Socio-demographic factors associated with the health behaviours of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Viviane Richard, Elsa Lorthe, Roxane Dumont, Andrea Loizeau, Hélène Baysson, María-Eugenia Zaballa, Julien Lamour, Rémy P. Barbe, Klara M. Posfay-Barbe, Idris Guessous, Silvia Stringhini, for the SEROCoV-KIDS study group.
Socio-demographic correlates of health behaviors of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, August 2025, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10190-z

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the socio-demographic factors associated with health behaviours and changes in these behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A representative sample of children aged 3 to 17 years was randomly selected between December 2021 and June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. Parents reported children's screen time, physical activity, time spent in green spaces, sleep duration, and any changes related to the pandemic. Socio-demographic factors associated with changes in health behaviours and adherence to the corresponding recommendations were assessed.

Results: Among 2104 children, around a third did not comply with recommendations concerning screen time or physical activity, and 22% did not get enough sleep. Older children and girls were less likely to comply with the recommendations. During the pandemic, physical activity, time spent in green spaces and sleep quality remained unchanged for the majority of children (72.9%, 72.2% and 93.1%, respectively), while 51.9% experienced an increase in screen time. Older age was associated with worsening health behaviours, while children from disadvantaged families were more likely to experience changes, whether positive or negative.

Conclusion: Between 20% and 30% of children do not comply with health behaviour recommendations. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have exacerbated existing disparities among older children and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, although positive changes have also been reported. Ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are essential to promote healthy lifestyles among young people in the post-pandemic period.

Link to the article in English