Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between psychological attributes and obesogenic behaviors in children during the period of COVID-19 pandemic-induced stress.
Methods: This observational study collected data from caregivers of 5- to 12-year-old children from three diverse groups assessing sociodemographic, economic, and perceived stress, along with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire, revised (FEAHQ-R), in October 2020 and June 2021. The outcome measures were SDQ and FEAHQ-R scores. The SDQ subscales were compared with US child norms. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between the SDQ subscales and FEAHQ-R domains, adjusting for socioeconomic covariates.
Results: A total of 361 families (496 children) completed the SDQ and FEAHQ-R. The SDQ subscale scores were higher than those of age/gender norms (p = 0.006-<0.001). Eating style (p < 0.001) and food stimulus exposure scores (p = 0.005-0.01) were associated with the SDQ subscales, but not satiety response. Perceived stress was a significant covariate (p < 0.01). The baseline obesity status of the children was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Psychological stress is associated with higher hedonic behavior in children. Food stimulus exposure and leisure access can be targeted for intervention during periods of prolonged stress.
© 2024 The Obesity Society.