scholarly journals Parents’ Report of Canadian Elementary School Children’s Physical Activity and Screen Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12352
Author(s):  
Emma Ostermeier ◽  
Patricia Tucker ◽  
Andrew Clark ◽  
Jamie A. Seabrook ◽  
Jason Gilliland
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Rank Tests ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

COVID-19 public health protocols have altered children’s daily routines, limiting their physical activity opportunities. The purpose of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children’s (ages 10–12 years) physical activity and screen time, and to explore the impact of gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and public health constraints (i.e., facility use and social interaction) on the changes in children’s health behaviors. Online surveys were disseminated to parents at two time points: before COVID-19 (May 2019 to February 2020) and during COVID-19 (November to December 2020). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes in physical activity and screen time, and for subgroup analyses. Parents (n = 95) reported declines in children’s physical activity (Z = −2.53, p = 0.01, d = 0.18), and increases in weekday (Z = −4.61, p < 0.01, d = 0.33) and weekend screen time (Z = −3.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.27). Significant changes in physical activity and screen time behaviors were identified between gender, SES, and facility use groups. All social interaction groups underwent significant changes in screen time. Overall, COVID-19 protocols have negatively influenced children’s physical activity and screen time. Due to the negative consequences of inactivity and excessive screen time, resources must be made available to support families during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Meyer ◽  
Cillian McDowell ◽  
Jeni Lansing ◽  
Cassandra Brower ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Societal Changes ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

scholarly journals Global effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep among 3- to 5-year-old children: a longitudinal study of 14 countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Okely ◽  
Katharina E. Kariippanon ◽  
Hongyan Guan ◽  
Ellie K. Taylor ◽  
Thomas Suesse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Parent Survey ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The restrictions associated with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes to young children’s daily routines and habits. The impact on their participation in movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary screen time and sleep) is unknown. This international longitudinal study compared young children’s movement behaviours before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Parents of children aged 3–5 years, from 14 countries (8 low- and middle-income countries, LMICs) completed surveys to assess changes in movement behaviours and how these changes were associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys were completed in the 12 months up to March 2020 and again between May and June 2020 (at the height of restrictions). Physical activity (PA), sedentary screen time (SST) and sleep were assessed via parent survey. At Time 2, COVID-19 factors including level of restriction, environmental conditions, and parental stress were measured. Compliance with the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global guidelines for PA (180 min/day [≥60 min moderate- vigorous PA]), SST (≤1 h/day) and sleep (10-13 h/day) for children under 5 years of age, was determined. Results Nine hundred- forty-eight parents completed the survey at both time points. Children from LMICs were more likely to meet the PA (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AdjOR] = 2.0, 95%Confidence Interval [CI] 1.0,3.8) and SST (AdjOR = 2.2, 95%CI 1.2,3.9) guidelines than their high-income country (HIC) counterparts. Children who could go outside during COVID-19 were more likely to meet all WHO Global guidelines (AdjOR = 3.3, 95%CI 1.1,9.8) than those who were not. Children of parents with higher compared to lower stress were less likely to meet all three guidelines (AdjOR = 0.5, 95%CI 0.3,0.9). Conclusion PA and SST levels of children from LMICs have been less impacted by COVID-19 than in HICs. Ensuring children can access an outdoor space, and supporting parents’ mental health are important prerequisites for enabling pre-schoolers to practice healthy movement behaviours and meet the Global guidelines.

scholarly journals Children and parents’ perspectives of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ontario children’s physical activity, play, and sport behaviours

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Szpunar ◽  
Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽  
Brianne A. Bruijns ◽  
Stephanie Truelove ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Authority Figures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have resulted in the closure of many physical activity-supporting facilities. This study examined Ontario parents’ and children’s perspectives of COVID-19’s impact on children’s physical activity behaviours, return to play/sport during COVID-19, as well as barriers/facilitators to getting active amid extended closures of physical activity venues. Methods Parents/guardians of children aged 12 years and under living in Ontario, Canada were invited to participate in an interview. 12 parent/guardian and 9 child interviews were conducted via Zoom between December 2020 – January 2021, were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify pronounced themes. Results Themes for both parent and child interviews fell into one of three categories: 1) barriers and facilitators for getting children active amid COVID-19 closures of physical activity-supporting facilities; 2) changes in children’s activity levels; and, 3) perspectives on return to play/sport during and post-pandemic. Various subthemes were identified and varied between parents and children. The most common facilitator for dealing with children’s inactivity voiced by parents/guardians was getting active outdoors. Parents/guardians noted their willingness to have their children return to play/sport in the community once deemed safe by public health guidelines, and children’s willingness to return stemmed primarily from missing their friends and other important authority figures (e.g., coaches) and sporting events (e.g., tournaments). Conclusions Findings from this study could inform families of feasible and realistic strategies for increasing children’s physical activity during community closures, while also providing public health experts with information regarding what supports, or infrastructure might be needed during future lockdown periods and/or pandemics.

