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The Impact of Physical Distancing Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Well-Being Among Australian Adolescents.
Munasinghe, Sithum; Sperandei, Sandro; Freebairn, Louise; Conroy, Elizabeth; Jani, Hir; Marjanovic, Sandra; Page, Andrew.
  • Munasinghe S; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Sperandei S; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Freebairn L; The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, Sax Institute, Haymarket, New South Wales, Australia; Preventive and Population Health, Health Systems, Policy and Research, Health Directorate, ACT Government, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
  • Conroy E; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Jani H; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Marjanovic S; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
  • Page A; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: a.page@westernsydney.edu.au.
J Adolesc Health ; 67(5): 653-661, 2020 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-849768
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.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Social Isolation / Exercise / Health Status / Mental Health / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Adolesc Health Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.jadohealth.2020.08.008

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Social Isolation / Exercise / Health Status / Mental Health / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics Type of study: Cohort study / Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: J Adolesc Health Journal subject: Pediatrics Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.jadohealth.2020.08.008