Children’s Eating Habits,Physical Activity,Sleep, and Media Usage before and during COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge changes in people’s lifestyle, health, and social relationships. This situation has had an impact on children and adolescents, affecting their health, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. The survey aimed to compare eating behaviors, level of physical activity (PA), hours of sleep, and screen time among Polish children and adolescents aged 6–15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We obtained self-reported data from 1016 participants at two measurement points before and during the COVID-19 lockdown in Poland to examine the influence of the lockdown and the distance learning on PA, dietary habits, sleep, and media usage of children and adolescents aged 6–15 years. The study identified dietary differences and changes in daily activity patterns (reduced sleep duration with higher sleep quality and reduced physical activity). Additionally, the increase in general media usage was observed during the pandemic alongside a reduction in smartphone usage. Together, the findings indicate increased sleep, physical activity, and reduced media usage and screen time among Polish children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Effects of reallocating physical activity,sedentary behaviors,and sleep on mental health in adolescents

ObjectivePhysical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep are associated with mental health in adolescents. Mental health may depend not only on the amount of time spent in a specific activity, but also on the activity it displaces. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of reallocating 15 min of time spent in one health behavior with 15 min in another on adolescent mental health.MethodsCross-sectional data from the students participating in the COMPASS Study (2018–2019) were analyzed (N = 46,413). Participants self-reported the amount of time they spent engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), doing homework and using screens, and their sleep duration on average each day, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and flourishing. Data were analyzed using isotemporal substitution modeling.ResultsAmong adolescents getting less than the recommended amount of sleep, replacing any behavior with sleep was generally associated with better mental health outcomes. Conversely, among adolescents getting adequate sleep, the findings did not support replacing other behaviors with sleep with the exception of screen time. Replacing homework and MVPA with sleep was associated with less flourishing regardless of sleep duration.ConclusionsReplacing screen time with any behavior may be better for mental health outcomes. Results provide further support for the critical role of sleep in promoting healthy development during adolescence, though more sleep than is recommended may confer little benefit for mental health. The findings demonstrate that mental health benefits may be obtainable at intervals as short as 15 min.     

The effects of COVID-19 restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities

BackgroundCOVID-19 has caused unprecedented restrictions, significantly affecting the most vulnerable groups in society, such as those with a disability.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on physical activity and mental health of children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional design. Parents/carers completed an electronic survey in the UK between June–July 2020 on behalf of their child. Through Likert scales and free-text questions, the survey asked about physical activity levels and mental health during lockdown compared to before, access to specialist facilities and equipment to aid with physical activity, and the short- and long-term concerns around ongoing lockdown restrictions.ResultsGenerally, respondents reported negative effects of lockdown restrictions, with 61% reporting a reduction in physical activity levels and over 90% reporting a negative impact on mental health (including poorer behaviour, mood, fitness and social and learning regression). Many respondents cited a lack of access to specialist facilities, therapies and equipment as reasons for this, and raised concerns about the long-term effects of this lack of access on their child’s mental health and physical activity levels.ConclusionsThe survey highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the physical activity levels and mental health of children and young adults with disabilities and highlights the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community as restrictions are eased.     

Regional differences in movement behaviours of children and youth during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: follow-up from a national study

ObjectivesPublic health restrictions varied by region during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced opportunities for children to be physically active. The purpose of this study was to assess regional differences in movement behaviours of Canadian children and youth during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA national sample of Canadian parents (n=1568; 58% women) of children and youth (5–17 years of age) completed an online survey. Participants were classified based on region of residence (British Columbia, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, or Atlantic Canada). Differences in movement and play behaviours (physical activity, outdoor play, sleep, screen time) between children and youth living in different regions were examined.ResultsCompared to children and youth in Quebec (the region with the highest COVID-19 prevalence), children and youth in the Prairies (F_(1,1563)=9.0, p=0.01) and Atlantic Canada (F_(1,1563)=17.1, p<0.001) participated in more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Compared to Quebec, living in Atlantic Canada increased the odds of meeting the MVPA guideline (odds ratio (OR)=2.1, p=0.02), living in Ontario decreased the odds of meeting the sleep guideline (OR=0.6, p=0.01), and living in Ontario (OR=0.7, p=0.04) or Atlantic Canada (OR=0.6, p=0.049) decreased the odds of meeting the screen time guideline. Children and youth in Atlantic Canada demonstrated smaller declines in outdoor play than their counterparts in Quebec.ConclusionMovement and play behaviours varied between regions of Canada where the highest COVID-19 prevalence corresponded to lower odds of meeting the physical activity guidelines. Low compliance with 24-hour movement guidelines suggests that regional pandemic recovery plans need to prioritize opportunities for healthy movement.     

