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Ferdous MZ, Islam MS, Kundu LR, Islam US, Banik R, Pardhan S. Patterns of eating behaviors, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications among Bangladeshi adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302571. [PMID: 38723060 PMCID: PMC11081215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several safety measures like movement restrictions, closure of educational institutions, and social distancing measures continue over the world including Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the patterns of eating behaviors, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic residing in Bangladesh. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among 490 adolescents in Bangladesh from December 2020 to May 2021. The survey was carried out through a semi-structured web-based questionnaire that asked questions about socio-demographics (i.e., age, sex, marital status, education, residence), perceived health status and quality of life, anthropometrics (i.e., height, weight), dietary habits (i.e., frequency of eating, daily intake of certain foods, number of meals eaten daily), and physical activity (i.e., modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form [IPAQ-SF]), as well as, pre- and during COVID-19 information on stress, and sleep. RESULTS During the pandemic, 43.7% participants reported weight gain; and 23.5% reported an increased number of meals per day during COVID-19. Additionally, the participants' eating habits diverged from the local balanced diet principles and were more akin to 'unhealthy' eating patterns. Though, during the COVID-19 pandemic, physical exercise slightly increased (>3 times/ week: 8.2% vs. 13.5%; p<0.001) compared to pre-COVID-19 period, the screen time for entertainment increased drastically (>5 hours/ week: 12.2% vs. 27.3%; p<0.001). Compared to the pre-pandemic, a sizeable proportion of individuals experienced more physical tiredness, emotional exhaustion, irritation, and stress (p<0.001) during the pandemic. During the pandemic, 47.5% of participants experienced different sleep difficulties. CONCLUSIONS Although lockdowns and social distancing are important safety measures to protect people from COVID-19, findings reveal that they might cause a variety of lifestyle changes, physical inactivity, and psychological issues in Bangladeshi adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Most. Zannatul Ferdous
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lakshmi Rani Kundu
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ummay Soumayia Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajon Banik
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahina Pardhan
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Marcotullio C, Attanasi M, Porreca A, Di Filippo P, Matricardi S, Venanzi A, Schiavo M, Paone A, Rossi N, Chiarelli F, Prezioso G. Neuropsychological Symptoms and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children: A Survey in a Pediatric Population in the Abruzzo Region, Italy. Children (Basel) 2024; 11:532. [PMID: 38790527 DOI: 10.3390/children11050532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general social impact of the pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey that aims at investigating the neuropsychological effects and the QoL impairment of SARS-CoV-2 on a cohort of children and adolescents in the Abruzzo region (Italy). A questionnaire was submitted to caregivers with the help of the PEDIATOTEM platform. A control group of healthy subjects was also included to distinguish between the effects of infection from the general influence of the pandemic. RESULTS A total of 569 subjects responded: 396 COVID-19 patients (99 of whom had Long COVID-19) and 111 controls. After the pandemic, when compared with the COVID-19 group, the controls reported significantly increased appetite, sleeping habits, and time spent remotely with friends and a reduction in physical activity and time spent in person with friends. A significant higher rate of controls asked for psychological/medical support for emotional problems. On the other hand, the Long COVID-19 group showed more fatigue and emotional instability with respect to non-Long-COVID-19 subjects. No differences in QoL results (EuroQOL) were found between the COVID-19 patients and controls, while the Long-COVID-19 subgroup showed significantly higher rates of pain/discomfort and mood instability, as confirmed by the analysis of variation of responses from the pre-COVID-19 to the post-COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS Among COVID-19 patients, neuropsychological and QoL impairment was more evident in the Long COVID-19 subgroup, although emotional and relational issues were also reported by uninfected patients, with a growing request for specialist support as a possible consequence of social restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Marcotullio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marina Attanasi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annamaria Porreca
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Di Filippo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Annamaria Venanzi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Paone
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Nadia Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Prezioso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Godyla-Jabłoński M, Raczkowska E, Jodkowska A, Kucharska AZ, Sozański T, Bronkowska M. Effects of Anthocyanins on Components of Metabolic Syndrome-A Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1103. [PMID: 38674794 PMCID: PMC11054851 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant health problem. The co-occurrence of obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia is estimated to affect 20-30% of adults worldwide. Researchers are seeking solutions to prevent and treat the conditions related to MetS. Preventive medicine, which focuses on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including diet, plays a special role. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has documented health benefits, mainly due to the polyphenolic compounds it contains. Anthocyanins represent a major group of polyphenols; they exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, as well as beneficial effects on endothelial function and oxidative stress. This review presents recent reports on the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of anthocyanins on the body, especially among people with MetS. It includes epidemiological data, in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies and clinical observational studies. Anthocyanins are effective, widely available compounds that can be used in both the prevention and treatment of MetS and its complications. Increased consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods may contribute to the maintenance of normal body weight and modulation of the lipid profile in adults. However, further investigation is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on serum glucose levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Godyla-Jabłoński
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Ewa Raczkowska
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Anna Jodkowska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wrocław Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Alicja Zofia Kucharska
- Department of Fruit, Vegetable and Plant Nutraceutical Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sozański
