Did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the health, emotional and financial stress of families in the state of São Paulo?

Abstract

Objective: To examine how health behaviors (physical activity, eating patterns, sleep, and screen time), as well as the emotional and financial stress level of families living in the State of São Paulo were impacted by the period of isolation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. 251 participants were included. Families eligible to participate should have at least one child aged between 2 and 18 years old in the study collection period, residing in Greater São Paulo, and the parents answered the questionnaires in an online format. Quantitative data from the questionnaire were compiled and measured using descriptive statistics using SPSS V20, Minitab 16 and Excel Office 2010 software. Results: Mothers responded more frequently (86.9%), and most were of white ethnicity (77 .7%), married (81.7%), with one child (44.6%) and with a family income between R$5,000 and R$20,000 (46.2%). Time with physical activity decreased and screen time increased for both parents and children, however, most did not report weight changes. Regarding the correlation of the level and perception of stress with food consumption, it was verified that the feeling of lack of control and accumulation of difficulties showed a positive correlation with the consumption of high energy density and low nutritional quality foods, such as stuffed biscuits, cereal morning snack, baked and fried snacks, sugars and oils. Positive feelings, such as confidence in dealing with personal problems and the feeling that things are going according to plan were associated with the consumption of vegetables, greens, chocolate and pizza. Conclusion: Health behaviors, stress, economy, and food security were impacted by the period of isolation, even in high-income Brazilian families.