Parent stress and children's movement behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic

Oral Presentation A4.2

Authors

  • Ellie K. Taylor University of Wollongong
  • Anthony D. Okely University of Wollongong
  • Prasad Chathurangana University of Colombo
  • Himangi Lubree KEM Hospital
  • Yashodha Hettiarachchi University of Colombo
  • Syed Muhammad Ali Turab PHC Global
  • Aqsa Baig PHC Global

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.390

Keywords:

Children, Physical Activity, Mental Health

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 restrictions have had an unfavourable impact on children’s physical activity and screen time. The link between children’s movement behaviour and parental mental health is not well understood in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the pandemic has had a profound impact. Purpose: To explore the relationship between parent stress and child movement behaviours in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India during the pandemic. Methods: The sample comprises 30 parents with children aged 3 - 4 years. Parents were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews and a pandemic impact questionnaire, via phone, exploring their stress levels and their child’s movement behaviours, during the pandemic. Results: Parents reflected on concerns regarding their child’s lack of physical activity, and the amount of time their child was spending in screen time. Parents reported taking on different roles, and juggling complex responsibilities, influencing their motivation and ability to promote movement and play. This is further compounded by limited safe play spaces. Conclusions: Parents and caregivers have an important role to play in encouraging children’s healthy movement behaviours, particularly in circumstances where additional family supports (e.g. childcare, grandparents) are not available. Parents require readily-accessible information regarding promotion of healthy movement behaviours in the home environment, particularly in LMICs. We need to think beyond the impact of restrictions on the physical activity and screen time of children, to the impact this may have on parental stress and mental health. Funding: NHMRC Investigator Grant to ADO (APP1175658).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Taylor, E. K., Okely, A. D., Chathurangana, P., Lubree, H., Hettiarachchi, Y., Turab, S. M. A., & Baig, A. (2021). Parent stress and children’s movement behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic: Oral Presentation A4.2. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.390