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Kohake K, Henning L, Dahl S, Neuber N, Dreiskämper D. Associations between physical activity and health-related factors in childhood and adolescence during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. J Sports Sci 2025:1-24. [PMID: 40402076 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2025.2508041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2025]
Abstract
Today, there is clear evidence that the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced not only the physical activity (PA) behaviour of children and adolescents but also different health parameters. This study aimed at analysing the relationship between PA and health in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA was conducted. In April 2022, studies were searched for in nine electronic databases. Overall, 58 papers investigating more than 80,000 children and adolescents from 26 countries met full inclusion criteria. Studies examined the associations between PA and psychological health (n = 45), physical health (n = 13), social health (n = 12), general health (n = 1), and health-related habits (i.e. sleep, nutrition, screen time; n = 17). Most studies demonstrated strong evidence for relationships between PA and psychological health. Mostly positive correlations also emerged regarding the relation of PA and physical as well as social health. PA is also associated with other health-related behaviours, with screen time having an exceptional role during the pandemic. This review indicates that PA and health are associated largely even during the changed conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies are needed that focus on the causality of these relationship between PA and health by including studies with longitudinal designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kohake
- Department of Physical Education and Teaching Research, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - L Henning
- Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Dahl
- Department of Physical Education and Teaching Research, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - N Neuber
- Department of Physical Education and Teaching Research, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D Dreiskämper
- Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Sports Psychology, Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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Zaccagni L, Gualdi-Russo E. Reduced Physical Activity and Increased Weight Status in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 12:178. [PMID: 40003280 PMCID: PMC11854173 DOI: 10.3390/children12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lifestyles of children and adolescents because of the restrictions imposed to contain the infection. This systematic review examined the possible reduction in children's and adolescents' physical activity and changes in their BMI and weight status. METHODS A systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024589208) of English-language studies published up to 1 October 2024 in individuals with a mean age between 6 and 18 years that investigated physical activity data before and during or after the pandemic and focused on their BMI and weight status according to age, sex, and country making use of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, identified 1040 possible articles. RESULTS Following the PRISMA statement, 26 articles with a whole set of 138,737 children and adolescents were enclosed in the review. The majority of included articles were of moderate quality, as determined by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale adapted for observational studies. The studies found a decrease in PA, an increase in sedentary activities during/after the lockdown, and an increase in BMI and prevalence of overweight and obesity, especially in males and 8-11-year-olds. CONCLUSIONS The interruption or restriction of outdoor physical activities and sports during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a more sedentary lifestyle among children and adolescents, contributing to an overall increase in BMI and obesity, with alarming implications for related health risks and other noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, the adverse effects of restrictive measures should be assessed when implementing public health strategies during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Zaccagni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Center for Exercise Science and Sports, University of Ferrara, 44123 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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3
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Watson-Mackie K, Arundell L, Lander N, McKay FH, Jerebine A, Venetsanou F, Barnett LM. Technology-Supported Physical Activity and Its Potential as a Tool to Promote Young Women's Physical Activity and Physical Literacy: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52302. [PMID: 39423006 PMCID: PMC11530733 DOI: 10.2196/52302] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the known benefits of physical activity (PA), rates of engagement in PA remain low globally. Low engagement in PA among young women can impact their health. Technology-supported PA may increase PA and physical literacy (PL; skills that can support PA) among young women. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to investigate the (1) associations between technology-supported PA and PA levels, (2) associations between technology-supported PA and PL levels, and (3) types of technology-supported PA that are associated with higher levels of PA engagement among young women aged 13 to 24 years. This age range was chosen as it includes two transitional periods characterized by decreases in PA. METHODS We searched 6 databases: Applied Science and Technology Source, Education Source, Embase, MEDLINE Complete, Global Health, and SPORTDiscus. Eligible studies were original research published in English between January 1, 2010, and April 24, 2024; focused on young women; and involving either technology-supported PA interventions or research exploring the correlation between technology and PA and PL. The findings of the review were presented descriptively. Study quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal tools. There were no deviations from the registered protocol. RESULTS In total, 23 (0.1%) studies (10,233 participants) from 23,609 records were included: randomized controlled trials (n=9, 39%), nonrandomized or retrospective observational studies (n=9, 39%), and cross-sectional studies (n=5, 22%). Of the 23 studies, 12 (52%) focused on young adults (aged ≥19 y), 9 (39%) involved adolescents (aged <19 y), and 2 (9%) focused on both groups. Nine studies (39%) were theory based. Common types of technology-supported PA were interactive websites or social media platforms (10/23, 43%), wearable fitness trackers (4/23, 17%), and mobile apps (4/23, 17%). PA or PL were predominantly self-reported (18/23, 78%). A total of 53 PA outcomes were measured: 36% (19/53) reported a positive impact on PA from mobile apps (9/15; 60% of analyses), interactive websites or social media platforms (8/27; 30% of analyses) and wearable fitness trackers (2/11; 18% of analyses). The impact on PL was weak (2/7; 29% of analyses). Eight studies (35%) were rated high, 7 (30%) medium, and 8 (35%) low in quality. CONCLUSIONS There was limited evidence that technology-supported PA improved young women's PA or PL. The evidence was limited by poor study quality and a lack of theoretical frameworks. In addition, little information was provided on the designs of the technology used. Future interventions seeking to improve young women's PA and PL should focus on the development of mobile apps underpinned by behavior change theory and addressing whole domains of PL rather than specific elements. Given that technology continues to rapidly advance, further studies are needed to demonstrate the impact of technology-supported PA in improving PA and PL among young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Watson-Mackie
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Lauren Arundell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Natalie Lander
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Fiona H McKay
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Alethea Jerebine
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Fotini Venetsanou
- School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lisa M Barnett
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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Gansterer A, Moliterno P, Neidenbach R, Ollerieth C, Czernin S, Scharhag J, Widhalm K. Effect of a Web-Based Nutritional and Physical Activity Intervention With Email Support (the EDDY Program) on Primary School Children's BMI Z-Score During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Intervention Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e50289. [PMID: 39298741 PMCID: PMC11426922 DOI: 10.2196/50289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 mitigation measures enhanced increases in children's weight and BMI due to decreased physical activity and increased energy intake. Overweight and obesity were major worldwide problems before the pandemic, and COVID-19 increased their severity even more. High BMI directly correlates with health disadvantages including cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health diseases. Therefore, it is vitally important to develop counteracting interventions to maintain children's health during exceptional situations like pandemics. However, worldwide data from such interventions are limited, and to our knowledge, no suitable study has been carried out during the pandemic in Austria. Objective This study was conducted to examine a 15-week web-based intervention with email support, the EDDY (Effect of Sports and Diet Trainings to Prevent Obesity and Secondary Diseases and to Influence Young Children's Lifestyle) program and the effect of nutritional education and physical activity on children's BMI z-score during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vienna, Austria. Methods The intervention consisted of 3 weekly videos-2 physical activity and 1 nutritional education video, respectively-and a biweekly email newsletter for the parents. This study was conducted in a Viennese primary school from February to June 2021 by a team of physicians, nutritionists, and sports scientists, including both professionals and students. The study population included an intervention group (who received web-based nutritional and physical activity training) and a control group (who received no intervention), comprising in total 125 children aged 8 to 11 years. Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, the control group was a comparative group observed during the prior school year (2019-2020). Anthropometric measurements were obtained before and after the intervention in both groups. Results Due to a high dropout rate (n=57, 45.6%) because of the mitigation measures, there were 41 children in the intervention group and 27 in the control group. At baseline, the BMI z-score was 1.0 (SD 1.1) in the intervention group and 0.6 (SD 1.2) in the control group (P=.17). After the study period, the BMI z-score decreased by 0.06 (SD 0.21) in the intervention group, whereas it increased by 0.17 (SD 0.34) in the control group (P<.001). Comparing the change in BMI z-scores within BMI categories in the intervention group and control group revealed a statistically significant difference in the normal-weight children (P=.006). Further results showed that the decrease in BMI z-score was significant in the intervention group among both boys (P=.004) and girls (P=.01). Conclusions A web-based intervention with combined nutritional education and physical activity training might be an adequate tool to lessen the enhanced increase in body weight during a pandemic. Therefore, additional studies with greater sample sizes and different locations are needed. As the implementation of such intervention programs is essential, further studies need to be established rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rhoia Neidenbach
- Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport and Human Movement Science, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Ollerieth
- Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport and Human Movement Science, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Czernin
- Austrian Academic Institute for Nutrition, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juergen Scharhag
- Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention, Department of Sport and Human Movement Science, Centre for Sport Science and University Sports, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Widhalm
- Austrian Academic Institute for Nutrition, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kim H, Jang YH, Lee JY, Lee GY, Sung JY, Kim MJ, Lee BG, Yang S, Kim J, Yoon KS, Ahn JH, Lee HJ. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birth weight infants: a nationwide cohort study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1368677. [PMID: 39301042 PMCID: PMC11410593 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1368677] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Children who have experienced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are at an increased risk of adverse neurologic developmental outcomes. Limited data exist on the environmental influences of during the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm infant development. This study aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 exposure affects the neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children up to 3 years of age. Methods This prospective cohort study included all very low birth weight (VLBW) infants from the Korean Neonatal Network who had undergone a neurodevelopmental assessment between January 2015, and May 2022. The neurodevelopmental outcomes along with the scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) and the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children of pediatric patients aged 18-24 and 33-39 months who were exposed to COVID-19 were compared with those of VLBW children born and tested before the pandemic. Results The cohort included 1,683 VLBW infants. The pandemic group had significantly lower language scores on the BSID-III at ages 18-24 months (p = 0.021) and 33-39 months (p = 0.023) than the pre-pandemic group after adjusting for gestational age, morbidity, and environmental factors. At 2nd follow-up period, the pandemic group showed significantly lower scores in the cognitive (p = 0.026) domains with a mean difference of 7 points and had a significantly higher percentage of ≤-1SD in the gross motor domain (p < 0.001) compared with the pre-pandemic group. Conclusion Preterm children who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic are at higher risk of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes in the first 3 years of life than preterm infants born before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuna Kim
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hun Jang
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gang Yi Lee
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Sung
- Department of Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Gun Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsoo Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Seu Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Hye Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Lee
- Department of Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Fu L, Burns RD, Zhe S, Bai Y. What explains adolescents' physical activity and sports participation during the COVID-19 pandemic? - an interpretable machine learning approach. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:1651-1663. [PMID: 39300762 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2404783] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Adolescents' physical activity (PA) and sports participation declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the critical socio-ecological factors for PA and sports participation using a machine learning approach. We did a cross-sectional secondary data analysis utilising the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset (N=16,166; 49.0% female). We applied an interpretable machine learning approach (e.g. decision tree-based models) that examined the critical factors associated with PA and sports participation. The factors related to the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, and community levels of the socio-ecological model. Out of the 25 factors examined, our findings unveiled the 11 critical factors associated with PA and the 10 critical factors associated with sports participation. Factors at the intrapersonal levels (e.g. age, screen time, and race) held greater importance to PA than those at the other three levels. While interpersonal factors (e.g. parent participation in children's events/activities, family's highest educational level, and family income level) were most important for sports participation. This study identified that the common critical factors of physical activity and sports participation during the COVID-19 pandemic mainly relied on intrapersonal and interpersonal levels. Unique factors were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyi Fu
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Ryan D Burns
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Shandian Zhe
- Kahlert School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Health & Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
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Stöcker N, Gaser D, Oberhoffer-Fritz R, Sitzberger C. KidsTUMove-A Holistic Program for Children with Chronic Diseases, Increasing Physical Activity and Mental Health. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3791. [PMID: 38999357 PMCID: PMC11242035 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of chronic diseases in children and adolescents has risen alarmingly worldwide. Diseases such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, mental disorders, and congenital heart defects are increasingly affecting the lives of children and pose significant challenges for the healthcare system. Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing and treating these diseases. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise improves physical performance, increases well-being, and leads to better health in the long term. Specially tailored sports programs that meet the individual needs and abilities of the children and adolescents affected are particularly important. The KidsTUMove project addresses this by developing tailored exercise programs for children with chronic diseases' specific needs, medical conditions, and physical abilities. Therefore, it closes the gap in care provision and can thus sustainably improve the health prospects of these children and adolescents. KidsTUMove is positioned to make a significant impact on the lives of affected children across Europe. Promotion of such programs should therefore be an integral part of future health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Stöcker
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80809 Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Gaser
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Preventive Pediatrics, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (D.G.); (R.O.-F.)
