Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Namgyal Kyulo

Abstract

Prolonged childcare center closures due to COVID-19 restrictions have changed children’s health-related behaviors that may result in an increased risk in childhood obesity. Grounded in the social ecological model, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in body mass index (BMI), physical activity, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and screen time among preschool aged children enrolled in the Merced County Office of Education Head Start program before and after COVID-19 related Head Start center closures. A quantitative, longitudinal study design using secondary data from ChildPlus was used. The paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to measure the differences in BMI and health-related behaviors before and after COVID-19 related Head Start center closures. A p-value of <0.05 was used to show statistical significance. Results of the study showed significant differences in BMI (t(264) = 4.533, p = .000), consumption of SSBs (Z = 2.046, p = .041), and amount of screen time (Z = 2.833, p = .005) of participants before and after COVID-19 related Head Start center closures. However, there was no significant difference in the amount of physical activity (Z = 1.042, p = .297). The results of this study will add to positive social change and enhance understanding of the potential impact of COVID-19 related childcare center closures on childhood obesity and health-related behaviors that will guide public health, early education, and other professionals in the development and implementation of effective physical activity and dietary interventions during future pandemics and prolonged childcare center closures that will mitigate adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of young children from vulnerable communities.

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