1
|
Guo MM, Koh KT, Wang XZ. The effects of COVID-19 on the Physical Activity and Recreational Screen Time among Chinese children and adolescents. J Exerc Sci Fit 2024; 22:288-296. [PMID: 38706950 PMCID: PMC11066678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.04.002] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of Physical Activity (PA) and prolonged Recreational Screen Time (RST) among children and adolescents has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing this issue to escalate into a crucial public health concern. This study aims to investigate the trends in PA and RST among Chinese children and adolescents from 2019 to 2022, thereby analyzing the short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic on PA and RST among Chinese children and adolescents. Methods A nationally representative sample of Chinese primary, middle, and high school students was surveyed annually between September and December from 2019 to 2022 using a consistent set of questionnaires. Trends in PA and RST across different school levels, genders, areas (urban/rural), and regions (north/south) were analyzed using Segmented Linear Regression. Results From 2019 to 2022, the PA and RST of children and adolescents displayed an inverted U-shaped trend, initially increasing and subsequently declining. Specifically, from 2019 to 2021, the PA of children and adolescents significantly increased but dramatically declined from 2021 to 2022. This trend in PA is more pronounced among primary, male, urban, and northern children and adolescent. The RST of children and adolescents increased from 2019 to 2020 but significantly decreased from 2020 to 2022. This trend in RST is more pronounced among primary, urban, and southern children and adolescent. Conclusions This research unveils the effects of the pandemic on PA and RST in children and adolescents, suggesting short-term beneficial and long-term adverse effects on PA and short-term adverse and long-term beneficial effects on RST. These findings provide a foundation for formulating policies related to children and adolescents' PA and RST during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ming Guo
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Koon Teck Koh
- Physical Education & Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 637616, Singapore
| | - Xiao Zan Wang
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wong MYC, Ou KL, Wong WS, Hon SS, Chung PK. Physical fitness levels and trends of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Exerc Sci Fit 2024; 22:202-207. [PMID: 38559909 PMCID: PMC10979272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/objectives The study aimed to examine the physical fitness and activity levels of kindergarteners in Hong Kong during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods A total of 2052 kindergarteners (48% girls; 32.9% Grade 1, 34% Grade 2, and 33.1% Grade 3) were recruited from July 2020 to November 2021. Participants completed the physical fitness tests, including body composition, flexibility, lower-limb muscle strength, upper-limb muscle strength, lower-limb muscle endurance, and agility. Children's physical activity and overall well-being were examined using parental proxy reports. Parents also reported their physical activity and parental support to children's physical activity engagement, as well as their perception of children's kindergarten physical activity environment. Fitness differences by age and gender were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA measuring effect size with partial eta-squared. Additionally, correlations assessed the relationship between children's fitness and parents' proxy reports. Results The results of the physical fitness tests were higher than those in previous studies conducted by the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong in 2015-2018. Gender-based differences were observed in most tests for children aged 4 years and older, with boys showing higher scores in the standing long jump, shot put, and balance tests, while girls had higher scores in the sit-and-reach test. Parents' proxy questionnaire answers indicated that children's continuous jump test performances were significantly related to their frequency of physical activity per week (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and that children's health was significantly and positively correlated with their fitness level (r = 0.179, p < 0.009). Inadequate school physical activity was associated with poor upper-limb strength (r = 0.078, p < 0.005). Moreover, a high level of parental support for their children's participation in physical activity was correlated with a high level of parental participation in vigorous-intensity physical activities (r = 0.167, p < 0.005). Conclusion The physical fitness of children in Hong Kong was less affected by the epidemic. Parents' healthy behaviors and support were related to children's participation in PA. Efforts to improve children's physical fitness and motor development should include parent education and physical activity involvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yu Claudia Wong
- The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kai-ling Ou
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Sum Wong
- The Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Sze Hon
- Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stevens WR, Roberts H, Lopez C, Tulchin-Francis K. COVID-19 Stay-at-home mandates impacts daily ambulatory bout intensity and duration in elementary school-aged children: A wearable sensor based analysis. Gait Posture 2024; 111:126-131. [PMID: 38678931 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.04.016] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes to how daily life was conducted. Health officials instituted policies to decelerate the spread of the virus, resulting in changes in physical activity patterns of school-aged children. The aim of this study was to utilize a wearable activity monitor to assess ambulatory activity in elementary-school aged children in their home environment during a COVID-19 Stay-at-Home mandate. METHODS This institutional review board approved research study was performed between April 3rd - May 1st of 2020 during which health officials issued several stay-at-home (shelter-in-place) orders. Participant recruitment was conducted using a convenience sample of 38 typically developing children. Participants wore a StepWatch Activity Monitor for one week and data were downloaded and analyzed to assess global ambulatory activity measures along with ambulatory bout intensity/duration. For comparison purposes, SAM data collected before the pandemic, of a group of 27 age-matched children from the same region of the United States, was included. Statistical analyses were performed comparing SAM variables between children abiding by a stay-at-home mandate (Stay-at-Home) versus the Historical cohort (alpha=0.05). RESULTS Stay-at-Home cohort took on average 3737 fewer daily total steps compared to the Historical cohort (p<0.001). Daily Total Ambulatory Time (TAT), across all days was significantly lower in the Stay-at-Home cohort compared to the Historical cohort (mean difference: 81.9 minutes, p=0.001). The Stay-at-Home cohort spent a significantly higher percentage of TAT in Easy intensity ambulatory activity (mean difference: 2%, p<0.001) and therefore a significantly lower percentage of TAT in Moderate+ intensity (mean difference: 2%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The stay-at-home mandates resulted in lower PA levels in elementary school-aged children, beyond global measures to also bout intensity/duration. It appears that in-person school is a major contributor to achieving higher levels of PA and our study provides additional data for policymakers to consider for future decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Roberts
- Scottish Rite for Children, TX, USA; Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yip KM, So HK, Wong WHS, Wong RS, Tung KTS, Tso WWY, Wong ICK, Yam JC, Kwan MYW, Fung GPG, Wong SWS, Ip P. Dynamics of childhood obesity in Hong Kong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic before and after the school closures: a 3-year longitudinal study. Public Health 2024; 226:80-83. [PMID: 38016199 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.037] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is to evaluate if there is any difference in the balance between incidence of and remission from overweight/obesity in Hong Kong school-age children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic over three years. METHODS This is a retrospective longitudinal study that involved children aged 6-16 years from a database of the School Physical Fitness Award Scheme. RESULTS 2765 students were longitudinally followed up for two years. The prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity was increased between the 2019 and 2021 academic years (P < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of obesity remission significantly reduced by 7.9 % (P = 0.003), at a background of a plateau of obesity among children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence on the impact of school closure and home confinement as a standard infection control measure for the prevention of COVID-19, which are likely to break the balance between incidence of and remission from childhood obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - H K So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - R S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K T S Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W W Y Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - I C K Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J C Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M Y W Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - G P G Fung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S W S Wong
- Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - P Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giustini M, Luzi I, Spinelli A, Andreozzi S, Bucciarelli M, Buoncristiano M, Nardone P, Ciardullo S. Exploring changes in children's well-being due to COVID-19 restrictions: the Italian EpaS-ISS study. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:118. [PMID: 37705014 PMCID: PMC10498567 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While existing research has explored changes in health behaviours among adults and adolescents due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact of quarantine on young children's well-being is still less clear. Moreover, most of the published studies were carried out on small and non-representative samples. The aim of the EpaS-ISS study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the habits and behaviours of a representative sample of school children aged mainly 8-9 years and their families living in Italy, exploring the changes in children's well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the immediately preceding time period. METHODS Data were collected using a web questionnaire. The target population was parents of children attending third-grade primary schools and living in Italy. A cluster sample design was adopted. A Well-Being Score (WBS) was calculated by summing the scores from 10 items concerning the children's well-being. Associations between WBS and socio-demographic variables and other variables were analysed. RESULTS A total of 4863 families participated. The children's WBS decreased during COVID-19 (median value from 31 to 25; p = 0.000). The most statistically significant variables related to a worsening children's WBS were: time of school closure, female gender, living in a house with only a small and unliveable outdoor area, high parents' educational level and worsening financial situation. CONCLUSIONS According to parents ' perception, changes in daily routine during COVID-19 negatively affected children's well-being. This study has identified some personal and contextual variables associated with the worsening of children's WBS, which should be considered in case of similar events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giustini
- Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Luzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Spinelli
- Formerly National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Andreozzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Bucciarelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Nardone
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ciardullo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Haile SR, Gunz S, Peralta GP, Ulytė A, Raineri A, Rueegg S, Yasenok V, Radtke T, Puhan MA, Kriemler S. Health-Related Quality of Life and Adherence to Physical Activity and Screen Time Recommendations in Schoolchildren: Longitudinal Cohort Ciao Corona. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606033. [PMID: 37538234 PMCID: PMC10394228 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We investigated changes in adherence to physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) recommendations of children and adolescents throughout the pandemic, and their association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: 1,769 primary (PS, grades 1-6) and secondary (SS, 7-9) school children from Ciao Corona, a school-based cohort study in Zurich, Switzerland, with five questionnaires 2020-2022. HRQOL was assessed using the KINDL questionnaire. PA (≥60 min/day moderate-to-vigorous PA) and ST (≤2 h/day ST) recommendations followed WHO guidelines. Results: Adherence to PA recommendations dropped in 2020 (83%-59% PS, 77%-52% SS), but returned to pre-pandemic levels by 2022 (79%, 66%). Fewer children met ST recommendations in 2020 (74% PS, 29% SS) and 2021 (82%, 37%) than pre-pandemic (95%, 68%). HRQOL decreased 3 points between 2020 and 2022, and was 9.7 points higher (95% CI 3.0-16.3) in March 2021 in children who met both versus no recommendations. Conclusion: Adherence to WHO guidelines on PA and ST during the pandemic had a consistent association with HRQOL despite longitudinal changes in behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Haile
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Gunz
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriela P. Peralta
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agnė Ulytė
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Raineri
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Rueegg
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viktoriia Yasenok
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Radtke
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Milo A. Puhan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susi Kriemler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute (EBPI), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sarialioğlu A, Ayran G, Köse S. Determining the relationship between sleep disturbances in children and parental stress during COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:1100-1114. [PMID: 36588189 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2163670] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between child sleep disturbances and parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional web-based study was conducted between February and April 2021 among 409 parents residing in Turkey who had children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Data were collected online using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). In the study, there was a significant relationship found between the mean scores of the SDSC and PSS (r = 0.499, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, family type, socioeconomic status, occupation, the presence of sleep problems in the child before the pandemic, and the total score of the PSS significantly affected the total score of the SDSC. The presence of sleep problems in the child before the pandemic was significantly associated with the total score of the PSS (p < 0.05). Approximately 3.9% of the children had sleep disturbances (at scores over 70 points) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, as the stress levels of parents increase, the rate of sleep disturbances in their children increases, and many demographic characteristics are associated with the occurrence of sleep disturbances in their children. It is important that parents do not reflect on their stress related to the pandemic and that their children maintain a normal sleep pattern whenever possible. School nurses should educate children and their parents about the importance of enough sleep and factors that contribute to inadequate sleep among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Sarialioğlu
- Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Gülsün Ayran
- Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan
| | - Semra Köse