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Preventive Pediatrics, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (D.G.); (R.O.-F.)
| | - Christina Sitzberger
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department Health and Sport Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80809 Munich, Germany
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Chattha H, Duncan MJ, Riazi NA, Leatherdale ST, Patte KA. Changes to Secondary School Physical Activity Programs and Policy after Emerging from COVID-19 Lockdowns. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:788. [PMID: 38929034 PMCID: PMC11203728 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the adaptations that schools made to physical activity programs and facilities, and disparities by area urbanicity and income, during the first school year after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a convenience sample of 132 secondary schools in Canada, school contacts responded to an annual survey in the 2020-2021 school year on changes to physical activity programs and facilities, and related staff training. Content analysis categorized open-ended text responses, and schools were compared based on area urbanicity and median income. Most schools canceled all interschool sports (88.9%) and intramurals (65.9%). New programs were added by 12.6% of schools, and about half (49%) of schools reported some continuing programs, most of which were sports programs, followed by facility and equipment access. Physical activity facilities were closed in 18.1% of schools, while 15.7% had new facilities added, and 11% temporarily converted facilities into learning spaces. Large/medium urban schools were at greater odds of having made any change to their facilities compared to schools in rural/small urban areas (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.3 (1.1, 4.8)). The results demonstrate the considerable scale and nature of the restrictions in school provisions of physical activity opportunities during this period, as well as the resourcefulness of some schools in adding new programs and facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Chattha
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Markus J. Duncan
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Negin A. Riazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
- Student Health and Wellbeing, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Scott T. Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Karen A. Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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Johnson SB, Kuehn M, Lambert JO, Spin JP, Klein LM, Howard B, Sturner R, Perrin EM. Developmental Milestone Attainment in US Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:586-594. [PMID: 38648043 PMCID: PMC11036311 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Importance Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the lives of young children, but the association between the pandemic and any changes in early childhood developmental milestone achievement in the US remains unclear. Objectives To determine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in developmental screening scores among US children aged 0 to 5 years and to investigate whether caregivers self-reported more worries about their children or concerns about children's behavior during the pandemic, regardless of milestone achievement. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a cohort study using an interrupted time series analysis comparing prepandemic (March 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020), interruption (March 1 to May 31, 2020), and intrapandemic (June 1, 2020, to May 30, 2022) periods among 50 205 children (randomly sampled from a population of 502 052 children) aged 0 to 5 years whose parents or caregivers completed developmental screening at pediatric visits at US pediatric primary care practices participating in a web-based clinical process support system. Exposure COVID-19 pandemic period. Main Outcomes and Measures Age-standardized Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ) domain scores (communication, personal-social, problem-solving, gross motor, fine motor), and rate of caregivers' concerns about the child's behavior or worries about the child as measured on the ASQ. Results A total of 50 205 children (25 852 [51.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 18.6 [16.0] months) and 134 342 ASQ observations were included. In adjusted models, significant age-specific mean score decreases from prepandemic to intrapandemic were observed in communication (-0.029; 95% CI, -0.041 to -0.017), problem-solving (-0.018; 95% CI, -0.030 to -0.006), and personal-social (-0.016; 95% CI, -0.028 to -0.004) domains. There were no changes in fine or gross motor domains prepandemic to intrapandemic. For infants aged 0 to 12 months, similar effect sizes were observed but only for communication (-0.027; 95% CI, -0.044 to -0.011) and problem-solving (-0.018; 95% CI, -0.035 to -0.001). After accounting for age-standardized ASQ scores, caregiver worries about the child increased slightly in the intrapandemic period compared with the prepandemic period (rate ratio, 1.088; 95% CI, 1.036-1.143), but there were no changes in caregiver concerns about the child's behavior. While changes in developmental screening scores were modest (2%-3%), nationwide, this could translate to more than 1500 additional recommended developmental referrals over baseline each month. Conclusions and Relevance Modest changes in developmental screening scores are reassuring in the short term but may tax an already overburdened developmental behavioral pediatrics infrastructure. Continued attention to developmental surveillance is critical since the long-term population- and individual-level implications of these changes are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B. Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Molly Kuehn
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jennifer O. Lambert
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Lauren M. Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Barbara Howard
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- CHADIS, Inc, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Raymond Sturner
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eliana M. Perrin
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
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Poirier K, Gauvin L, Haddad S, Bélanger RE, Leatherdale ST, Turcotte-Tremblay AM. Evolution of Sleep Duration and Screen Time Between 2018 and 2022 Among Canadian Adolescents: Evidence of Drifts Accompanying the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:980-988. [PMID: 38340126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We quantified the joint evolution of sleep duration and screen time between 2018 and 2022 in a large sample of adolescents from Quebec, Canada, to ascertain changes that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A natural experiment design was used to compare variations from year to year and in association with the pandemic outbreak. Using structural equation modeling on data collected between 2018 and 2022 among adolescents attending 63 high schools, we analyzed the joint evolution of sleep duration and screen time while adjusting for previous year values, concurrent flourishing score, sex, age, and family level of material deprivation. RESULTS A total of 28,307 adolescents, aged on average 14.9 years, were included in the analyses. Between 2019 and 2022, sleep duration increased by 9.6 (5.7, 13.5) minutes and screen time by 129.2 (120.5, 138.0) minutes on average. In 2022, the adolescents spent almost equal amounts of time sleeping and using screens. Lower flourishing scores were associated with shorter sleep duration and lengthier screen time. Girls' screen time became similar to boys' over time. DISCUSSION Adolescents now spend almost equal amounts of time sleeping and using screens, a situation that calls for urgent public health actions. These findings highlight the importance of tracking changes in adolescents' behaviours over time, to design and implement interventions adapted to the changing health needs of different groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystel Poirier
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lise Gauvin
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Slim Haddad
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard E Bélanger
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine - Université Laval, Ferdinand Vandry Pavillon, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott T Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche VITAM, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
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11
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Muyiduli X, Zhang R, Zhang J, Zhe W, Dong Y, Wang W, Fang P, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Sulidan A, Rejiafu S, Sun J. Prevalence and relevant factors of depression among adolescents in Xinjiang, China: A cross-sectional survey. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37090. [PMID: 38363909 PMCID: PMC10869075 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037090] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to elucidate the prevalence of depression and examine the contributing factors to depression among adolescents in Xinjiang, China. A stratified cluster sampling methodology was employed in this study, with the sample size determined through consideration of prior studies on adolescent depression. Employing this approach, 6 schools were chosen from each prefecture-level city, designated as urban areas, and 3 schools were selected from each county. Subsequently, individual classes were treated as units, and a minimum of 80 students from each grade were surveyed within the entire class. The investigation of adolescents involved the administration of a questionnaire assessing the factors influencing depression, along with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of depression. The occurrence rates of depression were 12.17%, 13.05%, 12.32%, and 9.29% in junior middle school, senior middle school, vocational high school, and college, respectively. The corresponding CES-D scores were 10.54 ± 8.26, 11.20 ± 8.37, 12.17 ± 6.94, and 11.33 ± 6.28. Significant associations with the CES-D score were observed for gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and spending more than 4 hours online daily across the educational levels mentioned. The risk of experiencing depressive symptoms was elevated among female junior and senior high school students who spent more than 4 hours daily on the internet, engaged in cigarette smoking, and consumed alcohol. The findings underscore the significance of targeting high-risk groups, particularly through home-school collaborations, to mitigate excessive internet use and consequently reduce the likelihood of depressive symptoms in students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiamusiye Muyiduli
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Wei Zhe
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Wenlei Wang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Ping Fang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Adila Sulidan
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Shawulaxi Rejiafu
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jingxuan Sun
- Division for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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12
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Kehm RD, Knight JA, Houghton LC, McDonald JA, Schwartz LA, Goldberg M, Chung WK, Frost CJ, Wei Y, Bradbury AR, Keegan THM, Daly MB, Buys SS, Andrulis IL, John EM, Terry MB. Childhood physical activity and pubertal timing: findings from the LEGACY girls study. Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyad193. [PMID: 38205889 PMCID: PMC10859159 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited research on whether physical activity (PA) in early childhood is associated with the timing of pubertal events in girls. METHODS We used data collected over 2011-16 from the LEGACY Girls Study (n = 984; primarily aged 6-13 years at study enrolment), a multicentre North American cohort enriched for girls with a breast cancer family history (BCFH), to evaluate if PA is associated with age at thelarche, pubarche and menarche. Maternal-reported questionnaire data measured puberty outcomes, PA in early childhood (ages 3-5 years) and total metabolic equivalents of organized PA in middle childhood (ages 7-9 years). We used interval-censored Weibull parametric survival regression models with age as the time scale and adjusted for sociodemographic factors, and we tested for effect modification by BCFH. We used inverse odds weighting to test for mediation by body mass index-for-age z-score (BMIZ) measured at study enrolment. RESULTS Being highly active vs inactive in early childhood was associated with later thelarche in girls with a BCFH [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.26-0.59), but not in girls without a BCFH. In all girls, irrespective of BCFH, being in the highest vs lowest quartile of organized PA in middle childhood was associated with later menarche (aHR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50-0.97). These associations remained after accounting for potential mediation by BMIZ. CONCLUSION This study provides new data that PA in early childhood may be associated with later thelarche in girls with a BCFH, also further supporting an overall association between PA in middle childhood and later menarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Kehm
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia A Knight
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lauren C Houghton
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jasmine A McDonald
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa A Schwartz
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mandy Goldberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caren J Frost
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela R Bradbury
- Departments of Medicine and Hematology/Oncology and of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Theresa H M Keegan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Oncology Hematology Outcomes Research and Training (COHORT), University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mary B Daly
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer centre, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Saundra S Buys
- Department of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Irene L Andrulis
- Fred A. Litwin centre for Cancer Genetics, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Esther M John
- Departments of Epidemiology & Population Health and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Matsuo R, Matsumoto N, Mitsuhashi T, Yorifuji T. COVID-19 pandemic and language development in children at 18 months: a repeated cross-sectional study over a 6-year period in Japan. Arch Dis Child 2024; 109:158-164. [PMID: 37918897 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325926] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experience on language development among children, we compared language development at 18 months of age, before and during the pandemic in Japan, where strict control measures continued over a long period. METHODS This was a repeated cross-sectional study and we included children who attended the 18-month health check-up provided by the Okayama City Public Health Center between January 2017 and December 2022 (n=33 484). We compared indicators of language development before (from January 2017 to February 2020) and during (from March 2020 to December 2022) the pandemic. Our primary outcome was the proportion of children who required follow-up for language development by the Public Health Center. The secondary outcome was the proportion of children who could not say three or more meaningful words. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% CIs, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS The prevalence of the primary outcome was 33.5% before the pandemic and 36% during the pandemic. Compared with before the pandemic, increased RRs for the primary and secondary outcomes were observed during the pandemic, with RRs (95% CIs) of 1.09 (1.06-1.13) for the primary outcome and 1.11 (1.05-1.17) for the secondary outcome. Although the statistical interactions were not significant, the RRs were higher for children cared for at home than those in nursery schools and with ≤3 family members than those with ≥4 family members. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increased risk of impaired language development in children at 18 months. More extensive support is needed for higher risk families, as well as follow-up of long-term language development in children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Matsuo
