Psychological distress and internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight during the COVID-19 outbreak

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depressio...

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Veröffentlicht in:International Journal of Obesity Jg. 45; H. 3; S. 677 - 686
Hauptverfasser: Chen, Chao-Ying, Chen, I-Hua, O'Brien, Kerry S, Latner, Janet D, Lin, Chung-Ying
Format: Journal Article
Sprache:Englisch
Veröffentlicht: England Nature Publishing Group 01.03.2021
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ISSN:0307-0565, 1476-5497, 1476-5497
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Zusammenfassung:The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and its resulting social policy changes may result in psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. This study thus aimed to (1) compare psychological distress (including fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, and depression), perceived weight stigma, and problematic internet-related behaviors between schoolchildren with and without overweight; (2) assess whether perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors explained psychological distress. Schoolchildren (n = 1357; mean age = 10.7 years) with overweight (n = 236) and without overweight (n = 1121) completed an online survey assessing their fear of COVID-19 infection, stress, anxiety, depression, perceived weight stigma, problematic smartphone application use, problematic social media use, and problematic gaming. Schoolchildren with overweight had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 infection fear, stress, depression, perceived weight stigma, and problematic social media use than those without overweight. Regression models showed that perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors were significant predictors of psychological distress among schoolchildren with overweight. Strategies to manage perceived weight stigma and problematic internet-related behaviors may have a positive influence on mental health among schoolchildren with overweight under health-threatening circumstances, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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ISSN:0307-0565
1476-5497
1476-5497
DOI:10.1038/s41366-021-00741-5