Public health preventive measures and child health behaviours during COVID-19: a cohort study

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to determine the association between public health preventive measures and children’s outdoor time, sleep duration, and screen time during COVID-19.MethodsA cohort study using repeated measures of exposures and outcomes was conducted in healthy children (0 to 10 years) through The Applied Research Group for Kids (TARGet Kids!) COVID-19 Study of Children and Families in Toronto, Canada, between April 14 and July 15, 2020. Parents were asked to complete questionnaires about adherence to public health measures and children’s health behaviours. The primary exposure was the average number of days that children practiced public health preventive measures per week. The three outcomes were children’s outdoor time, total screen time, and sleep duration during COVID-19. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted using repeated measures of primary exposure and outcomes.ResultsThis study included 554 observations from 265 children. The mean age of participants was 5.5 years, 47.5% were female and 71.6% had mothers of European ethnicity. Public health preventive measures were associated with shorter outdoor time (−17.2; 95% CI −22.07, −12.40; p < 0.001) and longer total screen time (11.3; 95% CI 3.88, 18.79; p = 0.003) during COVID-19. The association with outdoor time was stronger in younger children (<5 years), and the associations with total screen time were stronger in females and in older children (≥5 years).ConclusionPublic health preventive measures during COVID-19 were associated with a negative impact on the health behaviours of Canadian children living in a large metropolitan area.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-021-00549-w.     

CCopeY: A Mixed-Methods Coproduced Study on the Mental Health Status and Coping Strategies of Young People During COVID-19 UK Lockdown

PurposeExploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health is an increasing priority. Studies to date are largely surveys and lack meaningful involvement from service users in their design, planning, and delivery. The study aimed to examine the mental health status and coping strategies of young people during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown using coproduction methodology.MethodsThe mental health status of young people (aged 16–24) in April 2020 was established utilizing a sequential explanatory coproduced mixed methods design. Factors associated with poor mental health status, including coping strategies, were also examined using an online survey and semi-structured interviews.ResultsSince the lockdown, 30.3% had poor mental health, and 10.8% had self-harmed. Young people identifying as Black/Black-British ethnicity had the highest increased odds of experiencing poor mental health (odds ratio [OR] 3.688, 95% CI .54–25.40). Behavioral disengagement (OR 1.462, 95% CI 1.22–1.76), self-blame (OR 1.307 95% CI 1.10–1.55), and substance use (OR 1.211 95% CI 1.02–1.44) coping strategies, negative affect (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.07–1.15), sleep problems (OR .915 95% CI .88–.95) and conscientiousness personality trait (OR .819 95% CI .69–.98) were significantly associated with poor mental health. Three qualitative themes were identified: (1) pre-existing/developed helpful coping strategies employed, (2) mental health difficulties worsened, and (3) mental health and nonmental health support needed during and after lockdown.ConclusionPoor mental health is associated with dysfunctional coping strategies. Innovative coping strategies can help other young people cope during and after lockdowns, with digital and school promotion and application.     

Repercusiones del confinamiento por COVID-19 en pacientes crónicos de Andalucía

ObjectiveTo understand the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the self-care of people living with chronic diseases and on their self-perceived health, and to identify factors that may influence the management of their disease in emergency situations.MethodA qualitative study conducted in 2020 (March and April) in Andalusia (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, through virtual focus groups, using the Zoom telematics tool. Three virtual focus groups were conducted, including 34 patients from Andalusia with different chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, breast cancer and fibromyalgia.ResultsPeople with chronic diseases reported effects of the lockdown in relation to their emotional experience, their coping resources, the information they received, the difficulties to manage self-care, and the contact or access to health services. They also suggested some lessons learned for the future. The need for more and better information, patient training, involving patient associations, and improving telematics access to health services are the main areas for improvement to minimize the impact of future quarantines on the self-care and the health of people with chronic diseases.ConclusionsBesides the risk of contracting COVID-19, the difficulties encountered by people with chronic diseases during the lockdown include interferences in the self-care and the health care received. Health crisis situations demand more information, training for patients and improvements in the health services accessibility for patients with chronic conditions.     

