A cross-sectional survey of Maltese children's physical health during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus pandemic has imposed home-schooling on most countries. This became a new lifestyle for most children. Therefore, children's physical activity, sedentary behaviours, nutrition, weight status and sleeping habits needed to be evaluated.

Methods: A seven-day recall questionnaire was distributed on local social media groups. Parents living in Malta with children under 16 years of age were invited to anonymously fill the five-minute questionnaire on a voluntary-basis. Responses were collected over one week in June 2020.

Results: 492 valid responses were assessed. Only 16.9% of children attained the recommended daily physical activity during the pandemic. 34.6% of all children were found to be overweight or obese (BMI z-score >1). Obese children were noted to be significantly less active (p=0.028). Home-schooling averaged 3.25 hours in primary and 3.6 hours in secondary school children. Additionally, 95% of children spent at least 2 hours in sedentary activities and longer hours were noted in obese children (p=0.040). The average daily vegetable and fruit intake was 4.21 portions. The preferred beverage was water (93.5%) and food intake was increased overall. The mean number of hours of sleep was 9.9 hours. 57.4% of children have an electronic gadget in their bedroom.

Conclusion: Physical inactivity, increased sedentary behaviours and increased food intake were the main culprits of increased BMI in Maltese children during the Coronavirus pandemic. A better balance of home-schooling hours, physical activity and nutrition should be advocated as a strategy against childhood obesity especially if countries revert to home-schooling in the future.