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naomi Matsumoto
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Mitsuhashi
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Yorifuji
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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14
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Mandic S, Khan A, García Bengoechea E, Coppell KJ, Spence JC, Smith M. Physical activity, screen time and dietary behaviours in New Zealand adolescents prior to and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:188. [PMID: 38229064 PMCID: PMC10790521 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insufficient physical activity, high screen time, and unhealthy dietary patterns among adolescents may have worsened during the pandemic, but data are lacking. This study compared physical activity, screen time and fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents from Dunedin, New Zealand, 5-6 years before (Study 1) and during (Study 2) the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Adolescents completed an online survey as part of the Built Environment and Active Transport to School (BEATS) studies in 2014/2015 (Study 1; n = 1,266; age: 15.3 ± 1.4 years; 54.6% female) and 2021/2022 (Study 2; n = 819; age: 15.2 ± 1.4 years; 47.4% female). The proportion of adolescents meeting guidelines for physical activity (≥ 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity), outside school screen time (≤ 2 h/day) and fruit and vegetable intake (> 1 serving/day for both fruit and vegetables) was calculated. Data were analysed using multivariable linear and logistic regression modelling. RESULTS Few adolescents met recommended health behaviour guidelines. Compared to Study 1, significantly greater proportions of adolescents at Study 2 met guidelines for physical activity (16.7% vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001) and outside school screen time (13.3% vs. 18.3%; p < 0.001) while fruit and vegetable intake was not different (29.6% vs. 27.0%; p = 0.322). Compared to Study 1, average outside school screen time at Study 2 was lower on both weekdays (5.0 ± 2.9 vs. 4.6 ± 2.9; p < 0.001) and weekend days (6.9 ± 3.5 vs. 6.1 ± 3.6 h/day; p < 0.001). Reported frequency of consuming sweets was higher and soft drinks lower at Study 2 versus Study 1. CONCLUSIONS Despite observed higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of outside school screen time during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic levels, few adolescents met health behaviour guidelines at both time points. Therefore, comprehensive health promotion that aims to improve physical activity levels, screen time and dietary patterns for adolescents is still necessary to prevent chronic health conditions adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mandic
- AGILE Research Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
- School of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Enrique García Bengoechea
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Health Research Institute, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Research and Innovation Unit, Sport Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Kirsten J Coppell
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - John C Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Melody Smith
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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15
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Berner-Rodoreda A, Baum N, Zangerl K, Wachinger J, Hoegl H, Li LY, Bärnighausen T. "I couldn't see my friends; the internet was bad, and I hardly went out" - insights into children's and adolescents' experiences of COVID-19 in Germany. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2271271. [PMID: 37930944 PMCID: PMC10629426 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2271271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We explored children's experiences of COVID-19 in terms of proximity and distance to significant others. METHODS Our qualitative study with children in Germany (6-15 years of age) explored their views and experiences of COVID-19 times via drawings and face-to-face semi-structured interviews (n = 13). We analysed data thematically and used the socio-ecological model as the theoretical underpinning. Case studies contextualized how children dealt with the COVID-19 precautions. RESULTS Salient motives in children's drawings were school scenarios showing distance-keeping and mask-wearing as an expression of interpersonal distance; in the home-schooling context, loneliness was highlighted. Drawings also illustrated the impact of COVID-19 in terms of separation, illness and death. A dynamic perception of proximity and distance emerged from drawings and interviews. COVID-19 barred children from spending "real" time together with close friends. Bridging physical distance virtually was easier for adolescents than for children. CONCLUSION To bolster children's mental and social resilience in future epidemics, participants' plea for maintaining social and physical interactions with significant others and for keeping schools open should be heeded by policy-makers. Our study also highlights the benefits of conducting direct research with children and using non-verbal methods of data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Baum
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Zangerl
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Wachinger
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lydia Yao Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Vanderloo LM, Saravanamuttoo K, Bourke M, Zhong S, Szpunar M, Gilliland J, Burke SM, Irwin JD, Truelove S, Tucker P. Parents' attitudes regarding their children's play during COVID-19: Impact of socioeconomic status and urbanicity. SSM Popul Health 2023; 24:101549. [PMID: 38021457 PMCID: PMC10661847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the daily routines of parents and children. This study explored the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and urbanicity on parents' attitudes toward their children's active play opportunities 6 months and 1.5 years into COVID-19. Methods A sample of 239 Ontario parents of children aged 12 and younger completed two online surveys (August-December 2020; 2021) to assess parents' intentions, beliefs, and comforts concerning their child's eventual return to play, in addition to various sociodemographic and physical activity variables. Descriptive analyses were run as well as an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to group the 14 attitude items into subscales for analysis, to ensure reliability and validity of attitude measures. Results In general, parents in communities with more urban features (e.g., densely populated areas), single-parents, full-time employed parents, and parents with lower-incomes were more hesitant to return their children to active play during the pandemic. Conclusion Findings from this work highlight SES and urbanicity disparities that continue to exist during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M. Vanderloo
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
- ParticipACTION, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 1205, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
| | - Kendall Saravanamuttoo
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Matthew Bourke
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Shiran Zhong
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Monika Szpunar
- Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9, Canada
| | - Jason Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Shauna M. Burke
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Jennifer D. Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Truelove
- Member Interest Groups Section, Professional Development and Practice Support, College of Family Physicians of Canada, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5A4, Canada
| | - Patricia Tucker
- School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, Room 2547, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada
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Nakhostin-Ansari A, Shayestehfar M, Hasanzadeh A, Gorgani F, Memari A. Organized physical activity and sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:685-697. [PMID: 37771640 PMCID: PMC10523200 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i9.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little data on physical activity (PA), organized PA (OPA), and sedentary behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders in developing countries. AIM To examine OPA, non-OPA, and sedentary behaviors and their associated factors in children and adolescents with ASD, cerebral palsy (CP), and intellectual disability (ID). METHODS A total of 1020 children and adolescents with ASD, CP, and ID were assessed regarding the child and family information as well as the Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey. RESULTS The results showed that the OPA level was significantly lower than non-OPA in all groups. Furthermore, the OPA level was significantly lower in the CP group compared to ASD and ID groups (P < 0.001). Also, moderate (P < 0.001), vigorous (P < 0.05), and total (P < 0.001) physical activity levels were significantly different between all three groups, with the values being higher in the ASD group compared to the other two. The mean of the total sedentary behavior duration in the ASD group (1819.4 min/week, SD: 1680) was significantly lower than in the CP group (2687 min/week, SD: 2673) (P = 0.007) but not ID group (2176 min/week, SD: 2168.9) (P = 0.525). CONCLUSION Our findings remark on the participation rate of PA, OPA, and sedentary behaviors of children and adolescents with ASD, CP, and ID in a developing country. In contrast, the need for developing standards of PA/OPA participation in neurodevelopmental disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Nakhostin-Ansari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Monir Shayestehfar
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Alireza Hasanzadeh
- Medical School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Fateme Gorgani
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Memari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
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Sato K, Fukai T, Fujisawa KK, Nakamuro M. Association Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Childhood Development. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:930-938. [PMID: 37428500 PMCID: PMC10334298 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Importance Although a growing number of studies have reported negative associations of the COVID-19 pandemic with academic performance among school-aged children, less is known about the pandemic's association with early childhood development. Objective To examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and early childhood development. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cohort study conducted in all accredited nursery centers in a Japanese municipality, baseline surveys of children aged 1 and 3 years (1000 and 922, respectively) were conducted between 2017 and 2019, and participants were followed up for 2 years. Exposure Children's development was compared at age 3 or 5 years between cohorts that were exposed to the pandemic during the follow-up and a cohort that was not. Main Outcome and Measure Children's developmental age was measured by nursery teachers using the Kinder Infant Development Scale (KIDS). Data were analyzed between December 8, 2022, and May 6, 2023. Results A total of 447 children (201 girls [45.0%] and 246 boys [55.0%]) aged 1 year at baseline were followed up to age 3 years, and 440 children (200 girls [45.5%] and 240 boys [54.5%]) aged 3 years at baseline were followed up to age 5 years. During the follow-up, the cohorts that were exposed to the pandemic were 4.39 months behind in development at age 5 compared with the cohort that was not (coefficient, -4.39; 95% credible interval, -7.66 to -1.27). Such a negative association was not observed in development at age 3 years (coefficient, 1.32; 95% credible interval, -0.44 to 3.01). Variations in development were greater during the pandemic than before the pandemic regardless of age. Additionally, the quality of care at nursery centers was positively associated with development at age 3 years during the pandemic (coefficient, 2.01; 95% credible interval, 0.58-3.44), while parental depression appeared to amplify the association between the pandemic and delayed development at age 5 (coefficient of interaction, -2.62; 95% credible interval, -4.80 to -0.49; P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this study showed an association between exposure to the pandemic and delayed childhood development at age 5 years. Variations in development widened during the pandemic regardless of age. It is important to identify children with developmental delays associated with the pandemic and provide them with support for learning, socialization, physical and mental health, and family support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koryu Sato
- Department of Social Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and School of Public Health, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Taiyo Fukai
- Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko K. Fujisawa
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Education, Faculty of Letters, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Nakamuro
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
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19
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Cho Y, In H, Park M, Park EC, Kim SH. Association of smartphone use with abnormal social jetlag among adolescents in Korea before and after COVID-19. Addict Behav 2023; 141:107629. [PMID: 36746104 PMCID: PMC9882883 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107629] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to use social jetlag to determine how smartphone overuse by adolescents before and after the COVID-19 pandemic might be associated with their circadian rhythm. METHODS We used 2017 and 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior web-based Survey data and conducted a survey analysis on 100,976 adolescents. The dependent variable was abnormal social jetlag. Based on the times recorded by the survey, we calculated the weekday midpoint and weekend sleep time. The main independent variable was smartphone usage time (<2h/day, 2-3.9 h/day, 4-5.9 h/day, and ≥ 6 h/day). Multiple logistic regression and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) were performed. RESULTS Abnormal social jetlag was most prevalent in male and female adolescents who used smartphones ≥ 6 h/day (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.60, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 2.47-2.74). The longer the smartphone usage time, the higher the association with abnormal social jetlag. This association was more prominent in female adolescents. The additive interaction between longer smartphone usage time and post-COVID-19 year was statistically significant (total: RERI = 0.92, 95 % CI = 0.90-0.95; males: RERI = 0.83, 95 % CI = 0.80-0.87; females: RERI = 1.13, 95 % CI = 1.08-1.18). CONCLUSION Our results clearly indicated that increased smartphone usage time tended to result in greater social jetlag, an association that was more pronounced in female. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly strengthened this relationship. Further research is needed regarding the proper use of smartphones to ensure good sleep-in adolescents after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerin Cho