Adolescent movement behaviour profiles are associated with indicators of mental wellbeing

Recent work has demonstrated the collective impact of daily movement behaviours on mental health outcomes, however, positive aspects of mental health have received much less attention. The purpose of this study was to identify unique adolescent movement behaviour profiles and determine whether profile membership is associated with differences in mental wellbeing. This study used data from the baseline assessment of the ADAPT study. A total of 1166 Canadian adolescents enrolled in grade 11 classes (M_age = 15.91 ± 0.48; 54% female) self-reported their movement behaviours – moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), recreational screen time (ST) and sleep – and completed three measures of mental wellbeing: flourishing, self-esteem and resiliency. Latent profile analysis with distal outcomes comparisons were conducted. Four distinct profiles were identified: one healthy profile (high MVPA/low ST), two mixed behavioural profiles (low MVPA/low ST and high MVPA/high ST), and one profile considered to be the least healthy (low MVPA and high ST). Sleep patterns were similar across the profiles. The healthiest profile was consistently associated with better mental wellbeing, followed by the mixed behaviour profiles, and the least healthy profile had the poorest scores for mental wellbeing. These findings highlight the additive benefits of engaging in a full complement of healthy movement behaviours. Moving forward, behavioural interventionists should consider adopting an integrated approach to promoting mental wellbeing through targeting each of the movement behaviours concurrently.     

Socio-economic and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a Spanish cohort BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study protocol

ObjectiveSARS-CoV-2 outbreak has a negative psychological impact among general population. Data comparing mental health status before and during the outbreak is needed. The BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study assess the socio-economic and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in a representative sample of non-institutionalized Spanish adult population, and estimate the incidence of mental health disorders, including suicidal behaviours, and possible related factors.MethodObservational longitudinal study including two online surveys: baseline survey (T0) performed during 2019 and follow-up survey (T1) conducted 12-month later. The latter included nine sections: socio-demographic, health status, mental health, employment conditions and status, material deprivation, use of healthcare services, intimate partner violence and resilience. Four of the nine sections are administered in T0 and T1 assessments. Longitudinal data analyses will estimate adjusted incidence rates of mental health disorders using Poisson regression models. Risk and protective factors will be analysed through multiple logistic regression models.     

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression in older adults: A panel data analysis

BackgroundThis paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression in the older population, an especially vulnerable group for which to date there is limited empirical research.MethodsWe employ a panel data consisting of seven waves of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2010–2020). The breadth and depth of the data considered enabled us to control for individual fixed effects, to adjust for pre-pandemic trends in depression levels and to perform a heterogeneity analysis, depending on the intensity of the lockdown measures implemented and relevant socioeconomic characteristics.ResultsWe find that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, study participants reported a statistically significant increase in the depressive symptoms by around 0.7 over 8 points as measured by the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) index. The estimated coefficients were larger in November than in July, for individuals who lost their job, retired and women. Interestingly, we observed that mental health has worsened substantially relative to the pre-pandemic period across all income groups of the older population, suggesting a limited role of income as a protective mechanism for mental health.ConclusionsOur findings provide compelling evidence that depression levels amongst older adults have worsened considerably following the COVID-19 pandemic, and that factors other than income, such as social interactions, may be highly relevant for well-being in later life.     

Adolescents' Perceived Socio-Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Implications for Mental Health: Results From a U.S.-Based Mixed-Methods Study

PurposeCOVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of adolescents' lives, yet little data are available that document their subjective experiences of the pandemic. In a mixed-methods study of U.S. adolescents, we examined (1) adolescents' perceptions of how their social and emotional lives had changed during COVID-19; and (2) associations between these perceived changes and indices of their mental health, above and beyond their prepandemic mental health status.MethodsFour hundred seven U.S. adolescents (M_age = 15.24, standard deviation = 1.69; 50% female; 52%, 20% African American, 17% Hispanic/Latinx) completed surveys before (October 2019) and during (April 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided qualitative and quantitative responses on their experiences with COVID-19 and reports of their mental health.ResultsAdolescents perceived various changes in their relationships with family and friends (e.g., less perceived friend support) during COVID-19. They also perceived increases in negative affect and decreases in positive affect. These perceived social and emotional changes were associated with elevated depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness in April 2020, controlling for mental health problems before the pandemic.ConclusionsOur findings sensitize clinicians and scholars to the vulnerabilities (changes in friendship dynamics), as well as resiliencies (supportive family contexts), presented to U.S. adolescents during the early months of COVID-19.     

