Feeding Behaviour and Lifestyle of Children and Adolescents One Year after Lockdown by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile

Abstract

Lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced feeding behaviour and lifestyle in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to analyse feeding behaviour and lifestyle in children and adolescents one year after lockdown by the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. In this cross-sectional study an online survey was implemented in 1083 parents and caregivers regarding their children’s feeding behaviour and lifestyle and sociodemographic background. The results showed that “eat breakfast daily” (89.2%), “not overnight food intake” (69.9%) and “not fast-food intake” (66.0%) were the most frequent reported feeding behaviours, particularly in pre-school children. Respondents declaring healthy feeding behaviours and lifestyle were 23.4 and 23.7%, respectively, with no significant differences by sex. In pre-school children, families with three or fewer members and parents or caregivers with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree reported a significantly better feeding behaviour and lifestyle compared to families with more than three members and parents or caregivers without an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. In conclusion, the pandemic lockdown had a negative impact in lifestyle in children and particularly in adolescents. Healthier feeding behaviour was associated with fewer family members and parents or caregivers with at least an undergraduate degree.

Anthropometric Parameters, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Executive Functions among Primary School Children

“…However, tests were selected based on the explicit request of the school, who did not want to subject the children to high-demand physical tasks (such as the 20 m shuttle run test) that could generate discomfort due to, for example, the need to wear a facemask at all times and the fact that the students had not been exposed to high physical demands for a long period of time. The significant reduction in physical activity levels and increase in sedentary behaviors (such as increased screen time and sitting time) has been documented nationally and internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic period [ 35 , 89 , 90 , 91 ].…”

“…It seeks preventive strategies to enhance their performance during the crucial stage of development, where school children move from late childhood to adolescence, facing academic demands that require an optimal cognitive level. In addition, the specific timing of the data collection (return to the in-person school context after an extensive period of restrictions on mobility and free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic) increases the importance of further analyzing these variables related to health (physical and mental), physical activity, and the physical condition of school children both in Chile and globally, in view of the evidence indicating pandemic-related damage [ 20 , 30 , 34 , 35 , 92 , 93 ]. Some successful intervention experiences exemplify the benefits of addressing this problem early, showing a positive impact on BMI, physical activity level, and the academic performance of elementary school children [ 94 , 95 ].…”

“…In Chile, a significant impact of pandemic restrictions on children’s movement behavior, mainly attributable to a decrease in total physical activity and increased screen time, has also been demonstrated [ 34 ]. Bustos et al [ 35 ] showed that, one year after the onset of the pandemic, only 19% of children aged 5 to 12 years were engaged in physical activity and/or sports for at least 60 min daily, showing a marked tendency toward physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle [ 36 ].…”

Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Physical Activity, Screen Use, and Hours of Sleep in Children under 2 Years during Lockdown by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile

“…There is little scientific evidence at the national and international levels on lifestyles in children under 2 years of age during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a large part of studies have been carried out in pre-schools, primary schools, and among adolescents [ 13 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

“…The objective of our study was to evaluate compliance with the recommendations for healthy lifestyles (diet, physical activity, leisure, and sleep) in children under 2 years of age during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, considering the great vulnerability of children during the first 1000 days of life, especially as it is a period of rapid growth and development, with high nutritional requirements and high sensitivity to the effects of fetal programming [ 39 ]. Breastfeeding, complementary feeding, physical activity, controlling the use of screens, and an adequate sleep schedule can help prevent the onset of obesity and its comorbidities, including COVID-19, so it is essential to implement measures during and after the pandemic that promote them as part of a healthy lifestyle [ 15 , 33 , 34 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”