Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Effectsof COVID-19 Lockdown on the Lifestyle

of Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Dr. Dhanu Priya Patel, Dr. Anant Gopal Nigam, Dr. Shantanu Jain
Mahatma Gandhi Dental College and Hospital, Jaipur

Abstract:- contagion which resulted in the restriction of the movement

Aim and objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate of entire 1.38 billions of Indian population. This
the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the lifestyle of unanticipated command by the government trembled the
children aged 5 to 14 years. population in various waysembracing their lifestyle, work,
diet and mental health. The effect was not only limited to the
Methods: A random sample of 315 patients attending the adult population but also affected the children damagingly.
outpatient department of the institute between the age Lifestyle plays a crucial role in the development of a child's
group of 5 to 14 years were included. A self-administered health and personality. This unfortunate position of isolation
bilingual questionnaire containing close-ended questions created a hostile environment for maintaining the healthy
was distributed to the parents/caregivers prior to the lifestyle and behaviour of children and adolescents. The
initial consultation and written informed consent was abrupt cessation of schools and playing for children who by
taken. The questionnaire included the patients’ mandate had to stay in their homes in an attempt to attenuate
demographic information and questions about lifestyle, the spread of the disease made an unexpected change in their
dietary habits, physical activity, enthusiasm, irritability lifestyle.Such mandatory directives of locking down every
and weight gain in children during the covid-19 outdoor activities impeded children to carry out their daily
lockdown to which respondents were asked to tick the routine including regular physical activity and exercise.
appropriate option according to them.
This vicious cycle of sedentary behaviour and
Results: Out of 315 children, 148 children were female decreased daily energy expenditure might end in weight
and 167 were male. The overall mean age of the children gain.Staying indoors and living a stationary lifestyle favours
was recorded 8.85 years with a std. deviation of 2.602. the adverse mental as well as physical health of children.
The majority (66.7%) of respondents noticed the change During this lockdown, the families usually stocked food
in their child’s lifestyle-related behaviour during with longer shelf-life and high calorie-containing processed
lockdown. A statistically significant association was food which in turn disrupts normal pattern and frequency of
found between changes in snacking habits between meals eating. Children's quality and quantity of food intake have
and weight gain of the children (p-value=0.002), been changed including physical activities and daily routine.
changesbetween the participation in physical activities These habits and changes in the diet affect oral health as
and weight gain of the children (p-value<0.001) and well. The consumption of sweetened and refined food can
between physical activities and irritability/anxiety of the cause subsequent plaque deposition that eventually leads to
children (p-value<0.001). poor oral health and dental caries.
Conclusion: The covid-19 lockdown has a pronounced Hence, the aim of this study is to observe the effects of
effect on the behaviour and lifestyle of children and the lifestyle-related habits during COVID- 19 lockdown in
parents are suggested to make their children maintain a children and how it affects their overall health.
regular timetable and healthy habits to minimise the risk
of adverse effects on the child’s behaviour and health in II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
future.
A self-administered bilingual (Hindi and English)
I. INTRODUCTION questionnaire containing close-ended questions was
prepared to identify the change in the lifestyle of children
COVID-19 pandemic has led a life-changing impact and its effects during COVID-19 Lockdown. A three-point
among people across the globe including children. Likert scale was used to make the questionnaire with two
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute polar options “increased” and “decreased” and a neutral
infectious respiratory disease that has created strenuous option as “constant”. The questionnaire included the
consequences for the global healthcare community. 1 patients’ demographic information and questions about
lifestyle, dietary habits, physical activity, enthusiasm,
On 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization irritability and weight gain in children during the covid-19
declared the status of the global pandemic and many nations lockdown.
adopted measures in order to limitthe rapidly increasing
cases.2 The questionnaires were distributed by non-clinical
reception staff in the waiting area to the parents/caregivers
On the evening of 24th March 2020, Following the prior to the initial consultation and written informed consent
outbreak of the pandemic the Indian government imposed, a was taken. The respondents were asked to tick the most
nationwide lockdown of 21 days was which was later appropriate answer according to them.
continued till 31st May 2020to limit the spread of the

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Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
The sample included 315 new patients (167 males and habit of snacking between meals while 55.6% of children
148 females) attending the outpatient department of the showed that quantity/portion of meals/snacks is constant. A
Institute (Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, constant daily intake of fruits and vegetables was observed
Mahatma Gandhi Dental College and Hospital) between the in 47.9%of children while there is an increase in the
age group of 5 to 14 years. The survey was conducted for percentage of children consuming junk food (43.2).The
over 6 months period. Apilot study wasconductedwith the child’s probability of skipping one of the main meals
questionnaire distributed to 30 parents to test the validity of (breakfast/lunch/dinner) was found to be similar as before in
the questionnaire. the majority of children.