An examination of the reciprocal associations between physical activity and anxiety,depressive symptoms,and sleep quality during the first 9 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium

During the initial outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed a total lockdown (containment at home). Although it was still allowed in Belgium to be physically active or exercise with people from your household in the vicinity of your home, engaging in sports or physical activity in a group or club context was no longer permitted. To examine whether a lack of physical activity was potentially threatening to the mental well-being of citizens and vice versa, the present study examined concurrent and reciprocal relationships between physical activity and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality during the COVID-19 lockdown in a 9-week longitudinal design. In a sample of 983 Belgian adults (75.1% female; M_age = 43.78, range = 18–82 years), we explored these relationships at both the between- and within-person levels through random intercept cross-lagged panel models. The findings indicate that more physical activity was associated with lower symptoms of anxiety and depression and better sleep quality, a finding observed both at the between-person (across weeks; β_anxiety = −0.25, β_depression = −0.30, β_{sleep quality} = 0.24, p < .001) and within-person level (within weeks; β_anxiety = −0.10, β_depression = −0.14, β_{sleep quality} = 0.11, p < .05). Moreover, at the within-person level, an increase in feelings of anxiety and depression at one moment predicted lower levels of physical activity one week later (β_anxiety = −0.04, β_depression = −0.06, p < .05). Since poor mental health poses a threat to the maintenance of physical activity, the current findings suggest that it is critical to invest in the mental health of individuals during distressing times.     

Lifestyle Changes,Emotional Eating,Gender, and Stress during COVID-19 Lockdown

Emotional eating poses health risks. It is associated with adverse weight gain and a higher body mass index and is frequently triggered by stressful situations such as pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic was found to cause stress as well as lifestyle changes of different magnitudes. This study examined the relationship between lifestyle changes and emotional eating by focusing on the moderating effect of gender and COVID-19-related stressors. A total of 1969 respondents completed online questionnaires during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Israel. The questionnaires assessed COVID-19-related lifestyle changes concerning eating habits, alcohol consumption, sleep quality, physical activity, and cigarette smoking, COVID-19-related stressors, and emotional eating (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire). People with positive and negative COVID-19-related lifestyle changes demonstrated higher emotional eating compared to people with no lifestyle changes. The relationship between lifestyle changes and emotional eating was moderated by gender and COVID-19-related stressors. In conclusion, health officials should consider recommendations about lifestyle changes given to the public in times of unpredictable changes, with special attention to populations at risk of emotional eating. As emotional eating is related to poor emotional regulation skills, public nutrition recommendations should focus on improving these skills rather than adopting better diets.     

COVID-19 Awareness,Adoption of COVID-19 Preventive Measures,and Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala,Uganda

There is growing evidence of the challenges with adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures and the effect of the prevention measures on the health of populations in various parts of the world but with limited documentation in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed COVID-19 awareness, adoption of COVID-19 prevention measures, and the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the mental health status, socio-economic disruptions and engagement in unhealthy behaviours among 2500 in- and out-of-school adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 10–24 years in Kampala, Uganda. 74.8% (n?=?1869) were in-school; nearly half (47.3%, n?=?1182) were aged 15–19 years. Although?>?80% were aware of at least two COVID-19 prevention measures, only 22.2% (n?=?555) reported that they always wore a face mask while in a public place; 40.9% (n?=?1023) always washed their hands with soap and running water while 17.6% (n?=?440) always avoided gatherings of more than five people. COVID-19 lockdown led to: (a) increased mental health challenges (e.g. 1.2% [n?=?31] contemplated committing suicide); (b) limited ability to meet basic needs (e.g. 62.0% [n?=?1549] found it difficult to afford a diverse/balanced diet); (c) socio-economic disruptions (e.g. 30.3% [n?=?756] experienced a reduction in income) and (d) engagement in unhealthy behaviours (e.g. 62% [n?=?1554] reported a sedentary life style such as excessive watching of TV). These effects were more pronounced among older adolescent boys (15–19 years) and young men (20–24 years) and out-of-school compared to in-school ABYM. Our findings suggest a need for appropriate health promotion, mental health and socio-economic interventions targeting ABYM in Kampala, Uganda.

