Associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviors with child mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in public health and policy measures to reduce in-person contact and the transmission of the virus. These measures impacted daily life and mental well-being (MWB). The aims of this study were to explore the MWB impacts of COVID-19 on children and assess the associations among perceived changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB), with perceived MWB changes, using a mixed-methods approach. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design consisting of an online survey with a convenience sample and interviews was conducted from May through July 2020 with parents/caregivers of kindergarten through 5th graders in the St. Louis region. Survey domains assessed included child MWB, PA, and SB. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using a code book developed to elicit themes. Survey data was analyzed with chi-squared tests and logistic regressions. The dependent variable was perceived change in child MWB due to the impact of COVID-19. Independent variables included perceived changes in PA, SB, and child concerns about COVID-19. Results Sample size consisted of 144 surveys and 16 interviews. Most parents reported a perceived decrease in child MWB (74%), a decrease in child PA (61%), and an increase in child SB (91%). Discontentment with stay-at-home orders and concern about COVID-19 were associated with a perceived decrease in MWB. Children whose PA decreased were 53% less likely to have the same or better MWB (OR 0.47) and children whose outside PA decreased were 72% less likely to have the same or better MWB (OR 0.28). Common qualitative themes included difficulty in adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions due to school closures and lack of socializing, child concerns about family getting sick, and PA benefits for improving MWB. Conclusions Based on parent perceptions, MWB decreased with COVID-19. Maintained or increased child PA improved the chances MWB would remain the same or improve. Parent interviews provide context to these findings by showing how COVID-19 impacted MWB and the associations between PA and MWB. Understanding protective factors for child MWB during COVID-19 is important to offset negative long-term health outcomes from this ongoing pandemic.

Estimates of the Nutritional Impact of Non-Participation in the National School Lunch Program during COVID-19 School Closures

“…Previous research suggests that 110–165 daily excess calories result in excess weight gain over a 10 year period among US children [ 17 ]. Recent evidence also suggests that children may have been less physically active and engaged in more sedentary behavior during school closures, which may further exacerbate concerns about unintended weight gain [ 16 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Determining total energy expenditure in 3–6-year-old Japanese pre-school children using the doubly labeled water method

“…Furthermore, in recent years, the lifestyles of people around the world have significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has been reported that their changes have a significant impact on well-being and physical activity. Gilbert [51] indicated that there was an association between COVID-19 restrictions and reduced PA.…”

How Do Perceived Changes in Child and Adolescent Activities Relate to Perceptions of Health during COVID-19? Exploring Heterogeneity during the Pandemic

“…Having a better understanding of these changes in child activities and PH and MH during the pandemic is important for three main reasons. First, changes in child and adolescent activities are associated with changes in child and adolescent PH and MH, potentially creating an unhealthy feedback loop between changes in activities and changes in health [ 1 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. For example, research has shown that outdoor activities and taking part in extracurriculars (e.g., group sports) may increase physical activity and benefit child development, potentially improving PH and MH [ 27 , 28 ].…”