Brazilian children's quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of contextual factors and dimensions
Qualidade de vida de crianças brasileiras durante a pandemia de COVID-19: análise de fatores e dimensões contextuais

Rev. Paul. Pediatr. (Ed. Port., Online); 43 (), 2025
Publication year: 2025

ABSTRACT Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the contextual factors associated with the quality of life (QOL) of Brazilian children aged 0-12 years during the strict period of social isolation.

Methods:

This observational cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 using an online questionnaire on QOL-related family factors and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™). Results were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The sample had 849 children, mostly from the South Region of Brazil (75%), white (83%), with typical development (79%), sedentary (68%), using screen (85%) for >3 h/day (44%). Their mothers were their main caregivers (90%).

The following variables were significantly associated with high scores of QOL:

typical health status (OR 2.38; 95%CI 1.60-3.55; screen time ≤2 h/day (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.17-2.24); social distancing considered as "easy" (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.20-2.32), and stimulation of the child by the family (OR 1.93; 95%CI 1.08-3.45).

Conclusions:

This study indicates that the family context can influence children's QOL, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and home environment reorganization.

RESUMO Objetivo:

Investigar os fatores contextuais associados à qualidade de vida (QV) de crianças brasileiras de zero a 12 anos, em momento de ápice de distanciamento social.

Métodos:

Estudo observacional, transversal, online, de julho a setembro de 2020, com questionário sobre fatores do contexto familiar associados à QV e Inventário Pediátrico sobre QV — PedsQL™. A análise dos dados foi feita por de regressão logística multinomial.

Resultados:

A amostra foi de 849 crianças, na maioria da Região Sul (75%), brancas (83%), com desenvolvimento típico (79%), sedentárias (68%), com uso de telas (85%) em tempo >3h/dia (44%). As mães eram as cuidadoras principais (90%).

Foram significativamente associadas a escores mais elevados de QV:

a condição de saúde típica (odds ratio — OR 2,38; intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 1,60-3,55), o tempo de tela ≤2h/dia (OR 1,62; IC95% 1,17-2,24), o distanciamento social considerado "fácil" (OR 1,67; IC95% 1,20-2,32) e a família afirmar estimular a criança (OR 1,93; IC95% 1,08-3,45).

Conclusões:

Este estudo mostra que o contexto familiar pode influenciar a QV de crianças, especialmente no período de pandemia e de reorganização do ambiente domiciliar.

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