Brazilian children’s quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of contextual factors and dimensions

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the contextual factors associated with the quality of life (QOL) of Brazilian children aged 0–12 years during the strict period of social isolation. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 using an online questionnaire on QOL-related family factors and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™). Results were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: The sample had 849 children, mostly from the South Region of Brazil (75%), white (83%), with typical development (79%), sedentary (68%), using screen (85%) for >3 h/day (44%). Their mothers were their main caregivers (90%). The following variables were significantly associated with high scores of QOL: typical health status (OR 2.38; 95%CI 1.60–3.55; screen time ≤2 h/day (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.17–2.24); social distancing considered as “easy” (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.20–2.32), and stimulation of the child by the family (OR 1.93; 95%CI 1.08–3.45). Conclusions: This study indicates that the family context can influence children’s QOL, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and home environment reorganization.