TY - JOUR
T1 - Changes in physical activity, sleep, mental health and social media use during COVID-19 lockdown among adolescent girls
T2 - A mixed methods study
AU - O'Kane, S. Maria
AU - Lahart, Ian M.
AU - Gallagher, Alison M.
AU - Carlin, Angela
AU - Faulkner, Maria
AU - Jago, Russell
AU - Murphy, Marie H.
PY - 2021/5/11
Y1 - 2021/5/11
N2 - Background: To suppress the transmission of coronavirus, many governments, including that of the island of Ireland, implemented a societal lockdown which included school closures, limits on social gatherings and time outdoors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in physical activity (PA), mental health, sleep and social media use among adolescent girls during lockdown. Methods: 281 female pupils (12-14 years) taking part in the ongoing Walking In Schools (WISH) Study on the island of Ireland self-reported PA, mental health, sleep and social media use before (Sept-Oct 2019), and during lockdown (May-June 2020), via questionnaires. These were supplemented with open-ended structured interviews conducted with 16 girls during lockdown. Results: During the period of lockdown and school closures, pupils tried new forms of PA and undertook PA with family but there was no significant change in self-reported PA. There was a decline in health-related quality of life and motivation for exercise; however, self-efficacy for walking and happiness with appearance increased. There was no change in sleep quality or social media usage. Conclusions: Despite the many challenges that schools face as they reopen, there is a need to continue to prioritise PA and motivation for exercise to support health and wellbeing in adolescent girls.
AB - Background: To suppress the transmission of coronavirus, many governments, including that of the island of Ireland, implemented a societal lockdown which included school closures, limits on social gatherings and time outdoors. This study aimed to evaluate changes in physical activity (PA), mental health, sleep and social media use among adolescent girls during lockdown. Methods: 281 female pupils (12-14 years) taking part in the ongoing Walking In Schools (WISH) Study on the island of Ireland self-reported PA, mental health, sleep and social media use before (Sept-Oct 2019), and during lockdown (May-June 2020), via questionnaires. These were supplemented with open-ended structured interviews conducted with 16 girls during lockdown. Results: During the period of lockdown and school closures, pupils tried new forms of PA and undertook PA with family but there was no significant change in self-reported PA. There was a decline in health-related quality of life and motivation for exercise; however, self-efficacy for walking and happiness with appearance increased. There was no change in sleep quality or social media usage. Conclusions: Despite the many challenges that schools face as they reopen, there is a need to continue to prioritise PA and motivation for exercise to support health and wellbeing in adolescent girls.
KW - coronavirus
KW - restrictions
KW - females
KW - exercise
KW - wellbeing
U2 - 10.1123/jpah.2020-0649
DO - 10.1123/jpah.2020-0649
M3 - Article
SN - 1543-3080
VL - 18
SP - 677
EP - 685
JO - Journal of Physical Activity and Health
JF - Journal of Physical Activity and Health
IS - 6
ER -