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Health Behavior Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis among Children
Traci A Bekelman1, Yanan Dong2, Amy J Elliott3,4
1Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased children's screen time, particularly for minority children. While some sleep improved, overall health behaviors may have worsened, highlighting disparities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant lifestyle changes globally.
- Understanding the impact of the pandemic on children's health behaviors is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous research indicates potential shifts in diet, physical activity, sleep, and screen time among children during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare children's health behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze the association between individual characteristics and changes in health behaviors.
- To identify potential exacerbation of health disparities among children due to pandemic-related lifestyle shifts.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of data from four prospective cohort studies within the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program.
- Inclusion of 347 children aged 4–12 years and their caregivers across multiple US states.
- Assessment of dietary intake, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration using questionnaires administered pre-pandemic and during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- Weekday screen time duration significantly increased during the pandemic (3.0 to 4.5 hours).
- Increases in screen time varied by race and ethnicity, with non-Hispanic Black children showing the largest increase (5.3 h/day).
- No significant changes were observed in sugar-sweetened beverage intake or physical activity; however, sleep duration increased among children not meeting recommendations pre-pandemic.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable increase in children's screen time, with disparities observed across racial and ethnic groups.
- While some improvements in sleep were noted for specific subgroups, the pandemic may have exacerbated existing health behavior inequalities.
- Families may require targeted support to help children re-establish healthy routines and mitigate negative health behavior changes.
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