This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures on lifestyle in Dutch children between 4 - 18 years.
The threat of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, from here onward mentioned as COVID-19) and the national measures to restrict transmission of COVID-19 in the Dutch population have caused a radical change in the daily life of Dutch citizens. Closing of schools and public locations, even as the public order for social distancing and self-isolation, is affecting the daily structure and lifestyle habits of Dutch children greatly. These radical changes in the current situation could yield important information regarding the health behaviour of children and their families. Knowledge of these changes and their effects on the health behaviour of these children and their families could influence future interventions and regulations regarding health behaviour. Current (preliminary) prevalence figures show that up to 80% of patients infected with COVID-19 are overweight or obese, indicating that being overweight or obese could be a potential adverse predisposition in the course of a COVID-19 infection. In the light of this (and possible future) pandemic, it is important to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health behaviour i.e. lifestyle of children (aged between 4 and 18 years) and their families and especially the effects on possible weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier studies demonstrated that in particular children with overweight/obesity gain weight in situations when schools close such as during summer holidays and also during (economic) crisis. It is of importance to investigate the effects of the Corona-crisis in particular in these children with a high health risk. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its measures on lifestyle in lean children and children with overweight and obesity. It evaluates differences in subgroups, e.a. lean/overweight children, socio-economic status, gender and age. Study design is a mixed-methods study. Children and/or parents will receive online questionnaires regarding lifestyle during governemantal measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, such as closure of schools and sportclubs. In addition, several children and parents will be interviewed about the changes in lifestyle, and their needs for working on lifestyle, during the pandemic, for in-depth qualitative information.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
4,000
Several measures are taken in The Netherlands, due to the Covid-19 virus and pandemic. For example, closure of schools and sportclubs, and advices to stay at home as much as possible. During the pandemic, several measures also will be scaled down.
Maastricht University Medical Center
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
RECRUITINGChange in weight child
Weight development of the child. Weight (in kg) will be measured using scales at home, with clear instructions.
Time frame: Every 2 weeks until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Change in weight parents
Weight development of the parents. Weight (in kg) will be measured using scales at home, with clear instructions.
Time frame: Every 2 weeks until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs, hereafter: "coronacrisis-period"). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Eating behaviour
eating behaviour during measures due to the coronacrisis, measured with an online questionnaire.
Time frame: Every month until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Symptoms
COVID-19 related symptoms and adherence to governmental measures, measured with an online questionnaire.
Time frame: Every 2 weeks until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Day structure
Daystructure of children during the coronacrisis, measured with an online questionnaire.
Time frame: Every month until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
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Physical activity
Physical activity behaviour children during the coronacrisis, measured with the Baecke questionnaire.
Time frame: Every month until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Screentime
Screentime during the the coronacrisis, measured with an online questionnaire.
Time frame: Every month until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Online possibilities
Online possibilities for working on a healthy lifestyle, such as challenges regarding nutrition and physical activity, measured with an online questionnaire.
Time frame: Every month until end of the Dutch governement measures affecting children (e.g. fully opening of the schools and sportclubs). Three months after the "measures"-period, 1 follow-up moment.
Quality of life in children
Quality of life during the coronacrisis, measured with the Kidscreen-27.
Time frame: Once in first month of the study and once within three months after COVID-19 measures are scaled down.
Parenting practices
Parenting practices regarding eating behaviour and physical activity, measured with a questionnaire.
Time frame: Once in first month of the study and once within three months after COVID-19 measures are scaled down.