Evaluation of the daily routines and health behaviors of primary school children and their parents: what has changed with a pandemic?

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives, daily routines, health, and oral and dental health status of primary school children and their parents. In addition, the data of sociodemographic factors and various parameters were cross compared and analysed.

Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in 12 primary schools. The questionnaire included 55 questions about the socio-demographic characteristics of the children and their parents, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, daily routines, health, and oral and dental health, as well as their knowledge about these topics. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Chi-square test was mainly used to analyze the relationships between categorical variables.

Results: The study included the data of 2.466 children and their parents. The prevalence of stress was high in parents (63.7%) and their children (52.1%). The proportion of those whose sleep patterns changed was higher among parents and children who were stressed by the pandemic (p < 0.01). During the pandemic, 59.9% of children increased their screen time. Among parents and children who experienced stress, the proportion of those whose dietary habits changed was higher than those who did not (p < 0.01). For both parents (68.9%) and children (68.5%), the proportion of those who experienced changes in daily routines was high, and who experienced stress due to the pandemic changed their daily routines more (p < 0.01). The rate of unchanged oral hygiene habits was higher for both parents (74.0%) and their children (77.1%). Monthly income, education level of parents and class grade of the child were found significant on these alterations.

Conclusion: The pandemic had an impact on the stress levels, sleep patterns, dietary habits, daily routines, and screen time of primary school-aged children and their parents. In future studies, it would be beneficial to address the consequences of the negative effects of the pandemic and the effectiveness of the strategies developed.