Associations between movement behaviors and emotional changes in toddlers and preschoolers during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence about emotional and behavioral responses in toddlers and preschoolers during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly in Latin America. Objective: To assess associations between changes in movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time and sleep) and emotional changes in toddlers and preschoolers during early stages of the pandemic in Chile. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from March 30th to April 27th, 2020. Main caregivers of 1- to 5-year-old children living in Chile answered an online survey that included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, changes in the child's emotions and behaviors, movement behaviors and caregivers' stress during the pandemic. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the association between different factors and emotional changes in toddlers and preschoolers. Results: In total, 1727 caregivers provided complete data on emotional changes for children aged 2.9 (1.36) years old, 47.9% girls. A large proportion of toddlers and preschoolers in Chile experienced emotional and behavioral changes. Most caregivers reported that children were 'more affectionate' (78.9%), 'more restless' (65.1%), and 'more frustrated' (54.1%) compared with pre-pandemic times. Factors such as child age, changes in movement behaviors, caregivers' age and stress, and residential area (urban/rural) were consistently associated with changes in emotions and behaviors. Conclusion: The pandemic substantially affected the emotions and behaviors of toddlers and preschoolers in Chile. Mental health promotion programs should consider multilevel approaches in which the promotion of movement behaviors and support for caregivers should be essential pieces for future responses.

Longitudinal association of nighttime sleep duration with emotional and behavioral problems among rural preschool children

“…Consistent with our findings, a previous prospective study has examined the predictive effect of nighttime sleep duration on EBPs in early childhood [13]. Also, the study in Latin America (Chile) reported that children whose sleep duration increased were more affectionate and less aggressive, angry, and sad during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and indicated that sleep duration was associated with emotions [23]. Another study illustrated that short sleep duration in early and mid-childhood was associated with poorer executive functional behavior in mid-childhood [40].…”

“…Also, a pilot study of nap restriction in preschoolers found that children in no-nap group had increased nighttime sleep, which may contribute to improved attentional function [20]. In addition, several studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had differential effects on both sleep and EBPs among preschool children, such as prolonged sleep duration, decreased sleep quality, negative changes in emotions and behaviors, exacerbation of EBPs, and even deterioration of mental health [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. A previous intervention study indicated that a modest extension in sleep duration was associated with significant improvement in emotional lability and restless-impulsive behavior [28].…”

Long Term Physical, Mental and Social Health Effects of COVID-19 in the Pediatric Population: A Scoping Review

“…For older children, behavioral symptoms reported included clinginess, distraction, irritability, and fear of asking questions about the epidemic [19]. Other findings related to mood and emotional status included increases in being affectionate, restless, and frustrated [25]. The behavioral health of nonhospitalized children with COVID-19 had been reported by parents to have been worsening as the pandemic was progressing [56].…”

“…Preliminary reports in the U.S. point consistently to disparities by race and ethnicity, with African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians/Other Pacific Islanders experiencing a greater COVID-19 burden than non-Hispanic White populations [24]. Reports by geographic locations indicate that cases are substantially greater in economically disadvantaged census tracts [1] [25].…”

Family lifestyle is related to low‐income preschoolers' emotional well‐being during COVID‐19 pandemic

“…For example, the odds for children to have mental health problems increased by at least 40% from high‐income to low‐income (Li et al, 2021). One study in Chile found that children aged 1–5 years old were more restless and frustrated during the pandemic time compared to prepandemic time (Aguilar‐Farias et al, 2021). Similarly, another study reported an increase in crying, sadness, and being upset among preschoolers (Schmidt et al, 2021).…”