Associations between parent and child 24-hour movement behaviours across the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada

Parents influence and support children's healthy movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep). During the COVID-19 pandemic, families spent even more time together. Thus, parents likely had greater influence on their child's movement behaviours than usual. This study assessed the associations between parent and child movement behaviours and compliance with movement behaviour guidelines at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic.

National samples of parents of children and adolescents (5-17 years) living in Canada completed online surveys about their own and their child's movement behaviours in October 2020 (n = 1,568, 58% women) and April 2021 (n = 1,600, 60% women). Associations between parent and child movement behaviours and compliance with 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines were examined.

We observed mostly positive, significant correlations between parent and child movement behaviours in October 2020 (r = 0.12-0.26, p < 0.05) and April 2021 (r = 0.12-0.20, p < 0.05). A parent meeting an individual movement behaviour guideline (e.g., physical activity) was associated with an overall higher incidence of their child meeting the same guideline in October 2020 (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR):=1.10-3.06) and April 2021 (IRR: 1.19-2.26). The incidence of children meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines in October 2020 (IRR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55, 6.04) and in April 2021 (IRR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.34, 3.83) was higher when parents met the 24-hour movement guidelines.

Parent and child movement behaviours were associated with one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for children (compared with adolescents). In times of severe public health restrictions, health promotion efforts should target family units to promote healthy movement of families collectively.