Impact of school closures on the health and well-being of primary school children in Wales UK; a routine data linkage study using the HAPPEN survey (2018-2020). (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Introduction In response to the COVID19 pandemic, school closures were implemented across the United Kingdom. This study aimed to explore the impact of school closures on childrens health by comparing health and wellbeing outcomes collected during school closures (April to June 2020) with data from the same period in 2019 and 2018. Methods Data were collected online via the HAPPEN At Home survey, which captured the typical health behaviours of children aged 8 to 11 years between April and June 2020. These data were compared with data in 2018 and 2019 also collected between April and June, from HAPPEN. Free school meal (FSM) status was used as a proxy for socio-economic deprivation. Analyses were repeated stratifying by FSM. Results Comparing responses between April and June in 2020 (n=1068), 2019 (n=1150) and 2018 (n=475), there were improvements in physical activity levels, sleep time, happiness and general wellbeing for children during school closures compared to previous years. However, children on FSM ate less fruit and vegetables (21% (95%CI (5.7% to 37%)) and had lower self-assessed school competence compared to 2019. Compared to those not on FSM they also spent less time doing physical activity (13.03% (95%CI 3.3% to 21.7%) and consumed more takeaways (16.3% (95%CI 2%-30%)) during school closures. Conclusion This study suggests that schools play an important role in reducing inequalities in physical health. The physical health (e.g. physical activity and diet) of children eligible for FSM may be impacted by prolonged school closures.