The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children´s daily routines

Authors

  • Joana Patrícia Santos Coelho Almeida Abrantes Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Interna de formação específica do 4º ano da especialidade de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Guarda, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7172-8117
  • Inês Filipa Sousa Candeias Mestrado em Medicina, Interna de formação específica do 4º ano da especialidade de Medicina Geral e Familiar, Évora, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9702-1008

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48492/servir0203.28021

Keywords:

COVID-19, Health, Children

Abstract

 

Introduction: The measures against the pandemic of COVID-19 are a challenge for children and parents and the detrimental effects on children’s health are documented especially from social isolation measures and school closures.

Objective: To study the impact of confinement on our children’s daily lives and their health.

Methods: Quantitative, descriptive study with a cross-sectional focus. Sample consisting on 280 parents of children from the geographical region of Alentejo, namely Elvas and Campo Maior counties, Health Region: Regional Health Administration of Alentejo. An ad hoc questionnaire was applied as data collection resource, available online.

Results: The results reveal that, in a sample of 53.6% of male children and 46.4% of female children, with a mean age of 9,11±2,56 years, 22 children (7.9%) had the need for referral to specialized psychology/psychiatry consultation, with 6.1% being referred to specialized psychology consultation and, with an equal percentage value (0.7%, respectively) to psychology/psychiatry consultation and psychiatry consultation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 10 children (3.6%) were diagnosed with some psychological problem. Of these children, 4 (25.0%) showed anxiety, 4 (25.0%) lack of social competence, 2 (12.0%) panic attacks, 2 (12.0%) attention deficit and 1 (6.0%) depressive symptoms; 87.5% showed more appetite, 71.4% were agitated, 17.1% were bored and had difficulty concentrating. The routines that suffered the greatest change during isolation were time for physical activity (97.9%), play time (91.0%), wake-up time (42.5%), bedtime (37.9%), study time (37.9%), and meal times (17.1%).

Conclusion: The results suggest a multi-professional and intersectoral teamwork so that effective strategies can be designed to minimize the effects of the pandemic on the health of our children.

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Published

2022-12-29

How to Cite

Abrantes, J. P. S. C. A., & Sousa Candeias, I. F. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children´s daily routines. Servir, 2(03), e28021. https://doi.org/10.48492/servir0203.28021

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Artigos