Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia ()

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents

  • Deborah Carvalho Malta,
  • Crizian Saar Gomes,
  • Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros,
  • Margareth Guimaraes Lima,
  • Alanna Gomes da Silva,
  • Laís Santos de Magalhães Cardoso,
  • André Oliveira Werneck,
  • Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da Silva,
  • Arthur Pate de Souza Ferreira,
  • Dália Elena Romero,
  • Maria Imaculada de Fátima Freitas,
  • Ísis Eloah Machado,
  • Paulo Roberto Borges de Souza Júnior,
  • Giseli Nogueira Damacena,
  • Luiz Otávio Azevedo,
  • Wanessa da Silva de Almeida,
  • Célia Landmann Szwarcwald

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-549720210012

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze changes in the lifestyles of Brazilian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with adolescents who participated in the survey “ConVid Adolescentes – Pesquisa de Comportamentos”. The indicators related to lifestyles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated: consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, physical activity and sedentary behavior, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the total population and according to sex and age group. Results: A total of 9,470 adolescents participated in the study. During the period of social distancing, there was an increase in the prevalence of vegetables consumption (from 27.34 to 30.5%), frozen foods (from 13.26 to 17.3%), chocolates and sweets (from 48.58 to 52.51%), and time in front of screens (from 44.57 to 70.15%). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the practice of physical activity (from 28.70 to 15.74%) and in the consumption of alcohol (from 17.72 to 12.77%). Differences were observed according to sex and age group. Conclusion: The results show changes in the lifestyle of adolescents and an increase in health risk behaviors.

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