Abstract
Movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior (including screen time), and sleep) have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to report changes in and factors influencing movement behaviors during COVID-19 among Latin American/Latino children aged 1 to 5 years in Chile, Mexico, and the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional study between April and August 2020. Caregivers reported changes in movement behaviors and provided information about family and household characteristics. In total, 4,136 children (mean age [SD], 3.1 [1.4] years; 51% boys). The proportion of children who met the WHO Guidelines decreased significantly in all countries, with large declines in meeting the physical activity and screen time guidelines. Factors associated with changes were being an older child, unable to attend an early childhood education and care service, higher parental education levels, not having the opportunity to play with someone, and not having access to spaces to play. During COVID-19, Latino parents reported changes in physical activity, screen time, and sleep quality among their toddlers and preschoolers. The findings highlight the need to minimize disparities faced by families by providing access to early childhood education and care and safe places for children to play.
Barriers and facilitators to structured physical activity interventions in early childhood education and care centres: a systematic review
