The Impact of Physical Distancing Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Well-Being Among Australian Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose Physical distancing policies in the state of New South Wales (Australia) were implemented on March 23, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated changes in physical activity, dietary behaviors, and well-being during the early period of this policy. Methods A cohort of young people aged 13–19 years from Sydney (N = 582) were prospectively followed for 22 weeks (November 18, 2019, to April 19, 2020). Daily, weekly, and monthly trajectories of diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, well-being, and psychological distress were collected via smartphone, using a series of ecological momentary assessments and smartphone sensors. Differences in health and well-being outcomes were compared pre- and post-implementation of physical distancing guidelines. Results After the implementation of physical distancing measures in NSW, there were significant decreases in physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = .53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .34–.83), increases in social media and Internet use (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.15–3.00), and increased screen time based on participants' smartphone screen state. Physical distancing measures were also associated with being alone in the previous hour (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33–3.28), decreases in happiness (OR = .38, 95% CI = .18–.82), and fast food consumption (OR = .46, 95% CI = .29–.73). Conclusions Physical distancing and social restrictions had a contemporaneous impact on health and well-being outcomes associated with chronic disease among young people. As the pandemic evolves, it will be important to consider how to mitigate against any longer term health impacts of physical distancing restrictions.

Change in eating habits and physical activities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: a cross‐sectional study via random telephone survey

“…Similar to many studies [ 1 , 2 , 19 ], we found a significant reduction in physical activities in the local population during the pandemic. Since the start of the community outbreak, the Hong Kong government has closed all sports centers and venues.…”

“…While some studies indicated that eating patterns in various populations were unhealthier during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 16 ], we found that Hong Kong people increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables. The increased intake of healthy foods has seldom been reported in previous publications, with some exceptions in India [ 18 ], Thailand [ 2 ], and Australia [ 19 ], which found a decreased consumption of junk foods. As Hong Kong people have a fast pace of life, the adult population who tends to consume more food prepared in advance to save time, in particular, might be less aware of the nutritional information of their food and beverages, including cholesterol content [ 20 ].…”

Changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a systematic review

“…Of the six studies that examined PA changes in healthy children and adolescents, all were measured using subjective questionnaires, with half using validated questionnaires. Two studies 48 84 used total scores from validated questionnaires and two studies 65 82 reported PA changes in the form of a time measurement, all reporting decreases in PA. Two studies 62 71 reported PA changes as a percentage of the respective population and reported >50% of the population decreased their PA during lockdown.…”

Stress, Emotional Intelligence and the Intention to Use Cannabis in Spanish Adolescents: Influence of COVID-19 Confinement

“…As educational centers were closed, social contacts became greatly limited, and leisure time activities were canceled (Fegert et al, 2020). Measures implemented in the field of physical distancing resulting from the COVID-19 virus have been associated with a decrease in physical activity and well-being, an increase in loneliness and Internet use among adolescents (Munasinghe et al, 2020). Among the mental health problems related to quarantine, we find depression, mood swings, anger, insomnia and emotional exhaustion (Brooks et al, 2020).…”