- Premedical Courses, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon In
- Premedical Courses, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseo Park
- Premedical Courses, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Hoon Kim
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Eaton A, Ball GDC, Hwang Y, Carson V, Gokiert R, Dennett L, Rajani H, Zhang M, Dyson MP. The Impacts of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence. J Phys Act Health 2023; 20:423-437. [PMID: 36965492 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2022-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this systematic review were to synthesize qualitative evidence on the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity (PA) for children and youth, and explore factors perceived to influence those impacts. METHODS Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, and CINAHL) were searched initially in June 2021 and updated in December 2021 to locate qualitative articles considering COVID-19 restrictions and PA for children and youth (≤18 y old), in any setting. Eligibility, quality assessments, and data extraction were completed by 2 independent reviewers. Data were synthesized using meta-aggregation with confidence of findings rated using ConQual. RESULTS After screening 3505 records, 15 studies were included. Curriculum-based PA, organized sport, and active transportation were negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Negative changes were affected by COVID-19 exposure risks, inadequate instruction, poor access, screen time, and poor weather. Unstructured PA was inconsistently impacted; outdoor unstructured PA increased for some. Positive changes were facilitated by family co-participation, availability of outdoor space, and perceived mental health benefits. CONCLUSION Qualitative data indicated restrictions had a predominantly negative impact on PA for children and youth, but inconsistent impacts on unstructured PA. The improved contextual understanding offered by our review will be foundational knowledge for health strategies moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Geoff D C Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Yeongho Hwang
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Valerie Carson
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Rebecca Gokiert
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | | | - Hasu Rajani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
- Northeast Community Health Centre, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Mona Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
- Northeast Community Health Centre, Edmonton, AB,Canada
| | - Michele P Dyson
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB,Canada
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21
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Andriyani FD, De Cocker K, Priambadha AA, Biddle SJH. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour of male adolescents in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-method case study using accelerometers, automated wearable cameras, diaries, and interviews. JOURNAL OF ACTIVITY, SEDENTARY AND SLEEP BEHAVIORS 2023; 2:5. [PMID: 38013785 PMCID: PMC9974395 DOI: 10.1186/s44167-022-00014-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Previous physical activity and sedentary behaviour studies during the pandemic have largely utilized online surveys, with known limitations including recall bias. Employing both device-based and self-reported measurements may provide a more comprehensive picture of both behaviours. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour research in adolescents is still limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia. Male adolescents had been identified as more active than females but have had a greater decrease in physical activity during the pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate the quantity, temporal patterns, contexts, and biopsychosocial factors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in a small group of male Indonesian adolescents. Methods Male adolescents (n = 5; 14-15 years old) from Yogyakarta wore accelerometers and automated wearable cameras for four days, and completed diaries and interviews in November 2020. Results Participants' activity was dominated by light intensity (67% of all physical activity). Sedentary behaviour was high; accelerometer, school days: 456 ± 145 min (78 ± 10% of wear time), non-school days: 344 ± 160 min (79 ± 17% of wear time); camera, school days: 176 ± 101 min (81 ± 46% of wear time), non-school days: 210 ± 165 min (86 ± 67% of wear time). Sedentary behaviour was mainly done during school hours on school days and from late afternoon to evening on non-school days. Screen time was largely for leisure purposes and action games were most favoured. Smartphones were the most used device, mainly used in a solitary context in the bedroom. Non-screen-based sedentary behaviour was consistently low. Interviews suggested that during the pandemic, supporting factors for physical activity are: self-determination, enjoyment, parental support, and physical education; meanwhile, factors influencing screen time are: educational demands, device and internet availability, screen time opportunities, parental control, social facilitators, phone notifications, and emotional state. Conclusions Most participants were not able to stay active during the pandemic. Using digital platforms may be beneficial to shift some screen-based sedentary behaviour to 'screen-based' or 'screen-prompted' physical activity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44167-022-00014-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitria Dwi Andriyani
- Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group (USQ PALs), Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Education City, 37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central, QLD 4300 Australia
- Department of Sports Education, Faculty of Sports Science, Yogyakarta State University, Yogyakarta, 55281 Indonesia
| | - Katrien De Cocker
- Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group (USQ PALs), Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Education City, 37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central, QLD 4300 Australia
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aprida Agung Priambadha
- Department of Primary Teacher Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Ahmad Dahlan University, Yogyakarta, 55191 Indonesia
| | - Stuart J. H. Biddle
- Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group (USQ PALs), Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Education City, 37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central, QLD 4300 Australia
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22
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Ciesielski M, Tkaczyk M, Hycza T, Taczanowska K. Was it really different? COVID-19-pandemic period in long-term recreation monitoring - A case study from Polish forests. JOURNAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM 2023; 41:100495. [PMID: 37521271 PMCID: PMC8882433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jort.2022.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID -19 pandemic posed serious challenge for securing public health worldwide. Public health preparedness and restrictions put in place impacted many aspects of human life, including recreational activities and access to outdoor recreational destinations. Green spaces have become one of the few sources of resilience during the coronavirus crisis due to their restorative effects on psychophysical health and community well-being. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on forest visitation. The results are based upon long-term visitor data acquired via pyroelectric sensors (Eco-Counter) in three forest districts located in Poland (Browsk, Gdansk & Kozienice Forest Districts). The analysis covers the period between January 01, 2019 and December 31, 2020 and the results confirm changes in recreational use in the studied forest areas during the pandemic compared to the preceding year. However, observed changes in forest visitation vary by pandemic period and study area. The ban on access to forest areas significantly reduced the number of forest visits in all studied areas. The number of visits to sub-urban forests (Gdansk Forest District) and to remote nature-based tourist destinations (Browsk Forest District) increased in the later pandemic periods, especially in the summer months of 2020, while it remained the same in a popular nearby recreation area: Kozienice Forest District. There were only minor temporal shifts in the distribution of weekly and daily visits. The results are important for public health preparedness planning in crisis situations and for provisioning conditions supporting societal health and well-being. Objective data on forest visits are necessary for successful management of forest areas and surrounding amenities. More cross-sector collaboration and public participation would be desirable to create sustainable, resilient, and liveable spaces for the society. Management Implications •Long-term visitation monitoring is crucial for successful management of outdoor recreation destinations and their catchment areas.•Objective numbers concerning forest visitation from the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic period allow observing trends and making fact-based management decisions during period of crisis.•Changes in the investigated three forest study areas in Poland were not homogenous, which implies the necessity of systematic visitor monitoring in multiple destinations, in order to cover different types of forest areas and also local diversity in recreational use.•More intersectoral, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary exchange would be desirable to better integrate existing on-site visitor monitoring data into decision making processes related to forest management, urban planning, transportation, tourism and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Ciesielski
- Department of Geomatics, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, ul. Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090, Raszyn, Poland
| | - Miłosz Tkaczyk
- Department of Forest Protection, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, ul. Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090, Raszyn, Poland
| | - Tomasz Hycza
- Department of Geomatics, Forest Research Institute, Sękocin Stary, ul. Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090, Raszyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Taczanowska
- Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Peter-Jordan-Strasse 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria
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23
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Bertoletti A, Biagi F, Di Pietro G, Karpiński Z. The effect of the COVID-19 disruption on the gender gap in students' performance: a cross-country analysis. LARGE-SCALE ASSESSMENTS IN EDUCATION 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36852157 PMCID: PMC9947449 DOI: 10.1186/s40536-023-00154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper investigates how the COVID-19 school closure has affected the gender gap in grade-8 students' performance and what are the drivers behind this. By analysing four different countries (i.e., the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates), the paper represents the first study addressing the issue from a comparative perspective. METHODS The study uses data from the Responses to Educational Disruption Survey (REDS) survey, which comprises international comparable data on how students approached remote learning during the COVID-19 disruption. The extent of the gender gap is estimated by employing an ordered logit model, while the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) decomposition method is used to analyse the different potential channels that could account for the gender gap during COVID-19. RESULTS The empirical results reveal that, during the COVID-19 school closure, girls tended to perceive changes in their learnings less favourably than boys, both in terms of improvement in self-perceived learning and self-reported improvement in grades-with odds of a more affirmative response between 20 and 25% lower for girls relative to boys. The main drivers explaining this gender gap are physical activity and psychological distress of students during the COVID-19 disruption, as well as the perceived family climate. CONCLUSIONS The paper shows systematic gender differences in how students perceived their educational outcomes changed due to the COVID-19 disruption, providing evidence on the factors driving these differences. The findings could be employed to design policy actions aimed at increasing gender equality in education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bertoletti
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre (JRC), Edificio EXPO, calle Inca Garcilaso, 3, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Federico Biagi
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre (JRC), Building 26A CCR, via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Pietro
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre (JRC), Edificio EXPO, calle Inca Garcilaso, 3, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Zbigniew Karpiński
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre (JRC), Edificio EXPO, calle Inca Garcilaso, 3, 41092 Seville, Spain
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24
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Schaffer O, Xie F, Cheng D, Grossman SN, Galetta SL, Balcer LJ, Balcer LJ. Trends in concussion mechanism of injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Neurol Sci 2023; 445:120538. [PMID: 36608628 PMCID: PMC9797225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120538] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on volume, demographics, and mechanisms of injury (MOI) for patients seen at an urban multidisciplinary concussion center. During the first phase of the pandemic in the United States, stay-at-home orders led to decreased group activities and required cancellation of outpatient appointments or initiation of telemedicine visits. METHODS This study was a retrospective chart review of 3500 patient electronic medical records (EMR). Patients aged 1-99 years were eligible if they had been seen at New York University Langone Health Concussion Center during March 1-December 31, 2019 (control/pre-pandemic period) or during the same period in 2020 (pandemic period). Injury date, appointment date, age, sex, and MOI were captured; statistical analyses were performed using Stata17 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). RESULTS There were 48% fewer visits during the COVID-19 pandemic period compared to the 2019 control period. There was a decreased proportion of pediatric patients (15% control, 6% pandemic; p = 0.007, chi-square test). Fewer concussions were related to team sports (21% control, 5% pandemic; p < 0.001), and a greater proportion were caused by bicycle accidents (4% control, 8% pandemic; p = 0.037) and assault/domestic violence (3% control, 9% pandemic; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The relative proportions of concussion MOI, age distributions, and visit volumes were significantly associated with pre-pandemic vs. pandemic periods, suggesting that COVID-19 changed concussion epidemiology during the pandemic period. This study demonstrates how epidemiologic data may inform future resource allocation during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Schaffer
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Frank Xie
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Debby Cheng
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Scott N Grossman
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Steven L Galetta
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Laura J Balcer
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America.