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Pharmacology and Medical Diagnostics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Monika Bronkowska
- Institute of Health Sciences—Collegium Salutis Humanae, University of Opole, Katowicka 68, 45-060 Opole, Poland;
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Yassıbaş E, Bölükbaşı H, Turan İE, Demirel AM, Gürler E. Hedonic hunger, food addiction, and night eating syndrome triangle in adolescents and ıts relationship with body mass ındex. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:25. [PMID: 38336784 PMCID: PMC10854182 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between adolescent obesity and eating disorders is an issue that needs urgent attention. Screening for eating disorders is as important as dietary interventions to treat obesity. This study aimed to determine the relationship between hedonic hunger, food addiction, and night eating syndrome, which are considered potential risk factors for obesity, and body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. METHODS The data were collected through an online questionnaire. The "Power of Food Scale (PFS)" was used to assess hedonic hunger; the "Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0 (dYFAS-C 2.0)" was used to assess food addiction; and the "Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ)" was used to assess night eating syndrome (NES)". BMI was calculated using self-reported height and weight values of adolescents. The mediated structural model analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of hedonic hunger on BMI z score via food addiction and NES. RESULTS The study was conducted with 614 voluntary adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years. The dYFAS-C 2.0 and NEQ scores were found to be higher in adolescents with overweight and obesity, and the BMI z-score of the adolescents had significant positive correlation with their PFS scores (p < .001). Hedonic hunger has no direct effect on BMI independent of food addiction and NES (β = - 0.051, p = .468), but when the total indirect effect is evaluated with the bootstrap analysis, it was found that one-unit increase in hedonic hunger score increases BMI z-score by approximately 0.22 units (β = 0.223, SE = 0.046, 95% CI 0.131-0.313). Hedonic hunger, food addiction, and NES together explained 5.2% of the total variance in BMI z score. CONCLUSION This study showed that hedonic hunger significantly predicted BMI z-score in adolescents through food addiction and NES. This emphasizes the critical importance of evaluating adolescents in terms of hedonic hunger, food addiction, and NES in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Yassıbaş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hatice Bölükbaşı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İrem Efran Turan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Mine Demirel
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eray Gürler
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara, Turkey
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Dos Santos EA, Cavalheiro LAM, Rodrigues D, Machado-Rodrigues A, Silva MR, Nogueira H, Padez C. Is more prolonged sun exposure associated with healthier life habits and obesity indicators in Portuguese children? Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23918. [PMID: 37228007 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. METHODS A total of 4755 children (3-10 years; 49.86% boys) from the north, center and south-central Portugal were included in the present study. During 2016/2017 children's sun exposure time, screen time, time devoted to the practice of physical activity and active play were collected through standard questionnaires answered by parents. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate differences among sun exposure time according to the sex, age, obesity indicators and lifestyle habits. RESULTS Linear regression analysis showed that sun exposure time presented a negative association with Body Mass Index (β = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.18; -0.003; p = .042), body fat % (β = -0.31, 95%; CI: -0.54; -0.07; p = .010), computer time (β = -0.08, 95% CI: -0.12; - 0.05; p < .0001) and a positive association with active play time (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17; 0.27; p < .0001) and total time of physical activity practice (β = 10.01, 95% CI: 4.52; 15.20; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS The results reinforce the need for future guidance on the ideal sun exposure time, especially in children, who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Standardization of criteria for classifying optimal sun exposure time in this age group, considering the parameters that affect vitamin D status, such as age and seasonality, should be considered when planning future guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabete A Dos Santos
- Nutrition Department, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Rodrigues
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Maria-Raquel Silva
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre-Group of Sleep, Chronobiology and Sleep Disorders-Nova Medical School, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Nogueira
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Padez
- Research Centre for Anthropology and Health, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Nardone P, Spinelli A, Buoncristiano M, Andreozzi S, Bucciarelli M, Giustini M, Ciardullo S. Changes in Food Consumption and Eating Behaviours of Children and Their Families Living in Italy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The EPaS-ISS Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3326. [PMID: 37571263 PMCID: PMC10421235 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the EPaS-ISS study was to describe the changes in food consumption and eating behaviours of children (mainly aged 8-9 years) and their families between the pre-COVID-19 period (before February/March 2020) and the COVID-19 period (from February/March 2020 to April 2022). A web questionnaire completed by parents was used to collect data. The sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their parents were also explored through the web questionnaire. Seventeen regions out of nineteen and the two autonomous provinces (PA) of Italy participated in the study. The survey was completed for 4863 children (47.9% females). The study showed that only small changes in children's food consumption happened between the pre-COVID-19 period and the COVID-19 period; in particular, about 25% of parents reported an increase in savoury snacks and sweet food. A decrease in fruit and vegetable (about 8%) and fish (14%) consumption was also found. However, the changes seem to have mainly affected children from most disadvantaged families. The results also indicate positive changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in some families' eating behaviours, such as eating more home-cooked meals (42%) and family meals (39%), as well as cooking more with children (42%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nardone
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Angela Spinelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Silvia Andreozzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Mauro Bucciarelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Giustini
- Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Ciardullo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (A.S.); (S.A.); (M.B.)
