Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Breakfast Habits among Schoolchildren in the City of Uruguaiana, Brazil
Published on: July 29, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents
Deborah Carvalho Malta1,2, Crizian Saar Gomes1, Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros3
1Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil.
Objective:
To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the survey "ConVid Adolescentes - Pesquisa de Comportamentos". The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group.
Results:
A total of 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distancing, there was an increase in the prevalence of vegetables consumption (from 27.34 to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26 to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58 to 52.51%), and time in front of screens (from 44.57 to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.70 to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcohol (from 17.72 to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group.
Conclusion:
The results show changes in the lifestyle of adolescents and an increase in health risk behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...