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25
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Gu Y, Kato H, Matsushita D. Relationship between Health Status and Daily Activities Based on Housing Type among Suburban Residents during COVID-19 Self-Isolation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2639. [PMID: 36768004 PMCID: PMC9914989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032639] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 significantly impacted residents' health status and daily activities in suburban residential areas. This study elucidated the relationship between health scores, daily activities, and housing types. The method was a questionnaire survey of 378 residents of suburban residential estates in Teraikedai, Kongo District, Japan, during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. Since the survey cohort was New Town, the suburban residential area identified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was targeted. The questions included participant demographics, the Basic Survey on Japanese Social Life, and the SF-12v2. The Tukey-Kramer HSD test and stepwise decreasing logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis of the responses. The COVID-19 self-isolation led to lower physical and mental health scores than usual, and the health scores of residents living in detached houses were better than those of residents in apartments, both those over the age of 65 and those under the age of 65. There was also a correlation between residents' daily activities and their health scores. For those aged under 65 years, the health scores of residents living in detached houses were significantly better than those living in apartments, indicating that daily activities such as sports and recreational hobbies may contribute to health scores.
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26
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Mateo-Orcajada A, Abenza-Cano L, Albaladejo-Saura MD, Vaquero-Cristóbal R. Mandatory after-school use of step tracker apps improves physical activity, body composition and fitness of adolescents. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 28:1-32. [PMID: 36714445 PMCID: PMC9871433 DOI: 10.1007/s10639-023-11584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous scientific research on the use of mobile applications to increase physical activity level and improve health among adolescents does not provide conclusive results, one of the main reasons being the lack of adherence to the intervention after the first weeks. For this reason, the main objectives of the research were to determine the changes produced by a compulsory ten-week period of after-school intervention with mobile step-tracking applications on adolescents' health; and the final objective to compare the benefits obtained by each of the mobile applications. To meet the objectives, a longitudinal study with non-probability convenience sampling was proposed. The sample consisted of 400 adolescents from two public compulsory secondary schools in the Region of Murcia, Spain, whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. The SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that adolescents in the experimental group showed a higher level of physical activity and better body composition and physical fitness variables after the intervention compared to the control group, with differences between the different applications used. In conclusion, this research shows the usefulness of mobile applications if they are used in a compulsory way after school hours. The relevance of these results for policymakers lies in the fact that they provide statistical data on the usefulness of mobile applications as an educational resource, being an option to make up for the lack of sufficient physical education teaching hours to meet global physical activity recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Mateo-Orcajada
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, Guadalupe, Murcia 30107 Spain
| | - Lucía Abenza-Cano
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, Guadalupe, Murcia 30107 Spain
| | | | - Raquel Vaquero-Cristóbal
- Facultad de Deporte, UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus de los Jerónimos, Guadalupe, Murcia 30107 Spain
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27
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Richards AB, Sheldrick MP, Swindell N, Barker HG, Hudson J, Stratton G. Qualitative changes in children's physical activity and sedentary behaviours throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: The HomeSPACE project. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280653. [PMID: 36662771 PMCID: PMC9858462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunities for children to be physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic were limited, resulting in a decrease in overall physical activity and an increase in sedentary behaviour during the lockdown restrictions of the pandemic. This study further explored these changes across various stages of the restrictions, starting during the first UK-wide lockdown in March 2020 through to the "new normal" in December 2021. Nine families, consisting of eleven children (36% girls, 64% boys; aged 13.38 years ± 1.14), eight mothers and one father were tracked throughout this time, using semi-structured interviews to explore the fluctuations in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the home environment in the context of self-determination theory. Findings indicate that as restrictions eased, physical activity within the home decreased, as children were exposed to more opportunities at school and in the community; these opportunities seemingly increased children's motivation to be physically active through increasing levels of their basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Some children's physical activity levels have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels, with a newfound enjoyment for being physically active. Whilst others now prefer to pursue more sedentary behaviours that became habitual during the lockdown restrictions. Accessible opportunities now need to be promoted to drive up children's motivations to be physically active following the years of uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie B. Richards
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P. Sheldrick
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Swindell
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet G. Barker
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Hudson
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Stratton
- Applied Sports Technology Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
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28
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Goto R, Kitagaki K, Horibe K, Tamura K, Yamada N, Ono R. Relationship between Perceived Physical Competence and Outdoor Play among Children Aged 9-12 Years-Focused Sex-Specific Differences. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:135. [PMID: 36670685 PMCID: PMC9857092 DOI: 10.3390/children10010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outdoor play (OP), which is considered important for children's development, is declining every year. Perceived physical competence (PPC) is a vital factor that promotes physical activity such as OP, sports clubs, etc., but the relationship between PPC and OP was unknown. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between PPC and OP in children and consider whether there were any sex-specific changes. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Japan with 288 children (134 girls, age: 10.6 ± 1.01 years). OP was assessed using an original self-report questionnaire. Each weekday, the children reported the time of OP and were classified as "high" if they played outside for at least an hour three times. PPC was evaluated with a self-report questionnaire developed by Okazawa et al. (1996). It has 12 questions and was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, screen time, sports club participation, and the number of friends, logistic regression analyses were carried out. RESULTS Children with better PPC were significantly more likely to be classified as "high" [crude odds ratio (OR): 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.08; adjusted OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00-1.08]. Only girls with better PPC were significantly more likely to be classified as "high" in a sex-based stratified analysis [crude OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.17]. CONCLUSIONS Particularly among girls, OP could be promoted as a voluntary physical activity with improved PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Goto
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Kitagaki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Osaka 574-0011, Japan
| | - Kana Horibe
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
| | - Kazuya Tamura
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamada
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
| | - Rei Ono
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe University, Kobe 654-0142, Japan
- Department of Physical Activity Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo 162-8636, Japan
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Physical Activity and Screen Viewing Behaviors Among Children Aged 6-9 Years During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Phys Act Health 2023; 20:402-410. [PMID: 36889326 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2022-0432] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many restrictions worldwide, including lockdowns and school closures. This may have prevented children from meeting the recommended physical activity (PA) levels and screen time. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the pandemic on school-age children's PA and screen time in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional study where caregivers of children aged 6-9 years living in Saudi Arabia were recruited through convenience sampling to fill out an online survey between July and August 2020. The survey covered demographic information, PAs, and screen time across 3 periods: pre-COVID-19 pandemic, during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the last 7 days preceding the survey during the pandemic where social distancing applied, but no lockdown. RESULTS A total of 339 caregivers completed the online survey about their children. The number of active children slightly increased during the lockdown (9.7%) than before COVID-19 and the last days (5.8%); however, the average reported days of PA during the pandemic were fewer than before. The findings indicated that all 3 types of screen time (watch time, screenplay, and device time) were longer during the pandemic (mean [SD]: 9.5 [5.5]) than before the COVID-19 (mean [SD]: 5.8 [5.1]). CONCLUSION While the proportion of active children had increased during the lockdown, the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted PA days and screen time in school-age children. School-age children in Saudi Arabia were already far from meeting global guidelines even before the pandemic, highlighting this population's need for healthy lifestyle promotion.
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So B, Kwon KH. A 'health message' on sustainable physical and mental health for the prolonged COVID-19 and other pandemics. Postgrad Med 2023; 135:13-30. [PMID: 36219130 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2022.2134693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The world has been living with another pandemic physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior (SB) and of other nature for years. As social measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been strengthened, the physical activity (PA) barrier has been hit and the PI/SB pandemic has been exacerbated, and in the current situation, triggered by its prolonged period, it is emerging as a problem to be considered in order to combat the PI/SB pandemic through PA and to maintain continuous physical and mental health. This review aims to summarize existing and recent studies on the effects of PA/SB on physical and mental health in preparation for the context of prolonged COVID-19 and provides an easy and fun way to motivate, access PA, and PA recommendations for maintaining physical and mental health. We performed search strategies on PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, and used a literature review of the current available literature on the COVID-19 and the effects of PI, SB, and PA on physical and mental health. The clinical relevance of this review shows that integrating PA into daily life and reducing prolonged sitting time is an important strategy for continuing a healthy life physically and mentally. As a result, for those who have not yet incorporated exercise as part of their daily routine, fun and easy access to PA suggests that in the long run, may be an opportunity to implement newer habits. In addition, in an emergency such as the COVID-19 quarantine period or other pandemics, it is essential for one to maintain health through PA at home, and underscore the 'health message' of the current review that reducing SB, progressively increasing PA, and doing more PA regularly in the current context prolonged COVID-19 can bring significant benefits to long-term habits and physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohee So
- Division of Beauty Arts Care, Department of Practical Arts, Graduate School of Culture and Arts, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Han Kwon
- College of General Education, Kookmin University, 02707, Republic of Korea
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Salussolia A, Lenzi J, Montalti M, Rallo F, Paternò M, Agosta M, Resi D, Stillo M, Guaraldi F, Gori D, Dallolio L, Masini A. Physical Well-Being of Children and Adolescents during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Findings from the "Come te la Passi?" Cross Sectional Survey in Bologna, Italy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121950. [PMID: 36553392 PMCID: PMC9776682 DOI: 10.3390/children9121950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 had a strong impact on the physical and general well-being of the youngest. In Italy, citizens were forced to change their habits, especially during the national lockdown, causing increased levels of sedentary and unhealthy behaviors. "Come te la passi?" was a cross-sectional study aimed at investigating changes in the physical activity levels (PA) and well-being of children and adolescents in the City of Bologna. METHODS An anonymous survey was administered to parents/guardians of children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. RESULTS 1134 questionnaires were collected during June 2021; 457 (40.3%) were females, and the mean age was 13.0 ± 3.4 years. Regarding the general well-being perception, 61.3% of the participants reported concerns about the future, 46.3% reported sleep difficulties, and 72.8% reported experiencing attention difficulty, with higher percentages among adolescents. Considering the PA frequency, an overall reduction was found, with the percentage of those who rarely did PA and those who frequently did PA both increasing. No gender differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the current pandemic has strongly impacted the well-being of children and adolescents. It appears to have primarily affected adolescents, with a significant reduction in PA levels, even after the end of the national lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Salussolia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Montalti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-4827
| | - Flavia Rallo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Paternò
- Department of Public Health, Bologna Local Health Authority, 40124 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Agosta
- Department of Public Health, Bologna Local Health Authority, 40124 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Resi
- Department of Public Health, Bologna Local Health Authority, 40124 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Stillo
- Department of Public Health, Bologna Local Health Authority, 40124 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Guaraldi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Martins RMG, Mazzoli E, Duncan MJ, Clark CCT, Eyre ELJ. The Acute Effects of Cognitively Demanding Physical Activity on Inhibitory and Affective Responses in Children: An Online-Based Mixed Methods Approach. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1896. [PMID: 36553340 PMCID: PMC9776716 DOI: 10.3390/children9121896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
This online study investigated the acute effects of a cognitively demanding physical activity (CDPA) vs a simple physical activity (SPA) bout on children’s inhibitory and affective responses. Using a counterbalanced within-subjects’ crossover design, thirty-nine participants aged 9−12 years old (29 boys; Mage = 11 ± 1 years) performed a CDPA and a SPA bout online (via ZOOM) for 15 min. Inhibition (Stroop test) was measured at the baseline, 1 and 30 min following the physical activity (PA) bouts, and self-report measures of affect, mental and physical exertion were taken prior, during and post-PA. Additionally, 31 children took part in semi-structured focus groups to explore the factors affecting their enjoyment. The quantitative results suggest no significant differences on inhibitory responses, affect and physical exertion (all p > 0.05). However, the CDPA induced more mental exertion than the SPA did (p < 0.05). In the focus groups, four themes were identified: physical exertion (e.g., tiredness), social (e.g., teams/groups), environment (e.g., outdoors and competition) and emotional (e.g., fun/enjoyment). Some children (n = 18) reported that the CDPA condition confused them, and to make these activities more interesting and enjoyable, they suggested performing the activities outdoors (n = 15) and including other children as part of a group/team (n = 19). The findings suggest no additional benefit of a cognitively enriched physical activity compared to an SPA bout on the inhibitory responses, affect and enjoyment. Using the instructions provided and given the low cost, the easy administration and the minimal amount of equipment and time involved, either of the approaches may be used in a diversity of contexts (i.e., online, schools or outdoors), and it is worth exploring the effects of these conditions on other aspects of executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M. G. Martins
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Emiliano Mazzoli
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Michael J. Duncan
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Cain C. T. Clark
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Emma L. J. Eyre
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
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Loo BKG, Okely A, Taylor R, Novotny R, Wickramasinghe P, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Waqa G, Pulungan A, Kusuda S, Tan KH, Asia–Pacific 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for the Early Years Committee. Asia-Pacific consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 32:100641. [PMID: 36785856 PMCID: PMC9918766 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Early childhood is a vital period for development and growth. Promoting beneficial lifestyle behaviours in early childhood can help optimise children's health, development and learning, shape their behaviours in adulthood and offer the best protection against future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In the Asia-Pacific region, NCDs are significant causes of healthcare burden and mortality. Furthermore, there is also a high prevalence of adverse metabolic risk factors and unhealthy lifestyle behaviours among these children. Method Representatives from 19 Asia-Pacific nations and/or jurisdictions developed a consensus statement on integrated 24-hour activity guidelines for the early years using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT framework. Findings These guidelines apply to all infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers below 5 years of age. The guidelines aim to provide a holistic and practical approach to lifestyle activities by framing physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep within a 24-hour period. Dietary patterns were included as they play an integral role in metabolic health and energy balance. Interpretation Aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs through health promotion interventions in early life, through cultivating healthy lifestyle behaviours in the children's early years, we aim to provide children with the best start in life and reduce the burden of future NCDs in the Asia-Pacific region. Funding Funded by Integrated platform for research in advancing metabolic health outcomes of women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benny Kai Guo Loo
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore,Corresponding author. Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore.
