Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Fenesi, Barbara

Abstract

Regular physical activity supports symptom management in children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to explore the ways in which the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) impacted the physical activity behaviours and wellbeing of families managing ADHD. Researchers implemented a qualitative approach positioned within a socioecological framework to further understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the physical activity of children with ADHD and their caregivers, identify potential barriers to their participation in physical activity, and recognize potential areas of support. Archival data including interviews from thirty-three participants were examined. Inductive content analysis deduced that physical activity declined for both children and their caregivers. Barriers included social isolation, increased screen-time, and heightened intrapersonal difficulties. Participants suggested supports including community support programs and psycho-emotional support groups. The study focused to facilitate and aid in establishing ways in which researchers and communities can better support physical activity engagement within this population.

Summary for Lay Audience

The Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic uprooted regular routines of families and children and caused widespread psychological, emotional, and physical distress across generations. Many children and adults were made to learn and work from home while being cut off from community supports. Existing research suggests children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely to experience multiple mental health issues than their peers. Children with attentional difficulties are also at greater risk for experiencing higher levels of distress when required to remain indoors. Furthermore, families with children who have ADHD have an increased likelihood of experiencing more stress within the household due to challenges with managing ADHD behavioural symptoms, higher rates of divorce, and greater financial difficulties compared to other families. Previous research has found that children with ADHD were shown to struggle with the maintenance of their physical activity levels compared to their peers. However, children with ADHD who engage in regular physical activity are better able to manage their emotional and physical health while experiencing less psychological difficulties. This study focused on examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the physical health participation and wellbeing of families with children who have ADHD. Researchers sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the physical activity of children with ADHD and their caregivers, identify potential barriers to their participation in physical activity, and recognize potential areas of support. A total of thirty-three participants from Ontario, Canada, representing fifteen independent caregiver-child units, engaged in virtual interviews conducted from October 2020 to January 2021. Participants identified the barriers to participating in physical activity as being related to social isolation, increased screen-time, and increased mental health difficulties. Identified supports included community support programs and emotional support groups. The primary goal of this study was to examine the existing barriers to participating in physical activity, as well as maintaining mental and physical health during a time of uncertainty. By focusing on these barriers among families with children with ADHD, researchers aimed to determine the supports needed to help families better incorporate physical activity in the household following the pandemic.

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