Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Lockdown: An ASPED/MENA Study on Lifestyle Changes and Quality of Life During Ramadan Fasting in Children and Adolescents Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Lockdown was a unique experience that affected many aspects of life, particularly during the challenge of Ramadan fasting (RF). Studying this can increase understanding of the effects of lifestyle changes on quality of life (QoL) for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during RF. Methods: A cross-sectional study that assessed the effect of lockdown on lifestyle and QoL on fasting children living with T1D during Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa region (2020-2021). We compared the child (self) and parent (proxy) reports using PEDQoL v3.0 disease specific questionnaire during lockdown and non-lockdown periods, and assessed correlations with lifestyle changes using regression and gap analyses. Results: A total of 998 reports from 499 children with T1D aged 8 to 18 years (study = 276, control = 223), and their parents during RF in lockdown and non-lockdown periods. Fathers were more involved in their children’s care during lockdown (P = .019). Patients had better compliance with treatment (P = .002), a reversed sleep pattern (P = .033), increased food intake (P ⩽ .001), and less exercise (P