during the pandemic and its associated lockdowns. A convenience sample of 34 female gatekeepers from the Mumbai metropolis participated in online interviews. Interviews were conducted in English and Hindi (then translated in English), audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Underpinned by Template Analysis technique, transcribed data were analysed manually and using the NVivo software program. The interview structure guided the development of themes. The emerging themes included were: Increased household cooking; Involvement of children and male members in food-related activities; Experimentation in the kitchen; Adoption of meal planning skills; Increase in online food shopping; Bulk buying; Shortage of food items; Reduced consumption of outside home food; Increased variety of home-cooked meals; Increase in snacking and overall food intake; Determinants of food choices; and Family meals-a new norm. In the light of these findings, developing family-focussed, web-based nutrition programs to enhance gatekeepers' and their families' food literacy including declarative and procedural nutritional knowledge would be beneficial. The importance of organisational culinary behaviours such as planning meals in advance, shopping with a food list should be promoted to prevent hoarding and subsequently reduce strain on the food supply system. With a surge in domestic cooking, low cost nutritious recipes with the use of local and seasonal produce should be emphasized promoting healthy eating among the gatekeepers and their family members. The inclusion of food studies in the school curriculum will facilitate the development of culinary skills among children and youth. Also, there is a need for further research and surveillance to strengthen understanding of sustainability of healthy culinary behaviours practiced during the pandemic.
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21
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Rozas L, Castronuovo L, Busse P, Mus S, Barnoya J, Garrón A, Tiscornia MV, Guanieri L. Data on the Facebook marketing strategies used by fast-food chains in four Latin American countries during the COVID-19 lockdowns. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:463. [PMID: 34930460 PMCID: PMC8686095 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES During the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries implemented lockdowns that motivated changes in the dietary patterns, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) of consumers worldwide, as well as the emergence of new food marketing strategies in social media. We sought to design and validate a methodology for monitoring and evaluating the Facebook marketing strategies of multinational fast-food chains in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA DESCRIPTION We developed three datasets. First, a dataset with the Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) of 1015 Facebook posts of five fast-food chains present in Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Peru. Second, a dataset of 106 content-analyzed posts we used in a pilot to determine intercoder reliability using statistical tests. Third, a dataset of a final sample of the 1015 content-analyzed posts that we used to determine the variables most frequently used. Following a mixed-methods approach, we developed 29 variables that recorded general information, as well as the marketing strategies we identified in the posts, including 14 COVID-19 specific variables. These data should help to monitor the social media marketing strategies that fast-food chains have introduced during the COVID-19 lockdowns, thus providing initial evidence about how they could be contributing to an unhealthy food environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Rozas
- Instituto de Investigación Científica, Grupo de Investigación en Comunicación y Salud, Universidad de Lima, 4600 Javier Prado Este Avenue, Tower A, 11th Floor, 15023 Lima, Peru
| | - Luciana Castronuovo
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina (FIC-Argentina), Arévalo 2364—1 A, C1425DBR Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Busse
- Instituto de Investigación Científica, Grupo de Investigación en Comunicación y Salud, Carrera de Comunicación, Universidad de Lima, 4600 Javier Prado Este Avenue, Tower A, 11th Floor, 15023 Lima, Peru
| | - Sophia Mus
- Departamento de Investigación, Unidad de Cirugía Cardiovascular de Guatemala, 9a Av 8-00 zona 11, Ciudad de Guatemala, 01011 Guatemala
| | - Joaquín Barnoya
- Departamento de Investigación, Unidad de Cirugía Cardiovascular de Guatemala, 9a Av 8-00 zona 11, Ciudad de Guatemala, 01011 Guatemala
| | - Alejandra Garrón
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón—Bolivia, Mariscal Santa Cruz Avenue, La Primera Building, Tower B, 10th Floor, Office No. 7, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - María Victoria Tiscornia
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina (FIC-Argentina), Arévalo 2364—1 A, C1425DBR Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leila Guanieri
- Fundación Interamericana del Corazón Argentina (FIC-Argentina), Arévalo 2364—1 A, C1425DBR Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Kołota A, Głąbska D. Analysis of Food Habits during Pandemic in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113711. [PMID: 34835967 PMCID: PMC8622037 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The improper dietary behaviors of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are associated with lockdowns and reduced physical activity, are a complex problem, potentially resulting in increased risk of diet-related diseases, including overweight and obesity and their consequences. The aim of the study was to assess the food habits during the COVID-19 pandemic and to define their association with physical activity and body mass changes in a Polish population of primary school adolescents within the Diet and Activity of Youth During COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study was conducted in June 2020 in a national cohort of 1334 primary school students aged 10–16 years, recruited based on a stratified random sampling of schools (sampling counties from voivodeships and schools from counties). The Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) was used to assess food habits, associated with food purchase, preparation, and consumption, which in the studied group were analyzed separately for the period before (retrospective data) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (prospective data). The recognizable physical activity changes and recognizable body mass changes were also assessed (retrospective data) and respondents were classified as those declaring that their physical activity and body mass decreased, remained stable, or increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that during the COVID-19 pandemic the majority of food habits changed in a statistically significant way (p < 0.05). Within food purchase habits, the number of respondents who declared choosing a low-fat lunch away from home decreased, often buying pastries or cakes decreased, and buying a low-fat crisps brand increased (p < 0.05). Within food preparation habits, the number of respondents who declared trying to keep overall fat intake down increased, trying to keep overall sugar intake down increased, eating at least one serving of vegetables or salad with evening meal increased, and usually including some chocolate and/or biscuits in a packed lunch decreased (p < 0.05). Within food consumption habits, the number of respondents who declared making sure that they eat at least one serving of fruit a day increased, eating at least three servings of fruit most days increased, making sure that they eat at least one serving of vegetables or salad a day increased, trying to ensure that they eat plenty of fruit and vegetables increased, often choosing a fruit when they have a snack between meals increased, eating at least three servings of fruit most days increased, and generally trying to have a healthy diet increased (p < 0.05). It was concluded that in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant remote education, adolescents in Poland presented different food habits than before, while the majority of changes were positive. The positive food purchase, preparation, and consumption habits were observed mainly in sub-groups of adolescents declaring decreased body mass or increased physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be suggested that physical activity may support positive changes of dietary behaviors and while combined positive changes of diet and increased physical activity, they may effectively promote body mass reduction in adolescents.
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