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Citerne A, Roda C, Rancière F, Momas I. Subgroups of perceptions and related behaviors during the COVID-19 lockdown: experience of adolescents in the PARIS birth cohort. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:59. [PMID: 37170279 PMCID: PMC10173936 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00609-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents may not all have reacted similarly to the COVID-19 lockdown. This study aimed to identify subgroups of perceptions in adolescents from the PARIS cohort during the first French lockdown, and to investigate whether adolescent behaviors differed according to these subgroups. METHODS Online questionnaires were sent to 1,549 PARIS adolescents aged 13-17 years who reported on possible infection with SARS-CoV-2, their perceptions, and behaviors during lockdown. Ascending hierarchical clustering was performed on the perception variables. Associations of behaviors with perception clusters were analyzed using multivariable multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Three perception clusters were identified among 791 adolescents (response rate 51%). One cluster "happy" (39%) had good mental health and did not feel stressed during lockdown. Another cluster "unhappy" (19%) was mainly unhappy, felt stressed, suffered from overcrowded living conditions, and experienced deteriorating relationships with family members. A further cluster "intermediate" (42%) experienced moderate well-being and stress, felt more supported by family, and worried about the health of their relatives. Compared with the "happy" cluster, the unhappy adolescents were more affected by COVID-19, had difficulty doing school activities, spent more time on social networks and less time on video games, slept less, and reported a deterioration in their diet. Adolescents "intermediate" with moderate well-being were more often girls, spent more time on social networks, were more physically active, slept less, and more often reported eating fruit and vegetables and drinking alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Not all adolescents experienced lockdown in the same way. This study highlighted subgroups that differed in terms of well-being and health-related behaviors. These results should motivate public authorities to consider the benefit/risk ratio of implementing strict lockdowns by taking into account family disparities and inequities among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Citerne
- Health Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Team, CRESS, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Célina Roda
- Health Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Team, CRESS, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Rancière
- Health Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Team, CRESS, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Paris, France.
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Isabelle Momas
- Health Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Team, CRESS, Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Paris, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Direction de l'Action Sociale de l'Enfance et de la Santé, Cellule Cohorte, Mairie de Paris, Paris, France
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Raine LB, Erickson KI, Grove G, Watrous JNH, McDonald K, Kang C, Jakicic JM, Forman DE, Kramer AF, Burns JM, Vidoni ED, McAuley E, Hillman CH. Cardiorespiratory fitness levels and body mass index of pre-adolescent children and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1052389. [PMID: 36733279 PMCID: PMC9888666 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The social and behavioral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the health and physiology of most people, including those never diagnosed with COVID-19. While the impact of the pandemic has been felt across the lifespan, its effects on cardiorespiratory fitness (commonly considered a reflection of total body health) of older adults and children may be particularly profound due to social distancing and stay-at-home advisories, as well as the closure of sport facilities and non-essential businesses. The objective of this investigation was to leverage baseline data from two ongoing clinical trials to determine if cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index were different during COVID-19 relative to before COVID-19 in older adults and children. Methods Healthy older individuals (N = 593; 65-80 years) and 200 typically developing children (8-10 years) completed a graded maximal exercise test and had their height and weight measured. Results Results revealed that older adults and children tested during COVID-19 had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than those tested before COVID-19 shutdowns (older adults: 30% lower; children: 53% lower; p's ≤ 0.001). In addition, older adults and children tested during COVID-19 had significantly higher BMI (older adults: 31.34 ± 0.57 kg/m2, p = 0.004; children: 19.27 ± 0.44 kg/m2, p = 0.05) than those tested before COVID-19 shutdowns (older adults: 29.51 ± 0.26 kg/m2, children: 18.13 ± 0.35 kg/m2). However, these differences in BMI did not remain significant when controlling for cardiorespiratory fitness. Discussion Results from this investigation indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic, and behavior changes taken to reduce potential exposure, may have led to lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels in older adults and children, as well as higher body mass index. These findings provide relevant public health information as lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels and higher body mass indexes recorded during the pandemic could have far-reaching and protracted health consequences. Public health guidance is needed to encourage physical activity to maintain cardiorespiratory fitness and healthy body composition. Clinical trial registration Older adults: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02875301, identifier: NCT02875301; Children: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03592238, identifier: NCT03592238.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren B. Raine
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kirk I. Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- PROFITH “PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity” Research Group, Department of Physical and Sports Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Research Institute, AdventHealth, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - George Grove
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Katherine McDonald