- Department of Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang L, Chen X, Lin J, Fan X, Chen T, Yu Y, Chen J, Hu J. Association between sleep duration and myopia among Chinese children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1015138. [PMID: 36699911 PMCID: PMC9868807 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The studies on the association between sleep duration and myopia are limited, and the evidence is inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and myopia, cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) and axial length (AL) among Chinese children during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods The study was a cross-sectional study on Chinese children aged 6-18 years. The comprehensive ophthalmic examinations for children included cycloplegic SE, AL, and standardized questionnaires. The questionnaire included sleep duration, parental myopia, outdoor time, and continuous near work duration without breaks. Myopia was defined as SE ≤-0.50 diopters (D). Results A total of 1,140 children were included in the analyses, with 84.7% of myopic children and 74.4% of children's daily sleep duration being more than 8 h/d. In univariate regression analysis, compared with sleep duration < 8 h/d, children with sleep duration of 8-9 and >9 h/d were less myopia (p < 0.01 for all), and had less myopic SE (p < 0.01 for all), and shorter AL (p < 0.01 for all). After adjusting for age, gender, parental myopia, outdoor time, and continuous near work duration without breaks, sleep duration was not associated with myopia, cycloplegic SE, and AL (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions This study showed sleep duration was related to myopia, cycloplegic SE, and AL among Chinese children during the COVID-19 pandemic-related lifestyles, but no independent association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luoming Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuelan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China,Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Lin
- Eye Institute and Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Ting Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China,Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China,Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China,Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, The School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China,The Research Center for Juvenile Myopia Prevention and Control of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, China,Engineering Research Center of Assistive Technology for Visual Impairment, Fujian Province University, Quanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jianmin Hu ✉
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yip KM, Wong SWS, Chua GT, So HK, Ho FK, Wong RS, Tung KTS, Chan EYN, Tso WWY, Chow BC, Fung GPG, Wong WHS, Ip P. Age- and Sex-Specific Physical Fitness Reference and Association with Body Mass Index in Hong Kong Chinese Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15346. [PMID: 36430065 PMCID: PMC9690690 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is lacking a population-based study on the fitness level of Hong Kong schoolchildren, and it seems that increasing childhood obesity prevalence has shifted the classification of healthy fitness, with 'underfit' as normal. This cross-sectional territory study aimed to develop an age- and sex-specific physical fitness reference using a representative sample of children aged 6-17 and to determine the associations with body mass index in schoolchildren. The study analyzed Hong Kong School Physical Fitness Award Scheme data covering grade 1 to grade 12 students' physical fitness and anthropometric measurements from 2017 to 2018. This reference was established without the impact due to COVID-19. Four aspects of physical fitness tests were measured using a standardized protocol, including (i) upper limb muscle strength, (ii) one-minute sit-up, (iii) sit-and-reach, and (iv) endurance run tests. The generalized additive model for location, scale, and shape was used to construct the reference charts. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the mean differences in age, weight, and height, and a Pearson's chi-square test was used to examine the distributions of sex groups. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the group differences in BMI status, followed by the Dunn test for pairwise comparisons. A 5% level of significance was regarded as statistically significant. Data of 119,693 students before the COVID-19 pandemic were included in the analysis. The association between physical fitness level and BMI status varied depending on the test used, and there were significant differences in fitness test scores among BMI groups. The mean test scores of the obese group were lower in most of the tests for both boys and girls, except for handgrip strength. The underweight group outperformed the obese group in push-ups, one-minute sit-ups, and endurance run tests, but not in handgrip strength. In conclusion, a sex- and age-specific physical fitness reference value for Hong Kong Chinese children aged 6 to 17 years old is established, and this study demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between BMI status and physical fitness. The reference will help to identify children with poor physical fitness to offer support and guidance on exercise training. It also serves as a baseline for assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hong Kong students' physical fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Man Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sam W. S. Wong
- Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gilbert T. Chua
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hung-Kwan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frederick K. Ho
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Rosa S. Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keith T. S. Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Elaine Y. N. Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie W. Y. Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bik-Chu. Chow
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Genevieve P. G. Fung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wilfred H. S. Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|