| | - Anthony Okely
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael Taylor
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Novotny
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | | | - Gade Waqa
- School of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Aman Pulungan
- Endocrinology Division, Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia – Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Satoshi Kusuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kok Hian Tan
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
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Carriedo A, Cecchini JA, Fernández-Álvarez LE, González C. Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Adolescents after the COVID-19 Lockdown and One Year Afterward. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14660. [PMID: 36429376 PMCID: PMC9691038 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in physical activity and physical fitness between the beginning of the first academic year after a confinement (November 2020) and the beginning of the second academic year after a confinement ("new normality": November 2021) in a cohort of adolescents. Moreover, the evolution of physical fitness after controlling for physical activity was examined. A total of 687 students (M = 15.35, SD = 1.677) from a high school located in a rural town in northern Spain gave information on their physical activity (PA) levels in two different periods. Linear mixed models were used to examine these changes. The results indicated that vigorous physical activity (VPA) and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) significantly increased between the two periods. A growth tendency of several components of fitness (upper body power, strength endurance, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and eye-hand coordination) was also observed. Finally, the results indicated that belonging to a sports club and getting involved in more VPA better explained the development in cardiovascular and muscle fitness between the two time points. Thus, the results of this study highlighted the relevance of membership in a sports club and vigorous PA in order to mitigate the potential negative effect of social distancing measures on physical fitness.
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Anderson CE, Whaley SE. Changes in frequency of park/playground utilization among children aged 4-59 months in Los Angeles County, California 2008-2020. Prev Med Rep 2022; 29:101976. [PMID: 36161106 PMCID: PMC9502325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Every day and 3–6 d/wk park use rose from 2008 to 2017, and declined in 2020. Never park use declined from 2008 (12.2%) to 2017 (8.5%) and rose in 2020 (35.5%). Children 24–59 mo had 36% lower every day park use odds in 2020 than 2008. Children 24–59 mo had 85–89% lower 3–6 and 1-2d/wk park use odds in 2020 than 2008. Children 4–23 mo had similar patterns in park utilization frequency 2008–2020. Child physical activity and play are critical for healthy development, and parks/playgrounds are important public spaces that provide physical activity/play opportunities. This study was conducted to assess changes in park/playground utilization by Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)-participating children from 2008 to 2020, and whether the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower park/playground utilization and racial/ethnic disparities in park/playground utilization. Cross-sectional data from the 2008–2020 triennial Los Angeles County WIC Survey (n = 21,886) were used, and analyses stratified by child age (4–23 months, 24–59 months). Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for the relationship between year and park/playground utilization frequency were determined from multinomial logistic regression, and racial/ethnic disparities were assessed by interacting year with race/ethnicity. Among children 24–59 months of age, park/playground utilization increased compared to never from 2011 to 2017 compared to 2008 (Every day, 2011–2017: OR [95 % CI]: 2.69 [1.93, 3.75], 4.71 [3.23, 6.86], 10.20 [6.91, 15.06]; 3–6 days/week 2011–2017: 1.54 [1.13, 2.10], 3.11 [2.18, 4.45], 3.94 [2.71, 5.72]; 1–2 days/week, 2014–2017; 1.53 [1.08, 2.18], 1.63 [1.13, 2.37]). Associations reversed in 2020, with 36 % lower odds of every day (OR [95 % CI]: 0.64 [0.48, 0.85]), 85 % lower odds of 3–6 days/week (0.15 [0.11, 0.20]) and 89 % lower odds of 1–2 days/week (0.11 [0.09, 0.15]) park/playground utilization compared to never than in 2008. Park/playground utilization frequency increased from 2008 to 2017, but progress reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Results for children ages 4–23 months were similar. Future public health restrictions to public recreation facilities should consider realistic limitations to potential benefits and the potential for unintended consequences before implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Anderson
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, a Program of Heluna Health, 12781 Schabarum Ave, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
| | - Shannon E Whaley
- Division of Research and Evaluation, Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC, a Program of Heluna Health, 12781 Schabarum Ave, Irwindale, CA 91706, USA
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Neville RD, Lakes KD, Hopkins WG, Tarantino G, Draper CE, Beck R, Madigan S. Global Changes in Child and Adolescent Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:886-894. [PMID: 35816330 PMCID: PMC9274449 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Numerous physical distancing measures were implemented to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which could have negatively affected child and adolescent physical activity levels. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature that used validated measures to document changes in child and adolescent physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic and to estimate whether changes in physical activity differed between participant-level, contextual, and methodological moderators. DATA SOURCES PubMed, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and MEDLINE were searched (from January 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022). A total of 1085 nonduplicate records were retrieved. STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they reported (1) changes in the duration of physical activity at any intensity for children or adolescents (age ≤18 years) comparing before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using validated physical activity measurement tools and were (2) from general population samples, (3) peer-reviewed, and (4) published in English. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS A total of 126 articles underwent full-text review. Data were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis, which was conducted in January 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Change in the duration of engagement in physical activity at any intensity comparing before and during COVID-19. RESULTS Twenty-two studies including 46 independent samples and 79 effect sizes from 14 216 participants (median age, 10.5 years; range, 3-18 years) were included. The percentage change in the duration of engagement in total daily physical activity from before to during COVID-19 was -20% (90% CI, -34% to -4%). Moderation analyses revealed that changes were larger for higher-intensity activities (-32%; 90% CI, -44% to -16%), corresponding to a 17-minute reduction in children's daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels. The reduction in physical activity was also larger for samples located at higher latitudes (37%; 90% CI, -1% to 89%) and for studies with a longer duration between physical activity assessments (25%; 90% CI, -0.5% to 58%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Children and adolescents have experienced measurable reductions in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings underscore the need to provide bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning among children and adolescents during pandemic recovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross D. Neville
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kimberley D. Lakes
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside
| | - Will G. Hopkins
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Giampiero Tarantino
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine E. Draper
- South African Medical Research Council Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Rosemary Beck
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland,School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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So HK, Chua GT, Yip KM, Tung KTS, Wong RS, Louie LHT, Tso WWY, Wong ICK, Yam JC, Kwan MYW, Lau KK, Kong JKW, Wong WHS, Ip P. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on School-Aged Children's Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Repeated Measures Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10539. [PMID: 36078256 PMCID: PMC9517856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite concerns about the negative effects of social distancing and prolonged school closures on children's lifestyle and physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, robust evidence is lacking on the impact of the pandemic-related school closures and social distancing on children's wellbeing and daily life. This study aimed to examine changes in the PA levels, sleep patterns, and screen time of school-aged children during the different phases of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong using a repeated cross-sectional design. School students (grades 1 to 12) were asked to report their daily electronic device usage and to fill in a sleep diary, recording their daily sleep onset and wake-up time. They were equipped with a PA monitor, Actigraph wGT3X-BT, to obtain objective data on their PA levels and sleep patterns. Students were recruited before the pandemic (September 2019-January 2020; n = 577), during school closures (March 2020-April 2020; n = 146), and after schools partially reopened (October 2020-July 2021; n = 227). Our results indicated lower PA levels, longer sleep duration, and longer screen time among participants recruited during school closures than those recruited before the COVID-19 outbreak. Primary school students were found to sleep on average for an extra hour during school closures. The later sleep onset and increased screen time documented during school closures persisted when schools partially reopened. Our findings illustrate the significant impact of social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep pattern, screen time, and PA level in school-aged children in Hong Kong. Professionals should urgently reinforce the importance of improving physically activity, good sleep hygiene, and regulated use of electronic devices for parents and school-aged children during this unprecedented time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Kwan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gilbert T. Chua
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Man Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keith T. S. Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rosa S. Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lobo H. T. Louie
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Winnie W. Y. Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ian C. K. Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason C. Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mike Y. W. Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui-Kai Lau
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Wilfred H. S. Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Deoni SC, Beauchemin J, Volpe A, Dâ Sa V. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Early Child Cognitive Development: A Comparison of Development in Children Born During the Pandemic and Historical References. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2021.08.10.21261846. [PMID: 34401887 PMCID: PMC8366807 DOI: 10.1101/2021.08.10.21261846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Objective To characterize cognitive function in young children under 3 years of age over the past decade, and test whether children exhibit different cognitive development profiles through the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design Neurocognitive data (Mullen Scales of Early Learning, MSEL) were drawn from 700 healthy and neurotypically developing children between 2011 to 2021 without reported positive tests or clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We compared MSEL composite measures (general cognition, verbal, and non-verbal development) to test if those measured during 2020 and 2021 differed significantly from historical 2011-2019 values. We also compared MSEL values in a sub-cohort comprising infants 0-16 months of age born during the pandemic vs. infants born prior. In all analyses, we also included measures of socioeconomic status, birth outcome history, and maternal stress. Results A significant decrease in mean population MSEL measures was observed in 2021 compared to historical references. Infants born during the pandemic exhibited significantly reduced verbal, non-verbal, and overall cognitive performance compared to children born pre-pandemic. Maternal stress was not found to be associated with observed declines but a higher socioeconomic status was found to be protective. Conclusions Results reveal a striking decline in cognitive performance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with infants born since mid-2020 showing an average decrease of 27-37 points. Further work is merited to understand the underlying causative factors.