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Chaeryon Kang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - John M. Jakicic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Daniel E. Forman
- Department of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Geriatrics, Research, Education and Clinical Care (GRECC), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Arthur F. Kramer
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Burns
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center Fairway, Fairway, KS, United States
| | - Eric D. Vidoni
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center Fairway, Fairway, KS, United States
| | - Edward McAuley
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Charles H. Hillman
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
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Martín-Masot R, Diaz-Martin JJ, Santamaría-Orleans A, Navas-López VM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the digitization of routine pediatric practice in Spain: A nationwide survey study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1106488. [PMID: 36865698 PMCID: PMC9974147 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1106488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic forced a change in the working dynamics of all healthcare professionals, leading to the sudden introduction of telemedicine. Although until that moment telemedicine applications had been described in the paediatric age, their use was anecdotal. OBJECTIVE To analyse the experience of Spanish paediatricians after the forced digitization of consultations due to the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional survey-type study was designed to obtain information from Spanish paediatricians about the changes that took place in the usual clinical practice. RESULTS 306 health professionals participated in the study Most of them agreed on the use of the internet and social networks during the pandemic, referring to mail or WhatsApp® as usual channels of communication with their patients' families. There was a great agreement among paediatricians that the evaluation of newborns after hospital discharge and establishing methodologies that allow childhood vaccination and the identification of subsidiary patients for face-to-face evaluation were necessary although the limitations of the lockdown. The idea that telephone and digital consultations have optimized the consultation time and that they will probably continue after the end of the pandemic was generally accepted. No changes in adherence to breastfeeding or the start of complementary feeding were referred to, but an increase in the duration of breastfeeding and the appearance of frequent hoaxes in social networks concerning infant feeding were found. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to analyse the impact of telemedicine in paediatric consultations during the pandemic to evaluate its effectiveness and quality to maintain it in routine paediatric practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Martín-Masot
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan J Diaz-Martin
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Manuel Navas-López
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Unit, Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Málaga, Spain
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Street ME, Ponzi D, Renati R, Petraroli M, D’Alvano T, Lattanzi C, Ferrari V, Rollo D, Stagi S. Precocious puberty under stressful conditions: new understanding and insights from the lessons learnt from international adoptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1149417. [PMID: 37201098 PMCID: PMC10187034 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1149417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuro-biological variations in the timing of sexual maturation within a species are part of an evolved strategy that depend on internal and external environmental conditions. An increased incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been described in both adopted and "covid-19 pandemic" children. Until recently, it was hypothesised that the triggers for CPP in internationally adopted children were likely to be better nutrition, greater environmental stability, and improved psychological wellbeing. However, following data collected during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, other possibilities must be considered. In a society with high levels of child wellbeing, the threat to life presented by an unknown and potentially serious disease and the stressful environment created by lockdowns and other public health measures could trigger earlier pubertal maturation as an evolutionary response to favour early reproduction. The main driver for increased rates of precocious and rapidly progressive puberty during the pandemic could have been the environment of "fear and stress" in schools and households. In many children, CPP may have been triggered by the psychological effects of living without normal social contact, using PPE, being near adults concerned about financial and other issues and the fear of getting ill. The features and time of progression of CPP in children during the pandemic are similar to those observed in adopted children. This review considers the mechanisms regulating puberty with a focus on neurobiological and evolutionary mechanisms, and analyses precocious puberty both during the pandemic and in internationally adopted children searching for common yet unconsidered factors in an attempt to identify the factors which may have acted as triggers. In particular, we focus on stress as a potential factor in the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its correlation with rapid sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Street
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Elisabeth Street,
| | - Davide Ponzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Renati
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Petraroli
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana D’Alvano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Lattanzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Ferrari
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dolores Rollo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Stagi
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Univesitaria Meyer IRCCS, Florence, Italy
