Physical and social activities constraint and its effects on Body Mass Index of former Neonatal Intensive Care children

Abstract

Objective: It is reported weight gain in children due to the confinement measures during the Covid-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe the effect of these measures on the nutritional status of former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children.

Methods: Cross-sectional study, including former Neonatal Intensive Care Unit children. The outcome was the Body mass index (BMI).

Results: We enrolled 126 children (74.6 % preterm; 31 % small-for-gestational-age). Weight excess was greater in the youngest group (≤5 years: 33.8 %; >5 years: 15.2 %). Prematurity was associated with weight excess in both groups (≤5 years: p value 0.006; >5 years: p value 0.046; Pearson test). Mealtime changes, lack of physical activity, socioeconomic factors and the perinatal morbidities significantly influenced the mean BMI. Birth length Z score less than -1.28 was negatively associated with BMI, while gestational age at birth presented a positive association with BMI (linear regression model).

Conclusions: The BMI increase due to the confinement measures associated with the gestational age at birth and in those born with intrauterine growth restriction is a matter of concern, as it might indicate a risk for future obesity.

Keywords: Body Mass Index; Infant, preterm; Nutrition assessment; Social isolation.