CHANGES IN SELECTED HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL PARAMETERS OF PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN INFLUENCED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ABSTRACT

The last period of Covid-19 has markedly changed the life of preschool aged children with impact on health and nutrition in the period of growth and development. The aim of the research was to evaluate the selected health and nutritional parameters influenced by pandemic Covid-19. The set concluded children (n=130) from 4 up to 6 years old (55.4% girls, 44.6% boys). The majority of set was presented by children 5-5.99 years (64.6%). Anthropometric data were evaluated by percentile method and growth charts. The nutrition status was estimated by on-line questionnaire. Software Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft Inc., USA) was used. During the 3rd wave of pandemic (from September 2021 up to now) it has been noticed the rise of weight by 0.9 ± 0.1 kg. In term of weight the set was presented by 58.5% of children belonged to percentile range of low and medium values (group A) and 41.5% of children (group B) had high values (19.2% high, 6.9% very high, 15.4% extremely high weight). More children in group B (7.4 vs. 34.2%) had low body height values (p < 0.01) and high values prevailed in group A. The medium values of body mass index was typical for the group B (p < 0.001) (22.2 vs. 60.5%;proportional children) and high values in group A (64.8 vs. 7.9%;obese or overweighted children). The children of group A consumed during pandemic vs. before pandemic lower amount of fresh/frozen fruit and vegetables. In the group A more than 2 portion of vegetable daily consumed less children during pandemic than before pandemic (27.8% vs. 31.5%) on contrary with fruit (50% vs. 42.6%). Physical activity more than 2 hours daily/outdoor sport activities had less children in group A during pandemic vs. before pandemic. Significant inadequate sleep (less than 8 hours) had the children belonged to group A before and during pandemic (11.1% and 16.7%) with predominance of children with irregular sleeping regime. During the Covid-19 pandemic, selected eating habits and lifestyle aspects of preschool children were affected. Further investigation of the long-term effects on children's weight and health is needed. © 2023, Consulting and Training Center - KEY. All rights reserved.