Influence of Confinement Due to COVID-19 on Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem in Pre-Adolescent Students

Abstract

Regular physical activity and good adherence to the Mediterranean diet are important for improving physical and mental health. Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a lack of exercise and poor nutrition. Preadolescent mental health, specifically regarding self-esteem, may have been affected. This is particularly relevant between the ages of 10 and 14. The influence of total confinement due to COVID-19 on physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence, and its relationship with self-esteem was studied in third-year primary school students and first-year secondary school students in the provinces of Granada and Malaga, Spain. Validated questionnaires were administered to evaluate physical activity (PAQ-C), Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Scale). In the same way, the FAS III test was used to evaluate socioeconomic status and an ad-hoc questionnaire was developed to collect sociodemographic data and evaluate screen time. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0 statistical software. During the period of total confinement, statistically significant differences were found between examined variables, according to sex, school year, school type, socioeconomic status and whether or not the participant had contracted COVID-19. These data were compared with those collected during a previous time period. Those with a low socioeconomic status and girls were most affected.