Publication Date: 2022/06/25
Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the lifestyle of children aged 5 to 14 years. Methods: A random sample of 315 patients attending the outpatient department of the institute between the age group of 5 to 14 years were included. A self-administered bilingual questionnaire containing close-ended questions was distributed to the parents/caregivers prior to the initial consultation and written informed consent was taken. The questionnaire included the patients’ demographic information and questions about lifestyle, dietary habits, physical activity, enthusiasm, irritability and weight gain in children during the covid-19 lockdown to which respondents were asked to tick the appropriate option according to them. Results: Out of 315 children, 148 children were female and 167 were male. The overall mean age of the children was recorded 8.85 years with a std. deviation of 2.602. The majority (66.7%) of respondents noticed the change in their child’s lifestyle-related behaviour during lockdown. A statistically significant association was found between changes in snacking habits between meals and weight gain of the children (p-value=0.002), changesbetween the participation in physical activities and weight gain of the children (p-value<0.001) and between physical activities and irritability/anxiety of the children (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The covid-19 lockdown has a pronounced effect on the behaviour and lifestyle of children and the parents are suggested to make their children maintain a regular timetable and healthy habits to minimise the risk of adverse effects on the child’s behaviour and health in future.
Keywords: No Keywords Available
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6735704
PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT22MAY362_(2).pdf
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