III. RESULTS The child’s participation in physical activities as well

as helping in household work was increased (36.2%) and
A total of 315 forms were collectedand the data were (36.5%) respectively. A majority of 85.4% of children
entered into MS Excel spreadsheet which was statistically exhibited increased screen time (e.g. T.V, Mobile, laptop,
analysed using STATA/IC-13 software. Out of 315 children, online classes). There was no change in the child's hours of
148 children were female and 167 were male (Table-1). The sleep, energy level and enthusiasm. While 52.4% of children
overall mean age of the children was recorded 8.85 years showed irritability, stress/anxiety during the lockdown and
with a std. deviation of2.602. (Table- 2). The majority 56.8% of children were manifested with an increase in their
(66.7%) of respondents noticed the change in their child’s body weight during the lockdown. (Table-3).
lifestyle-related behaviour during COVID time. 59.7% of
respondents agreed that there is an increase in their child's

Chi-square test was used for significant associations offrequency of meal and child’s weight(Table-4); participation in
physical exercise and weight (Table-5); and participation in physical exercise and irritability or stress/anxiety(Table-6).

Sex of the Child Frequency Percent

Female 148 47.0
Male 167 53.0
Table 1

Descriptive Statistics N Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Deviation

Age of the Child 315 4 15 8.85 2.602

Table 2

Have you noticed any change in your lifestyle-

related behaviour? Frequency Percent
Valid No 105 33.3
Yes 210 66.7
Total 315 100.0
How has your child's habit of snacking between meals
changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 117 37.1
Decreased 10 3.2
Increased 188 59.7
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's quantity/portion of meals/snacks

changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 175 55.6
Decreased 27 8.6
Increased 113 35.9
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's daily intake of fruits and vegetables

changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 151 47.9
Decreased 79 25.1
Increased 85 27.0
Total 315 100.0

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Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

How has your child's consumption of junk food / fast

food / fried food changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 100 31.7
Decreased 79 25.1
Increased 136 43.2
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's probability of skipping one of the

main meal (breakfast / lunch / dinner) changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 155 49.2
Decreased 30 9.5
Increased 130 41.3
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's participation in physical activities

(dancing, playing, exercise, running) changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 68 21.6
Decreased 133 42.2
Increased 114 36.2
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's sitting and screen time (e.g. T.V,
Mobile, laptop, online classes) changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 44 14.0
Decreased 2 .6
Increased 269 85.4
Total 315 100.0
How has your child's participation and helping in
household work changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 132 41.9
Decreased 68 21.6
Increased 115 36.5
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's hours of sleep changed? Frequency Percent

Valid Constant(Similar as before) 138 43.8
Decreased 56 17.8
Increased 121 38.4
Total 315 100.0

How has your child's energy level and enthusiasm

changed? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 134 42.5
Decreased 93 29.5
Increased 88 27.9
Total 315 100.0

Have you noticed your child showing any irritability or

stress/anxiety during lockdown? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 109 34.6
Decreased 41 13.0
Increased 165 52.4
Total 315 100.0

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Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Have you noticed any change in your child's weight? Frequency Percent
Valid Constant(Similar as before) 126 40.0
Decreased 10 3.2
Increased 179 56.8
Total 315 100.0
Table 3

How has your child's habit of snacking

between meals changed?
Constant(Similar as
before) Decreased Increased Total
Have you noticed Constant(Similar as Count 59 7 60 126
any change in your before) % 50.4% 70.0% 31.9% 40.0%
child's weight? Decreased Count 4 1 5 10
% 3.4% 10.0% 2.7% 3.2%
Increased Count 54 2 123 179
% 46.2% 20.0% 65.4% 56.8%
Total Count 117 10 188 315
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0
%

Chi-Square Tests
Value Df P-value
Pearson Chi-Square 17.327 4 0.002
Table 4

Out of a total, 188 children had increased snacking habits between meals and out of which 65.4% of children had also
increased their weights. Thus it can be concluded that there is a significant association between changes in snacking habits
between meals and weight gain of the children (p-value=0.002). (Table-4).