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Braksiek M, Lindemann U, Pahmeier I. Physical Activity and Stress of Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany-A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8274. [PMID: 35886126 PMCID: PMC9321660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although infection with SARS-CoV-2 appears to be less dangerous for children and adolescents, research indicates that the measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have had and continue to have negative effects on children's and adolescents' mental health and physical activity (PA). Due to the different health policies, country-specific studies as well as studies in different phases of the pandemic are important to obtain a differentiated picture of the effects of the pandemic. This study set out to investigate children's and adolescents' PA, stress, and well-being as well as the associations between these two variables during a phase of a gradual decline in measure to contain the pandemic in Germany. For this purpose, 1293 children and adolescents in a rural area of a federal state in Germany were investigated. The results indicated that children and adolescents felt sadder and less well during this period than children and adolescents before the pandemic. Results also revealed that they were more physically active than children and adolescents before the pandemic as well as in the second lockdown but less active than in the first lockdown. Both well-being and sadness were positively associated with the PA. The study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Braksiek
- Department of Sport Science, University of Vechta, 49377 Vechta, Germany; (M.B.); (I.P.)
| | - Uta Lindemann
- Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Iris Pahmeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Vechta, 49377 Vechta, Germany; (M.B.); (I.P.)
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Ganzar LA, Salvo D, Burford K, Zhang Y, Kohl HW, Hoelscher DM. Longitudinal changes in objectively-measured physical activity and sedentary time among school-age children in Central Texas, US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:56. [PMID: 35590329 PMCID: PMC9117593 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most available evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child movement behaviors is from cross-sectional studies using self-report measures. This study aimed to identify change trajectories and their associated factors for objectively-assessed physical activity and sedentary time among an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of school-age children from Central Texas, U.S.A., during COVID-19. METHODS Pre- (Sept. 2019 - Feb. 2020) and during- (Oct. 2020 - March 2021) COVID-19 physical activity and sedentary behavior data were collected for school-age children (8-11 years) enrolled in the Safe Travel Environment Evaluation in Texas Schools (STREETS) cohort study. Daily time spent in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time were assessed using GT3X-wBT Actigraph accelerometers. Parent surveys were used to assess socio-ecological factors. Latent class linear mixed models were used to identify change trajectories of MVPA and sedentary time. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between socio-ecological characteristics with physical activity and sedentary time change trajectory groups. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in mean daily MVPA (- 9.4 mins, SD = 18.54) and an increase in sedentary behavior (0.83 hrs, SD = 1.18). Two trajectory groups were identified for MVPA ('decrease MPVA' and 'maintain high MVPA'), with the majority (82.1%) being in the 'decrease MVPA' group. Three trajectory groups were identified for sedentary behavior ('moderate increase sedentary, 'steep increase sedentary,' and 'decrease sedentary'), with most children (78.5%) being in the 'moderate increase' group. Girls had significantly lower odds of being in the 'maintain high MVPA' group than boys (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11, 0.61). Children living in neighborhoods with higher perceived social cohesion had significantly higher odds of being in the 'maintain high MVPA' group (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.41), while those in neighborhoods with higher social cohesion had lower odds of being in the 'decrease sedentary' group (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74, 0.99). CONCLUSIONS Declines in physical activity and increases in sedentary time among most school-age children during COVID-19 in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse U.S. sample, were observed in our study, especially among girls. These findings highlight the need to counteract the short-term negative changes in movement behaviors in response to COVID-19 among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Ann Ganzar
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701 USA
| | - Deborah Salvo
- Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130 USA
| | - Katie Burford
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701 USA
| | - Yuzi Zhang
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701 USA
| | - Harold W. Kohl
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701 USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Deanna M. Hoelscher
- Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701 USA
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Barriers and Facilitators to Toddlers’ Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as Perceived by Teachers, Principals and Parents: A Challenge for the Early Childhood Educational Environments. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci12050349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our study was to explore the barriers and facilitators that teachers, principals, and parents face when adapting to COVID-19 pandemic scenario in terms of promoting toddlers’ physical activity (PA). Thirty-four (20 teachers and principals, and 14 parents) semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted from October 2020 to March 2021. The socioecological model has enabled the identification of barriers and facilitators, some of which are related to the pandemic and others which are not. The main results suggest that upon reopening the ECEC institutions, regarding environmental barriers, educators mentioned the impact on the use of space, and parents, the modification of daily activities generated by COVID-19. However, educators also considered that the presence of suitable spaces in the school for practicing PA was a facilitator. At the intra- and interpersonal level, facilitators of PA that were unrelated to the pandemic included, for parents, the predisposition of children to be physically active and their own function as role models, and for educators, the curricular practices themselves. At an environmental level, the risk of danger in the traditional classroom plus bad weather were considered barriers by educators, while parents mentioned difficulties accessing outdoor space and the poor suitability of indoor spaces. Our results suggest the simultaneous analysis of the perceptions of different actors in the educational environments offers a broad vision of the ecological alternatives for offering children opportunities for PA in these difficult times.
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Zhang S, Xiao T, He J. The Influence of a School Social Network Intervention on Adolescent's Health Behaviors: A Gender-Specific Agent-Based Model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:861743. [PMID: 35444977 PMCID: PMC9013940 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.861743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescence is a crucial stage for health behavior development, which is associated with health in adulthood. School closures caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have exposed adolescents to an increased risk of obesity due to a lack of physical activity. Although social network interventions provide an effective approach for promoting health-related behavior, current practices neglect gender differences in adolescent behavioral patterns and emotional preferences. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of centrality-based methods integrated with of gender contexts in a social network intervention to improve adolescent's health behavior. Methods We developed an agent-based model (ABM) that supports the small-world characteristics of adolescent social networks. Health-related data for junior middle school students (n = 234, 48% girls) were collected in November 2018, 2019 and 2020 in Tianjin, China. We simulated multiple network-based interventions with different criteria for influential agents (i.e., betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, eigenvector centrality, and PageRank) and a random condition. The rules for generating peer influence and accelerating behavioral changes were based on the diffusion of innovations theory, with gender specifications. Results After the school closures, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents, with a greater increase in girls than in boys (+8.85% vs. +1.65%, p < 0.001). Simulations showed that centrality-based network interventions were more effective than the random condition (average 6.17% per tick vs. 5.22% per tick, p < 0.05), with a higher efficiency in girls than boys (average 3.68% vs. 2.99% per tick, p < 0.05). PageRank outperformed other centrality conditions at the population level (6.37% per tick, p < 0.05). In girls, betweenness centrality was the best method (3.85% per tick, p < 0.05), while in boys, PageRank still had the greatest efficiency (3.21% per tick, p < 0.05). Conclusions We found evidence for gender differences in the negative impact of COVID-19-related school closures and the potential for centrality-based social network interventions to affect adolescent health behavior. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of gender-specific targeting strategies to further promote health-related school programs in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyi Xiao
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie He
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
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Moderating Effect of a Cross-Level Social Distancing Policy on the Disparity of COVID-19 Transmission in the United States. ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ijgi11040229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global pandemic, but the prevention and control of the disease in various countries have also entered the normalization stage. To achieve economic recovery and avoid a waste of resources, different regions have developed prevention and control strategies according to their social, economic, and medical conditions and culture. COVID-19 disparities under the interaction of various factors, including interventions, need to be analyzed in advance for effective and precise prevention and control. Considering the United States as the study case, we investigated statistical and spatial disparities based on the impact of the county-level social vulnerability index (SVI) on the COVID-19 infection rate. The county-level COVID-19 infection rate showed very significant heterogeneity between states, where 67% of county-level disparities in COVID-19 infection rates come from differences between states. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) was adopted to examine the moderating effects of state-level social distancing policies on the influence of the county-level SVI on COVID-19 infection rates, considering the variation in data at a unified level and the interaction of various data at different levels. Although previous studies have shown that various social distancing policies inhibit COVID-19 transmission to varying degrees, this study explored the reasons for the disparities in COVID-19 transmission under various policies. For example, we revealed that the state-level restrictions on the internal movement policy significantly attenuate the positive effect of county-level economic vulnerability indicators on COVID-19 infection rates, indirectly inhibiting COVID-19 transmission. We also found that not all regions are suitable for the strictest social distancing policies. We considered the moderating effect of multilevel covariates on the results, allowing us to identify the causes of significant group differences across regions and to tailor measures of varying intensity more easily. This study is also necessary to accomplish targeted preventative measures and to allocate resources.
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Sum KK, Cai S, Law E, Cheon B, Tan G, Loo E, Lee YS, Yap F, Chan JKY, Daniel M, Chong YS, Meaney M, Eriksson J, Huang J. COVID-19-Related Life Experiences, Outdoor Play, and Long-term Adiposity Changes Among Preschool- and School-Aged Children in Singapore 1 Year After Lockdown. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:280-289. [PMID: 35072692 PMCID: PMC8787686 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.5585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Despite the potential for COVID-19 infection control-related events to have an effect on child well-being, comprehensive assessments of postlockdown changes and persistent outcomes are lacking. OBJECTIVE To survey the extent of COVID-19 lockdown-related lifestyle changes, their differences by child age and family socioeconomic status, and the potential association with child adiposity 1 year after lockdown. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A self-administered, electronic survey was introduced to 2 ongoing child cohorts (the Singapore Preconception Study of Long-term Maternal and Child Outcomes [S-PRESTO] cohort of preschool children aged 1-4.5 years and the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes [GUSTO] cohort of primary school children aged 9-10.7 years) from July 8, 2020, to September 5, 2020, which was 1 to 3 months after the end of strict universal movement restrictions (duration of 73 days ending on June 19, 2020). All active participants from S-PRESTO and GUSTO, 2 population-based, longitudinal, parent-offspring cohorts in Singapore, were invited to participate and monitored through June 15, 2021. EXPOSURES Exposures included family income before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, changes in child outdoor play or exercise, and COVID-19-related life events; all data were self-reported by parents and school-aged children 1 to 3 months after the lockdown. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcomes were self-reported COVID-19-related life events and changes in child online socialization, outdoor play or exercise, and intrafamily relationships. Study staff measured children's weight, height, and skinfold thickness before and up to 1 year after lockdown. Body mass indices (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) and World Health Organization-standardized scores were computed. Differences before and after lockdown were compared using baseline-adjusted linear regression. RESULTS A total of 604 parents (53% of active cohort participants) and 356 school-aged children completed the survey and were similar to source cohorts. This represents 373 of 761 eligible children in the GUSTO cohort (mean [SD] age, 9.9 [0.4] years; 197 girls [52.8%]) and 231 of 370 eligible children in the S-PRESTO cohort (mean [SD] age, 2.6 [0.8] years; 121 boys [52.6%]). The COVID-19-related life changes were prevalent and varied (eg, 414 of 600 children [69.0%] reported changes in social activities). More than one-third of primary school-aged children (122 of 356 [34.3%]) and one-quarter of preschool-aged children (56 of 229 [24.5%]) eliminated any outdoor play after the lockdown. Lower family income before the lockdown was associated with increased odds of elimination of outdoor play (adjusted odds ratio per 1000 Singapore dollars [$730 US dollars] decrease, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19). Complete elimination of outdoor activity (vs continued outdoor activity) was associated with an increase in body mass index of 0.48 (95% CI, 0.03-0.94) and a body mass index z score of 0.18 units (95% CI, 0-0.37) in school-aged children approximately 1 year after lockdown. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this cohort study suggest that 1 to 3 months after a brief, strict lockdown, a large proportion of parents and school-aged children reported elimination of outdoor play, which was more prevalent in lower-income families. Future research to better understand clinical implications and ways to mitigate lockdown outcomes is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Kei Sum
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shirong Cai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Evelyn Law
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bobby Cheon
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Evelyn Loo
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yung Seng Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Yap
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Mary Daniel
- KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Johan Eriksson
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Huang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
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Adolescents' Behaviors, Fitness, and Knowledge Related to Active Living before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052560. [PMID: 35270251 PMCID: PMC8909370 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Nearly all schools in the United States experienced shutdown followed by phased reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby limiting students’ opportunities for physical activity (PA). This study aimed to examine adolescents’ PA at school (PAS) and PA out-of-school (PAO), screen-based sedentary behaviors (SbSB), health-related fitness, and knowledge understanding about PA and fitness before and during the pandemic. Methods: Three rounds of data were collected: Time 1 pre-pandemic (January 2020; n = 405), Time 2 schools partially reopened (February 2021; n = 412), and Time 3 schools fully reopened (March 2021; n = 450). Adolescents completed the Youth Activity Profile, the 20 m Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test and Plank test, and a written test, to measure the behaviors (T1, T2, T3), fitness (T2–T3), and knowledge (T1, T2, T3), respectively. Results: Inferential statistical analyses revealed a significant time effect for the behaviors and fitness. From T1 to T2 PAO decreased but PAS increased; whereas SbSB decreased at T3 compared to T1 and T2. Health-related fitness improved from T2 to T3. Further, the change patterns for SbSB varied by grade, and those for knowledge understanding varied by gender. Conclusion: The findings confirm the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ active living but varied by school grade and gender. The favorable changes from T2 to T3 observed for fitness and other constructs may be partially attributable to an interrupted fitness education intervention. The findings may guide the design and evaluation of future interventions addressing the physical inactivity pandemic during public health crises (e.g., COVID-19).
