Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescent during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020

Mini-Oral Presentation A3.1

Authors

  • Nattaporn Nilwatta Mahidol University
  • Piyawat Katewongsa Mahidol University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.442

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Mental Health, Children, Adolescent, COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has caused anxiety in children and adolescents. Restriction of movement have reduced physical activity (PA) opportunities, including playing time. Purpose: This study aims to describe the level of physical activity and anxiety among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study employed 2020 datasets of Thailand’s Surveillance on Physical Activity (SPA) and involved a total of 814 persons and 178 persons aged 5–17 years in the analysis, of whom were selected with multi-stages random sampling. Anxiety was measured by questionnaire whereas PA was assessed by using assessment criteria form WHO. Results: The findings showed that, during the severe pandemic, the level of anxiety of children and adolescents. Measured from the mean (SD) increased from 1.31 in May to 2.87 in June. In December, the mean level of anxiety decreased to 2.48, presumably due to various intervention implemented by the government that encouraged behaviors changes which improves mental health. During the pandemic, the prevalence of sufficient MVPA of children and youth continue to decline, from 19.7% in May to 19.3% in June and reached the lowest point in December 17.4%. Conclusions: The containment measures by the government have increased anxiety level and reduced the prevalence of sufficient MVPA among children and adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the closure of schools and public amenities, children and adolescents are losing the opportunities and venues for active play and PA. Funding: Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Nilwatta, N., & Katewongsa, P. (2021). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescent during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020: Mini-Oral Presentation A3.1. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.442

Most read articles by the same author(s)