Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
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.
Insights
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.
Abstract:
This longitudinal study compared children’s health behaviors before the COVID-19 pandemic versus during the pandemic. This analysis examined the association between individual-level characteristics and health behavior change. Four prospective cohort studies in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program contributed data. Children aged 4−12 years and their caregivers were recruited in California, Colorado, North Dakota, and New Hampshire. Dietary intake, physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration were assessed with questionnaires pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. The final sample included 347 children: 47% female and 62% non-Hispanic White. Compared with pre-pandemic, weekday screen time duration was higher during the pandemic (3.0 vs. 4.5 h, p < 0.001). Unadjusted increases in screen time duration differed by race and ethnicity: 1.3 h/day for non-Hispanic White children, 2.3 h/day for Hispanic children, and 5.3 h/day for non-Hispanic Black children. Overall, no changes occurred in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake (p = 0.26), discretionary food intake (p = 0.93), and physical activity (p = 0.15). Sleep duration increased by 30 min among children who did not meet sleep recommendations pre-pandemic. Child sex and maternal education level were not associated with health behavior change. The pandemic may have exacerbated disparities in some health behaviors. Families may need support to re-establish healthy routines.
Related Concept Videos
02:20Longitudinal Research
01:26Longitudinal Studies
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:20Lifestyle 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...
02:04Bullying
01:50Cross-Sectional Research