scholarly journals PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF A DOCTOR's PERSONALITY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-185
Author(s):  
A.V. Aleshicheva ◽  
N.G. Samoilov
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Medical Worker ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

The impact of the pandemic on public health has caused numerous negative consequences. In this regard, the study of the state of psychological health of the personality of a medical worker becomes very relevant. The aim of the study is to investigate the manifestations of the psychological health of a doctor's personality in the conditions of epidemiological uncertainty and to suggest ways to strengthen it. Research hypothesis: doctors who do not systematically engage in moderate physical activity have a lower psychological health status of their personality, compared to those groups where more doctors regularly use physical activity. The study involved 294 doctors in 16 specialties: obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesiology and resuscitation, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry, therapy, pediatrics, dermatovenerology, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, radiology, surgery, oncology, traumatology and orthopedics, dentistry, pharmacy management and economics. For the diagnosis, the questionnaire of pronounced psychopathological symptoms SCL-90 was used, which allows to identify dysfunctional changes in the psyche and the degree of manifestation of the qualities and states of psychological health of the individual. Quantitative data were statistically processed using the IBM SPSS computer program. It is shown that depression, anxiety and hostility are less pronounced in doctors who regularly engage in physical activity, compared with doctors who do not find time for systematic exercise. As a result, the components of psychological health of the personality are better in the first group of doctors. Thus, the systematic use of moderate physical activity can be proposed as one of the ways to preserve and strengthen the psychological health of an individual in conditions of uncertainty.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Confinement In Portugal: Effects On The Household Routines Of Children Under 13

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Pombo ◽  
Carlos Luz ◽  
Luis Paulo Rodrigues ◽  
Rita Cordovil
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Activity Time ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
Daily Time

Abstract Objective To know how confinement affects children’s routines, more specifically their physical activity (PA) and sedentary time.MethodsAn online survey was launched to assess how Portuguese children under 13 years of age are adjusting their daily routines to confinement. Parents reported the daily time each child was engaged in different activities, which were used to calculate overall sedentary time and overall physical activity time.Results: Data from 2159 children, indicated that during confinement: i) there was a decrease in children’s physical activity time (72.3%); and an increase in screen time (71.3%) and family activities (83.9%); ii) the only sex differences were found on Playful Screen Time (boys > girls) and in Play without PA (girls > boys); iii) along age groups, there was a trend for the increase of the overall sedentary time and a complementary decrease of overall physical activity time (both F(3,2097) =97.951, p < .001).Conclusion: Overall, PA of confined children showed low levels and a clear decreasing trend along childhood. Conjoint family and societal strategies to target specific age groups should be organized in the future.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID-19 crisis for persons with HIV: the impact of social determinants of health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie C. Waterfield ◽  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Gina D. Etheredge ◽  
Osaremhen Ikhile
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background With the indiscriminate spread of COVID-19 globally, many populations are experiencing negative consequences such as job loss, food insecurity, and inability to manage existing medical conditions and maintain preventive measures such as social distancing and personal preventative equipment. Some of the most disadvantaged in the COVID-19 era are people living with HIV/AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Discussion As the number of new HIV infections decrease globally, many subpopulations remain at high risk of infection due to lack of or limited access to prevention services, as well as clinical care and treatment. For persons living with HIV or at higher risk of contracting HIV, including persons who inject drugs or men that have sex with men, the risk of COVID-19 infection increases if they have certain comorbidities, are older than 60 years of age, and are homeless, orphaned, or vulnerable children. The risk of COVID-19 is also more significant for those that live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, rural, and/or poverty-stricken areas. An additional concern for those living the HIV is the double stigma that may arise if they also test positive for COVID-19. As public health and health care workers try to tackle the needs of the populations that they serve, they are beginning to realize the need for a change in the infrastructure that will include more efficient partnerships between public health, health care, and HIV programs. Conclusion Persons living with HIV that also have other underlying comorbidities are a great disadvantage from the negative consequences of COVID-19. For those that may test positive for both HIV and COVID-19, the increased psychosocial burdens stemming from stress and isolation, as well as, experiencing additional barriers that inhibit access to care, may cause them to become more disenfranchised. Thus, it becomes very important during the current pandemic for these challenges and barriers to be addressed so that these persons living with HIV can maintain continuity of care, as well as, their social and mental support systems.

