The Impact of Financial and Psychological Wellbeing on Children's Physical Activity and Screen-Based Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Louise C. Mâsse,Sarah M. Hutchison,Iyoma Y. Edache,Mark Pitblado

doi:10.3390/ijerph18168694

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the public health measures to combat it, have strained the finances of many families. While parents transitioned to working from home, children transitioned to learning virtually, limiting their organized social and physical activities. Families also reduced the frequency and size of gatherings, impacting psychological wellbeing. This study sought to understand the influence of financial wellbeing on children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. In May and June of 2020, 254 Grade 7 Canadian children and their mothers completed separate online surveys assessing family financial wellbeing, mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing, and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the indirect effects of mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing on the relationship between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities. Final models were adjusted for potential confounders. Study results indicate a significant indirect association between financial wellbeing and children’s physical activity and leisure screen-based activities via mothers’ and children’s psychological wellbeing. These findings demonstrate that higher levels of financial wellbeing are associated with better mental and physical health benefits in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

The unprecedented measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus have made it difficult for children and youth to be physically active, in part, due to school closures and limited access to recreational facilities and organized sports [1]
In addition to physical activity and screen-based behaviors, the population health measures used to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have impacted children’s psychological wellbeing [7]
In the early stages of the pandemic, this study examined how the familial context, mainly mothers’ financial wellbeing and mothers’ psychological wellbeing, was directly and indirectly related to children’s psychological wellbeing and their involvement in physical activity and leisure screen-based activities

Summary

Introduction

The unprecedented measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus have made it difficult for children and youth to be physically active, in part, due to school closures and limited access to recreational facilities (e.g., parks and playgrounds) and organized sports [1]. Accelerometry data indicated that only 39% of Canadian children and youth aged 5 to 17 years met the recommended physical activity guidelines [2,3]. A survey completed by a nationally representative sample of Canadian children reported that only 18.2% of children aged 5 to 17 years met the physical activity guidelines in April 2020 [4]. In addition to physical activity and screen-based behaviors, the population health measures used to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have impacted children’s psychological wellbeing [7]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion