The Impact of Physical Distancing Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Well-Being Among Australian Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: Physical distancing policies in the state of New South Wales (Australia) were implemented on March 23, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated changes in physical activity, dietary behaviors, and well-being during the early period of this policy.

Methods: A cohort of young people aged 13-19 years from Sydney (N = 582) were prospectively followed for 22 weeks (November 18, 2019, to April 19, 2020). Daily, weekly, and monthly trajectories of diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, well-being, and psychological distress were collected via smartphone, using a series of ecological momentary assessments and smartphone sensors. Differences in health and well-being outcomes were compared pre- and post-implementation of physical distancing guidelines.

Results: After the implementation of physical distancing measures in NSW, there were significant decreases in physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = .53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .34-.83), increases in social media and Internet use (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.15-3.00), and increased screen time based on participants' smartphone screen state. Physical distancing measures were also associated with being alone in the previous hour (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.33-3.28), decreases in happiness (OR = .38, 95% CI = .18-.82), and fast food consumption (OR = .46, 95% CI = .29-.73).

Conclusions: Physical distancing and social restrictions had a contemporaneous impact on health and well-being outcomes associated with chronic disease among young people. As the pandemic evolves, it will be important to consider how to mitigate against any longer term health impacts of physical distancing restrictions.

Keywords: Adolescents; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Diet; Mental health; Physical activity; Social isolation; Well-being; Young people.

Figure 1

Trends in weekly ecological momentary assessments for (A) diet, (B) physical activity and sedentary behavior, and (C) psychological distress and happiness∗ among aged 13–19 years (n = 582) in Sydney, November 18, 2019, to April, 8, 2020. ∗Psychological distress based on K6 score ≥19 indicating “probable mental disorder”; Happiness based the question “At the moment how happy are you?” with percentage of participants responding “very much” or “quite a lot” presented. Sleep represents the percentage of participants referring less than 8 hours of sleep during the previous night.

Figure 2

Declines in physical activity and increases in smartphone use in March and April 2020 among adolescents aged 13–19 years (n = 515) in Sydney, as measured by smartphone sensors.∗ Step counts (n = 429), screen time (n = 473), and sensor-based activity time (n = 490).