Adherence to Singapore 24-hour Integrated Activity Guidelines and Quality of Life among Singaporean Children and Adolescents in the COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Natalie Joan Aw Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group
  • Terence Buan Kiong Chua Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8478-9683
  • Kok Hian Tan Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1945-0266
  • Benny Kai Guo Loo General Paediatric Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6385-8520
  • Phaik Ling Quah Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2237-1032
  • Michael Yong Hwa Chia Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1289-0552
Keywords: lifestyle behaviours, quality of life, time-use, young people

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of children and adolescents in meeting The Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines for Children and Adolescents and whether the number of guidelines met was associated to Quality of Life (QoL). Parents of youths aged 7 to 18 years completed an online questionnaire consisting of the Singaporean Children Lifestyle Questionnaire and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL™) 4.0 Inventory. Parents reported on the physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), recreational screen time (ST), sleep, dietary habits, as well as the QoL of their children. Their responses were benchmarked against the Singapore Integrated 24-Hour Activity Guidelines. Survey results of 181 youths showed that more than 38% of children and adolescents did not meet any of four guidelines relating to PA, recreational ST, sleep, and diet. Daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (31.1 vs. 17.1 min) and ST (3.5 vs. 2.5 h) of adolescents were significantly higher than that of children (p <.05) while adolescent sleep was significantly lower than that of children (7.3 vs 8.5 h, p < .05). QoL scores were higher when more guidelines were met but the association was not statistically significant (p = .11). Ameliorative programmes to help more youths cultivate positive lifestyle habits are recommended.

Author Biographies

Natalie Joan Aw, Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group

BSc in Sport Science & Management

Physical Education & Sport Science Academic Group

National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Terence Buan Kiong Chua, Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education

Research Assistant, MSc in Exercise Science & Sport Studies

Physical Education & Sport Science Academic Group

National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Kok Hian Tan, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore

Professor, Senior Consultant
Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine
KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Benny Kai Guo Loo, General Paediatric Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore

Consultant
General Paediatrics Service
KK Women's and Children's HospitalKK Women's and Children's Hospital

Phaik Ling Quah, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore

Senior Research Fellow, Division of O&G, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Michael Yong Hwa Chia, Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group

Professor of Paediatric Exercise Science

Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group

National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

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Published
2022-12-15
Section
Articles