scholarly journals Strategies Older New Zealanders Use to Participate in Day-To-Day Occupations

2011 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hocking ◽  
Juanita Murphy ◽  
Kirk Reed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This exploratory study aimed to uncover the strategies that older adults employ to ameliorate the impact of impairments and barriers to participation. Method: Eight participants were interviewed in their own homes, in a town or city in New Zealand. Findings: Inductive analysis of data revealed four main categories of strategies: strategies to keep safe, to recruit and accept help, to meet social and biological needs (nutritional and medical), and to conserve financial, material and bodily resources. Discussion: The study supports some previous findings of strategies used by older people, and demonstrates that enquiring into the strategies that older people devise and adopt into their own lives is a productive line of inquiry. The strategies described differ from those that occupational therapists recommend, and do not incorporate public health messages about the benefits of physical activity or recommendations about falls prevention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that asking older clients about the strategies that they use will uncover valuable information for therapists giving advice or issuing equipment to help older adults to manage in the community.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Walking-Track Intervention to Increase Children’s Physical Activity during Primary School Break Times

Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Emma Powell ◽  
Lorayne Woodfield ◽  
Alexander Powell ◽  
Alan Nevill ◽  
Tony Myers
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Systematic Observation ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
School Playgrounds ◽  
Recommended Guidelines ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Despite the known benefits of engaging in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), only 22% of children in England are meeting the recommended guidelines. School break times have been advocated as a key part of children’s daily routines in which their MVPA can be increased. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of installing a walking-track on children’s MVPA during school break times. A mixed method design was employed which allowed for the quantitative measurement of children’s PA at three time points (baseline, mid-intervention (1–5 weeks) and follow-up (6–9 weeks)), using pedometers (n = 81, 5–9 years) and systematic observation (n = 23, 7–9 years). A semi-structured interview (n = 1) was also conducted at 10 weeks’ follow-up. The installation of the walking-track was grounded in a unique set of theoretical constructs to aid the behaviour change of the teachers. Short term positive increases in girls’ and boys’ MVPA and longer term increases in boys’ vigorous PA (VPA) were found. Qualitative data highlighted that boys dominated the walking-track and the inconsistent behaviour of school staff negatively impacted upon children’s MVPA. A set of principles to guide the installment of walking-tracks in school playgrounds are recommended.

scholarly journals Objective Behavioral Measures in Children before, during, and after the COVID-19 Lockdown in Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8732
Author(s):  
Einat Shneor ◽  
Ravid Doron ◽  
Jonathan Levine ◽  
Deena Rachel Zimmerman ◽  
Julia S. Benoit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Wake Time ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Social Restriction ◽  
Signed Rank Test ◽  
The Impact

Studies using questionnaires report that COVID-19 restrictions resulted in children spending significantly less time outdoors. This study used objective measures to assess the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on children’s behavior. A total of 19 healthy 8–12-year-old boys were observed before and during social restriction periods. Of these, 11 boys were reassessed after restrictions were lifted. For each session, Actiwatches were dispensed for measures of time outdoors, activity, and sleep. Changes overall and by school status were assessed using signed-rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. During restrictions, children spent significantly less time outdoors (p = 0.001), were less active (p = 0.001), and spent less time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = 0.004). Sleep duration was not significantly different between sessions (p > 0.99), but bedtime and wake time shifted to a later time during restrictions (p < 0.05 for both). Time outdoors and activity returned close to pre-pandemic levels after restrictions were lifted (p > 0.05 for both). Children’s behaviors significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in outdoor light exposure is of importance due to the role of light in the etiology of myopia and vitamin D production. The reduction in physical activity may have negative health effects in terms of obesity and depression, although further research is required to ascertain the long-term effects.

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