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Haug E, Mæland S, Lehmann S, Bjørknes R, Fadnes LT, Sandal GM, Skogen JC. Increased Gaming During COVID-19 Predicts Physical Inactivity Among Youth in Norway-A Two-Wave Longitudinal Cohort Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:812932. [PMID: 35237551 PMCID: PMC8884262 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.812932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A concern for the COVID-19 measures and the potential long-term consequences the measures may have on physical inactivity and gaming among youth. Objectives Examine the stability and change in internet and offline gaming and the association with physical inactivity among adolescents in Norway during the pandemic. Methods A total of 2940 youth (58% girls) aged 12-19 years participated in an online longitudinal two-wave survey during the first Norwegian national lockdown in April 2020 (t1) and in December 2020 (t2). Gaming behavior and physical activity status were assessed at both time points. Age, gender, and socioeconomic status were included as covariates. Results Among boys, 41% reported gaming a lot more and 35% a little more at t1 compared to before the national lockdown. The corresponding numbers for girls were 14 and 23%, respectively. In fully adjusted analysis, a pattern of increased gaming at t1 followed by an additional increase in gaming reported at t2 was associated with physical inactivity at t1 (OR = 2.10, p < 0.01) and t2 (OR = 2.45, p < 0.001). Participants gaming more at t1 followed by a reduction at t2 had higher odds of inactivity at t1 (OR = 1.88, p < 0.01). Youth reporting no gaming at t1 had lower odds for inactivity at this time point (OR = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusions Increased gaming among many youths and a relationship with physical inactivity was observed during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. To counteract the negative long-term impacts of COVID-19 restrictions, public health initiatives should emphasize the facilitation of physical activity in youth and develop effective strategies to prevent problematic gaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haug
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Teacher Education, NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Mæland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Bjørknes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Poulain T, Meigen C, Kiess W, Vogel M. Wellbeing, coping with homeschooling, and leisure behavior at different COVID‐19‐related lockdowns: A longitudinal study in 9‐ to 16‐year‐old German children. JCPP ADVANCES 2022; 2:e12062. [PMID: 35572851 PMCID: PMC9088342 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background School closures are an effective measure against the spread of Covid‐19. However, they pose a major challenge to children, especially to those from socially disadvantaged families. The present study compared the wellbeing, coping with homeschooling, and leisure behavior of children and adolescents at two different periods of school closures in Germany. Wellbeing was also compared with wellbeing before the pandemic. Methods Within the framework of the cohort study LIFE Child, 152 9‐ to 16‐year‐old children completed online surveys on wellbeing (KIDSCREEN‐27 scales on physical wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, and peer and social support), coping with homeschooling (concentration, motivation, fun, mastering of schoolwork, fear of bad marks), and leisure behavior (TV time, computer gaming time, indoor physical activity) during two COVID‐19‐related lockdowns in March 2020 (t1) and in January 2021 (t2). Data from both time points were compared using mixed‐effect models. Wellbeing was additionally compared with the wellbeing in 2019, before COVID‐19 (t0). We also assessed the effects of the socio‐economic status (SES) on all outcomes and changes between time points. Results All considered wellbeing scores declined significantly between t0 and t1. Physical wellbeing decreased further between t1 and t2, while social support increased. Coping with homeschooling degraded significantly between t1 and t2, while leisure behavior did not change significantly. Lower SES was associated with lower physical wellbeing, poorer coping with homeschooling, longer computer gaming times, and a stronger decrease of concentration on schoolwork from t1 to t2. Conclusion Repeated school closures have a negative effect on already compromised physical wellbeing and coping with homeschooling, especially in children from lower social strata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Poulain
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
- Department of Women and Child Health University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Christof Meigen
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
- Department of Women and Child Health University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Mandy Vogel
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
- Department of Women and Child Health University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig University Leipzig Germany
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Dallolio L, Marini S, Masini A, Toselli S, Stagni R, Bisi MC, Gori D, Tessari A, Sansavini A, Lanari M, Bragonzoni L, Ceciliani A. The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity behaviour in Italian primary school children: a comparison before and during pandemic considering gender differences. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:52. [PMID: 34998379 PMCID: PMC8742559 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization stated an average of 60 min of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) that children should accumulate every day. Nevertheless physical inactivity is growing and, due to restrictions imposed during pandemic, PA levels of children might be more negatively affected. The study aimed to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the PA of an Italian sample of primary school children by comparing it before and during COVID-19 considering gender differences. METHODS A pre-post analysis (October 2019-January 2021) was conducted using a randomized sample (N = 77) from the I-MOVE study settled in an Italian primary school. Both objective (Actigraph accelerometers) and self-reported (PAQ-c questionnaires) assessments of PA were performed. Changes were compared using T-Student and Chi-Square test. Gender differences were calculated using Anova. RESULTS Weekly and daily minutes time spent in MVPA significantly decreased respectively by - 30.59 ± 120.87 and - 15.32 ± 16.21 from before to during pandemic while the weekly time spent in sedentary behaviour increased (+ 1196.01 ± 381.49). PAQ-c scores followed the same negative trend (- 0.87 ± 0.72). Boys seem to have suffered more than girls from the imposed restrictions. CONCLUSION These findings outline the need for strategies to promote PA and reduce sedentary behaviours in children to prevent COVID-19 restriction long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dallolio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Marini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alice Masini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Stagni
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" University of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Bisi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi" University of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Tessari
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sansavini
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Lanari
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, S. Orsola University Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Bragonzoni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921, Rimini, Italy
| | - Andrea Ceciliani
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Campus of Rimini, 47921, Rimini, Italy
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Strain T, Sharp SJ, Spiers A, Price H, Williams C, Fraser C, Brage S, Wijndaele K, Kelly P. Population level physical activity before and during the first national COVID-19 lockdown: A nationally representative repeat cross-sectional study of 5 years of Active Lives data in England. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 12:100265. [PMID: 34870255 PMCID: PMC8629728 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To limit the spread of COVID-19 in March 2020, the population of England was instructed to stay home, leaving only for essential shopping, health-care, work, or exercise. The impact on population activity behaviours is not clear. We describe changes in duration and types of activity undertaken by adults ≥16 years in England between March and May 2016-19 and 2020, by socio-demographic strata. METHODS Using nationally representative data collected between November 2015 and May 2020 by the Sport England Active Lives Surveys (n=726,257) we assessed trends in amount and type of non-occupational moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Using data from n=74,430 mid-April to mid-May respondents, we then estimated the odds ratios of reporting any activity in the four-week recall period in 2020 compared to 2016-19. Gamma regressions estimated the mean ratios (MR) of duration amongst those reporting any activity in 2020 compared to 2016-19. FINDINGS Population activity declined substantially after the restrictions were introduced. Compared to 2016-19 levels, the odds of reporting any activity in 2020 were 30% lower (95% confidence interval (CI) 26-34%). The largest declines were amongst non-white ethnicities, the youngest and oldest age groups, and the unemployed; no socio-demographic subgroup had higher odds. Amongst those undertaking activity, weekly duration was similar in the two periods (MR 0.99, 95%CI (0.96-1.01%)). The odds of participating in walking for leisure and gardening were 11% (6-16%) and 15% (9-21%) higher, respectively, whereas the odds for team and racket sport and walking for travel participation were 76% (73-79%) and 66% (64-68%) lower, respectively. INTERPRETATION Restrictions introduced in Spring 2020 likely reduced physical activity levels in England. The magnitude of the declines were not uniform by demographic groups or by activity type, which future policies should consider. FUNDING TS, KW, SJS, and SB are supported by UK Medical Research Council [grant numbers MC_UU_00006/4 and MC_UU_12015/3] and SB is supported by the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in Cambridge (IS-BRC-1215-20014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Strain
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Søren Brage
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Paul Kelly
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, UK
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50
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Appelhans BM, French SA, Martin MA, Lui K, Janssen I. Attenuated efficacy of pediatric obesity treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2022; 30:45-49. [PMID: 34739182 PMCID: PMC8661682 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined whether the efficacy of a standard-of-care pediatric obesity treatment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Analyses leveraged data from an ongoing pediatric obesity treatment trial involving 230 lower-income, urban children aged 6 to 12 years. Mixed-effects regression models compared children who participated in a 12-month weight-management intervention before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic on change from baseline in BMI z score (ΔzBMI) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS The observed pattern of ΔzBMI was significantly different before versus during the pandemic (χ2 = 22.73, p < 0.0001). Children treated before the pandemic maintained an average weight loss of -0.06 ΔzBMI at 12 months, whereas children treated during the pandemic steadily gained weight over time, averaging a net gain of 0.11 ΔzBMI at 12 months (χ2 = 34.99, p < 0.0001). Treatment session completion did not differ before versus during the pandemic (60.4% vs. 55.7%, respectively; p = 0.30) or account for differences in ΔzBMI. CONCLUSIONS Similar reductions in intervention efficacy may be anticipated in other pediatric obesity treatment trials conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families that have struggled with managing their child's weight during this period may need encouragement to continue engaging in structured weight management as society renormalizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M. Appelhans
- Department of Preventive MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Simone A. French
- Division of Epidemiology and Community HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Molly A. Martin
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Karen Lui
- Department of PediatricsRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Imke Janssen
- Department of Preventive MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
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