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Gomes CS, Santi NMM, da Silva DRP, Werneck AO, Szwarcwald CL, de Azevedo Barros MB, Malta DC. The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in eating habits of Brazilian adolescents. Dialogues Health 2022; 1:100070. [PMID: 36785626 PMCID: PMC9632237 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic influenced lifestyle and modified dietary patterns. Our objective was to evaluate the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), and ultra-processed foods (UPF), before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to identify the sociodemographic factors associated. Methods This study used data from the "Convid Adolescents", a survey on health behaviors that were collected through an online questionnaire self-completed by 9.470 adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age during the pandemic in Brazil in 2020. Individuals were invited to participate through a chain-sampling procedure called "virtual snowballing". Information about FV, and UPF consumption before and during the pandemic period were reported. The independent variables used were sex, age group, race/color of skin, kind of school, education level of the mother, region of Brazil, financial difficulties during the pandemic, food insecurity, and social restrictions. Logistic regression models were used. Results There was a reduction in the low consumption of FV (83.5% to 80.3%) and there was no significant difference in the high consumption of UPF (38.9% to 38.1%) before and during the pandemic. The incidence of low consumption of FV and high consumption of UPF during the pandemic was 20% and 13.8%, respectively. Girls, private school adolescents, who reported having food insecurity and financial difficulties during the pandemic were the most affected subgroups. Conclusions Despite little change in the prevalence of FV and UPF consumption before and during the pandemic, the incidence of high consumption of UPF and low FV consumption was high, and it identified in specific population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crizian Saar Gomes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós Graduação em Saúde Pública, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nathália Mota Mattos Santi
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós Graduação em Saúde Pública, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - André Oliveira Werneck
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Escola de Saúde Pública, Departamento de Nutrição, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Célia Landmann Szwarcwald
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Deborah Carvalho Malta
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Materno Infantil e Saúde Pública, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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12
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Titis E. Parental Perspectives of the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Food-Related Behaviors: Systematic Review. Foods 2022; 11:2851. [PMID: 36140979 PMCID: PMC9498514 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by dramatic changes in household food dynamics that can significantly influence health. This systematic literature review presents parental perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 lockdown (up to 30 June 2022) on food preparation and meal routines, as well as other food-related behaviors, capturing both favorable and unfavorable changes in the household food environment. Themes and trends are identified and associations with other lifestyle factors are assessed. Overall, families enjoyed more time together around food, including planning meals, cooking, and eating together. Eating more diverse foods and balanced home-cooked meals (e.g., fresh fruit and vegetables) was combined with overeating and increased snacking (e.g., high-calorie snacks, desserts, and sweets), as parents became more permissive towards food; however, food insecurity increased among families with the lowest income. Adoption of meal planning skills and online shopping behavior emerged alongside behaviors aimed at self-sufficiency, such as bulk purchasing and stockpiling of non-perishable processed foods. These results are an important first step in recognizing how this pandemic may be affecting the family food environment, including low-income families. Future obesity prevention and treatment initiatives, but also ongoing efforts to address food management, parental feeding practices, and food insecurity, can account for these changes moving forward.
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Luo W, Cai Q, Zhou Y, Cai Y, Song H, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Liao Y. Variation of parental feeding practices during the COVID-2019 pandemic: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1600. [PMID: 35999552 PMCID: PMC9395808 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is highly contagious and has resulted in a protracted pandemic. Infections caused by new coronavirus strains, primarily Delta and Omicron and currently highly prevalent globally. In response to the epidemic, countries, and cities implemented isolation and quarantine guidance, such as limiting social contact, which have affected the lifestyles and quality of life of the population. Parental feeding behaviors may vary as a result of factors such as prolonged home isolation of parents and children, lack of supplies during isolation, and stress. This study was designed to assess the available evidence and its implications for parental feeding practices in the context of COVID-19. We screened and reviewed research published in five electronic databases between 2020 and 2022, and eight studies met the selection criteria. Parents were observed to use a variety of feeding practices, including high levels of coercive control and reduction of rules and limits according to Vaughn’s food parenting constructs. The findings suggest that parental feeding practices are changing as a result of the pandemic and that more research is needed to further explore how to provide supportive feeding guidance to parents during emergencies in order to jointly promote child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Luo
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Cai
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - You Zhou
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yepeng Cai
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huizi Song
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiran Zhang
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuying Chen
- Nursing Department, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuexia Liao
- School of Nursing, School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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