How has your child's participation in physical

activities (dancing, playing, exercise, running)
changed?
Constant(Similar as
before) Decreased Increased Total
Have you noticed Constant(Similar as Count 39 28 59 126
any change in your before) % 57.4% 21.1% 51.8% 40.0%
child's weight? Decreased Count 3 5 2 10
% 4.4% 3.8% 1.8% 3.2%
Increased Count 26 100 53 179
% 38.2% 75.2% 46.5% 56.8%
Total Count 68 133 114 315
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0
%

Chi-Square Tests
Value Df P-value
Pearson Chi-Square 36.359 4 <0.001
Table 5

Out of the total, 133 children had decreased their participation in physical activities, out of which 75.2% of children had also
increased their weights. Thus it can be concluded that there is a significant association between changes in the participation in
physical activities and weight gain of the children (p-value<0.001). (Table-5)

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Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
How has your child's participation in physical
activities (dancing, playing, exercise, running)
changed?
Constant(Similar as
before) Decreased Increased Total
Have you noticed Constant(Similar as Count 37 33 39 109
your child showing before) % 54.4% 24.8% 34.2% 34.6%
any irritability or Decreased Count 9 3 29 41
stress/anxiety % 13.2% 2.3% 25.4% 13.0%
during lockdown? Increased Count 22 97 46 165
% 32.4% 72.9% 40.4% 52.4%
Total Count 68 133 114 315
% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0
%

Chi-Square Tests
Value df P-value
Pearson Chi-Square 55.832 4 <0.001

Table 6

Out of the total, 133 children had decreased their physical activities, from those 72.9% of children had increased their
irritability/anxiety. Thus it can be concluded that there is a significant association between physical activities and
irritability/anxiety of the children (p-value<0.001). (Table-6)

IV. DISCUSSION Furthermore, the combination of working from home,

online education and social media usage have all caused
In this study, we have made an attempt to evaluate the screen time to surge (Khan et al, 2020). COVID-19
effect of covid-19 lockdown on children. The outbreak of exacerbates the condition of the overweight and obese
the disease caused the world to pay great compensation. The pediatric population. (Valenzise et al, 2021)
Indian government endeavoured to put a stop to the
spreading of disease and the entire country came to a Pietrobelli et al, 2020 deduced that “the tragic COVID-
complete standstill. 19 pandemic has collateral effects extending beyond those
of direct viral infection. Children and adolescents struggling
The pandemic has altered the normal work pattern by with obesity are placed in an unfortunate position of
introducing online schooling and work from home. Such isolation that appears to create an unfavourable environment
unprepared lockdown has provoked the unhealthy lifestyle for maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviours.”
and eating practices that have brought about obesity in both
children and adults. Such variation in daily routine has A study by Kumar et al, 2021 concluded that many
established altered dietary and physical activity. children have been exposed to emotional, mental, and
physical stress and less healthy lifestyles during this
The population shifted towards a sedentary lifestyle pandemic.
eating comfort food that is more processed and calorigenic
contributing to a rise in calorie intake and low energy Saurabh et al, 2020 evaluated that greater
expenditure due to less physical functions. The weight psychological distress was experienced by children and
gained is questionable to lose and those who are overweight adolescents in quarantine than non-quarantined children and
already are expected to gain twice that of normal-weight adolescents. The most associatedfeelings reported during the
individuals. Increased body weight in children is linked to lockdown were 69% experienced worry, 66% experienced
obesity while rapid weight gain in pregnancy can have helplessness, and 62% experienced fear.
enduring health complications for both the mother and child.
The food industries swiftly identified the change in their
target population and have intensified online advertising and Abdulha et al, 2020 suggested that the lockdown
focused on children leading to an increase of 124% in food caused high levels of stress in children. Due to home
shopping. quarantine and social distancing, children also
In this study, an increase in the percentage of children encounteredloneliness, sadness, stress, depression and the
consuming junk food (43.2), sugar-sweetened (49.8) fear of coronavirus.
beverages and sweet/candies (62.9).

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Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
A study by Shah et al, 2020, evaluated about 30.7% of V. CONCLUSION
children experienced psychosocial problems, amongst
which, 25.2% had depression and symptoms of anxiety as a The covid-19 lockdown has a pronounced effect on the
result of lockdown. Also, Spinelli et al, 2020 reported parent behaviour and lifestyle of children. Due to a long span of
stress was found to be significantly correlated with hyper- home confinement, limited exposure towards physical
inattention in children. activities and increased frequency of having snacks, a
significant rise in weight is seen with increased irritability
In this study,52.4% of children showed irritability, and anxiety in children. There is a possibility of worsening
stress and anxiety during lockdown ascertained by their these conditions if the country imposes any future
parents. lockdown. In conclusion, parents are suggested to make
their children maintainaregular timetable and healthy habits
Besides short-term and long-term physical health to minimise the risk of potential behavioural and health
problems, obese children and adolescents are more expected damage in future.
to agonize poor social and psychologicalhealth than their
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