ASSESSMENT OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEALTH AMONG CHILDREN OF ≤15 YEARS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, IN NORTH INDIA

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of the study were: (1) To assess life style changes among children of ≤15 years of age during COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to find out the effect of the life style changes on health of children of ≤15 years of age. Methods: The cross-sectional comparative study conducted at department of pediatrics, Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow for duration of 1 year and sample size found to be 276 on calculation by applying the formula. Results: Out of 278 children, about 39% (108) were female children. Most of children were studying in primary level classes (52.51%) and most of enrolled children had joint family (66.18%). Level of physical activity reduced significantly due to closure of school and restriction on outdoor activities. Weight of children increased significantly during COVID-19 pandemic seems to be due to decreased in physical activities and consumption of more fast food/fried food (high calorie intake) and sedentary life style. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic due to closure of schools and restricted outdoor activities results in decrease level of physical activities, increased consumption of high calorie food and sedentary behavior lead to increase in weight of children and changes in sleeping pattern of children.