     

A Qualitative Exploration of Predominantly White Non-Hispanic Tennessee WIC Participants’ Food Retail and WIC Clinic Experiences During COVID-19

BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has widened many existing nutrition disparities. In response, federal nutrition assistance programs have introduced flexibility waivers in programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), to rapidly respond to support the nutritional health status of income-eligible participants during COVID-19. Waivers were approved that permitted flexibilities in the WIC food package, WIC vendor guidelines, and WIC clinic experience. The impact of these waivers on WIC participants’ retail and clinic experiences remains unknown.ObjectivesOur aims were to understand the experiences of WIC participants in food retail settings and with WIC clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore WIC participants’ perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on their family’s overall health, well-being, and daily lives.DesignWe conducted semi-structured phone interviews between April 30 and May 7, 2020.Participants/settingParticipants were 24 adults in WIC-enrolled families residing in Tennessee.AnalysisUsing grounded theory as the analytical framework, 2 coders completed an iterative, data-driven analytic process within NVivo, version 12. Hierarchical maps, coding matrices, and concept maps were used to aid direct content analysis for theme detection.ResultsFive primary themes emerged, including shopping barriers (existing compounded with new), coping strategies, impact on mental and emotional health, social comparison, and unintended consequences of COVID-19 on WIC families.ConclusionsCOVID-19 created additional barriers to food security among WIC families and negatively affected their health and well-being. To meet the needs of this vulnerable population during and beyond the pandemic, the carryover of WIC flexibilities (ie, physical presence and food package substitution waivers) after COVID-19 may improve the ease of overall program participation.     

Italians Do It … Less. COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Sexual Activity: Evidence From a Large Representative Sample of Italian Adults

BackgroundTo explore how sexual activity was impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown measures in the general adult population.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 6,003 Italian adults aged 18–74 years who were representative of the Italian general population. Study subjects were recruited at the time of the nationwide stay-at-home order (from April 27 to May 3, 2020). We identified characteristics associated with decreased frequency of sex during lockdown, differentiating between cohabiting and non-cohabiting subjects.ResultsOver one-third (35.3%) of Italians reported to have changed their sexual activity during lockdown (8.4% increased and 26.9% decreased). When focusing on cohabitants (N = 3,949, 65.8%), decreased sexual activity (20.7%) was more frequently reported by men (22.3%; compared to women, multivariable odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.44), younger subjects (P for trend <0.001), more educated subjects (P for trend = 0.004), subjects living in smaller houses (P for trend = 0.003), and those reporting longer time spent outdoors before the lockdown (P for trend <0.001).ConclusionsCOVID-19 lockdown drastically altered people’s day-to-day life and is likely to have impacted lifestyle habits and behavioral risk factors, including sexual attitudes and practice. This is the first national population-level study exploring changes in sexual life in this COVID-19 era. As we report sexual practice to have been affected by lockdown restrictions, we suggest that the mental health, social, and other determinants of these changes are to be explored beyond imposed social distancing.Key words: COVID-19, lockdown restrictions, sexual activity     

Mental well-being and physical activity of young people experiencing homelessness before and during COVID-19 lockdown: A longitudinal study

BackgroundWhile lockdown restrictions in response to COVID-19 indisputably mitigated virus transmission, the aim of this longitudinal study was to establish indirect effects on vulnerable young people's mental well-being and physical activity (PA) levels.MethodsSurveys conducted at time 1 (February 2020), and time 2 (April 2020) comprised of the short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and self-reported moderate and vigorous PA levels. Repeated measures analyses established changes pre-post lockdown restrictions, and differences between sub-groups. Associations between changes in well-being, self-esteem and PA over time were explored through further regression analyses.Results65 respondents completed the survey at time 1, and 50 respondent at time 2. Wellbeing increased significantly over time, yet remained significantly lower than the population average. Self-esteem increased significantly post-lockdown, however remained significantly lower for females, compared with males. Overall, PA levels increased-whereby ‘inactive’ participants at time 1 reported significant increases in moderate and total activity levels at time 2. Increased PA levels significantly predicted increased well-being: F(1, 48) = 4.15, p < .05; while participants who had become less active accounted for 69.2% with low self-esteem at time 2.ConclusionsFindings indicate that increased PA accounted for improved mental well-being, while decreased PA was associated with reduced levels of self-esteem. PA may represent a modifiable means of mitigating risk, and promoting resilience for vulnerable young people experiencing adverse conditions.