ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the biopsychosocial elements of human beings, especially children and teenagers, as vulnerable groups. Social isolation can lead to psychiatric illness, obesity, and sleep disorders in adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of lockdown on children's sleep, diet, physical activity, and behavior. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from May 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Data were collected from four healthcare centers in Cascais (Lisbon, Portugal) by administering a questionnaire in person and online. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel® and the SPSS® software (version 23). Results: In total, 790 responses were collected (median age 9 years old) without gender predominance. Family routine and behavioral changes were found in 84% and 63% of children, respectively. In addition, dietary changes were observed in 43% of them, with 62% reporting an increase in quantities and 23% reporting weight gain (more than 5 kg in 18%). Regarding physical activity, 44% exercised more than three times a week before the lockdown. Following COVID-19, 18% maintained this routine, and 48% quit sporting activities. Finally, sleep changes occurred in 42%, including nightmares and difficulty falling asleep. Discussion: Childhood and adolescence are periods of considerable social and psychomotor development, and any routine disruption can cause profound changes in personal and interpersonal experience during this period. The findings of this study revealed that lockdown caused changes in children's behavior, diet, physical exercise, and sleep. It is essential to outline strategies to support children and teenagers with a multidisciplinary approach to reduce the effects of social isolation on their development. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) and Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics 2023.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the biopsychosocial elements of human beings, especially children and teenagers, as vulnerable groups. Social isolation can lead to psychiatric illness, obesity, and sleep disorders in adults. This study aimed to determine the impact of lockdown on children's sleep, diet, physical activity, and behavior. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from May 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. Data were collected from four healthcare centers in Cascais (Lisbon, Portugal) by administering a questionnaire in person and online. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel® and the SPSS® software (version 23). Results: In total, 790 responses were collected (median age 9 years old) without gender predominance. Family routine and behavioral changes were found in 84% and 63% of children, respectively. In addition, dietary changes were observed in 43% of them, with 62% reporting an increase in quantities and 23% reporting weight gain (more than 5 kg in 18%). Regarding physical activity, 44% exercised more than three times a week before the lockdown. Following COVID-19, 18% maintained this routine, and 48% quit sporting activities. Finally, sleep changes occurred in 42%, including nightmares and difficulty falling asleep. Discussion: Childhood and adolescence are periods of considerable social and psychomotor development, and any routine disruption can cause profound changes in personal and interpersonal experience during this period. The findings of this study revealed that lockdown caused changes in children's behavior, diet, physical exercise, and sleep. It is essential to outline strategies to support children and teenagers with a multidisciplinary approach to reduce the effects of social isolation on their development. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) and Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics 2023.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, there are limited data describing the risks and specific effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2, in pregnant women and their neonates. To date, there is scarce evidence of in utero transmission, and the risk of perinatal transmission and consequent neonate risk of developing COVID-19 during the perinatal period are also unknown. Methods: Since April 2020, universal screening of all pregnant women presenting in labor has been implemented in our hospital. To those who are positive for SARS-CoV-2, the possibility to room-in with the neonate is given. Neonates are tested for SARS-CoV-2 within the first 24 hours and again at 48 hours of life. We made a prospective cohort analysis of all neonates born of mothers positive for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital from April to November 2020. Demographics, neonatal and maternal symptoms at the delivery, during hospitalization and once discharged, perinatal routine care and SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results were studied. Results: We analyzed 23 mothers positive for SARS-CoV-2. Only eight declared having symptoms, mainly headaches, anosmia, and ageusia/dysgeusia. The 23 neonates were negative for SARS-CoV-2 in both reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests performed. All of the neonates were born and remained asymptomatic during the 14 days of surveillance time and all of them were breastfed. Discussion: According to our results, rooming-in was safe for newborns of SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers since there was no evidence of perinatal infection. This practice is a well-known way to promote early breastfeeding and encourage maternal-infant bonding. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) and Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics 2021.