Exacerbation Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Autistic Children

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the autistic community. They experience higher levels of several independent risk factors of cardiovascular mortality including, hypertension, heart arrhythmias, high cholesterol, dyslipidaemia, and obesity. These are exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and high levels of anxiety. There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated these cardiovascular risk factors and therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine if this occurred in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). METHOD: A 52-item questionnaire was completed by 119 parents of school-aged children with ASD living in Ireland, UK, and the USA between September and November 2020. The questionnaire captured parents’ views on their children’s physical activity, eating habits, sleep patterns, sedentary behaviour, and anxiety levels, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: The majority (64%) of parents reported that their child was less physically active during COVID-19 as compared to pre-COVID-19. Moreover, 47% reported that sedentary behaviour increased during COVID-19, with children more likely to spend excessive time (i.e. > 5 hours) playing computer games (23% during COVID-19 vs. 14% pre-COVID-19) and using electronic devices (35% during COVID-19 vs. 21% pre-COVID-19). 35% of parents reported that their child’s diet was unhealthier or a lot unhealthier during COVID-19 as compared to pre-COVID-19. Sleep quality was reported to be worse during the pandemic, with 71% of parents reporting their child’s sleep quality ranged from fair to very bad. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children were experiencing a greater number of (i.e. >6) episodes per day in mood swings (19% during COVID-19 vs. 8% pre-COVID), outbursts of anger/frustration (28% during COVID-19 vs. 12% pre-COVID-19) and intense anxiety or worry (29% during COVID-19 vs. 8% pre-COVID-19). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 had a negative effect on cardiovascular risk factors of autistic children summarised as less physical activity, increased sedentary behaviour, poorer sleep quality and an unhealthier diet. These risk factors likely contributed to the higher levels of anger/frustration, anxiety/worry and greater mood swings reported.