The influence of learning factors and daily routine on the health of school-age children: results of scientific research of the laboratory of social determinants of children’s health during 2017-2022

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of learning and behavioural factors on the health and adaptability of school-aged children. Methods. The article presents the research results on the influence of behavioural and learning factors on the health of school-aged children based on the findings of three scientific research projects in the Laboratory of Social Determinants of Children's Health during 2017-2022. QAPACE, Q-RAPH, GPAQ, and RCADS-P-25 questionnaires were used for data collection. Physical and mental parameters were measured to evaluate health, computed comprehensive indicators, and analyzed behavioural factors. Statistical analysis was performed using STATISTICA 8.0 and IBM SPSS STATISTICS 26. Results. Significant differences were found in the duration of both total and different types of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour, sleep duration and quality in groups of children with different levels of health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderate-to-vigorous PA, about 60 min/day, the most maintained a high level of children's health, confirming other scientists' findings. Optimal levels of daily and weekly different PA were calculated for school-age children by age group and gender under ordinary living conditions and quarantine measures. Our research has shown how children adapt to distance learning varies significantly depending on the format used. Synchronous e-learning was the most beneficial and recommended approach for promoting the well-being of school-age children, whereas assigning independent work tasks through messaging platforms was less favourable. Conclusions. A significant influence of the format of distance learning and daily routine factors on the health and adaptation of school-age children in everyday living and during quarantine measures was established. We found that disrupting children's daily routines and excessive sedentary behaviour can interfere with adaptation and increase the potential for maladaptive responses to stress. Therefore, following physical activity guidelines for school-aged children based on their physiological and psychological characteristics is crucial to promote overall health and well-being.