Levels of Anxiety, Depression and Physical Activity of Mexican Children by Sex After Lockdown by Covid-19

Abstract

Objective: In Mexico, social distancing was implemented to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and previous studies have revealed negative effects on the mental and physical health of children in social isolation. Therefore, the study sought to describe the levels of anxiety, depression, and physical activity of children in northern Mexico by sex after lockdown conditions, using basic anthropometric measures and stages of sexual maturation as control variables.

Methods: This study follows a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional descriptive design. No causal inference can be established.

Results: Findings suggest higher anxiety and depressive symptomatology in girls compared to boys, which may be associated with post-confinement conditions, both groups show low levels of physical activity and an earlier biological maturation with respect to their chronological age, reflecting a body mass index higher than the reference values and accelerated stages of sexual maturation in girls.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that post-confinement conditions may be associated with changes in psychological and physical health indicators in children in northern Mexico.