International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 1251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moving Back to the Parental Home in Times of COVID-19: Consequences for Students’ Life Satisfaction

by Richard Preetz, Julius Greifenberg, Julika Hülsemann and Andreas Filser

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710659 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2829

Residential independence from parents is a key marker for young adults’ transition to adulthood. Losing this independence by returning to the parental home marks a regression of adult development with negative implications for returnees’ subjective wellbeing. This paper investigates how a return to [...] Read more.

Residential independence from parents is a key marker for young adults’ transition to adulthood. Losing this independence by returning to the parental home marks a regression of adult development with negative implications for returnees’ subjective wellbeing. This paper investigates how a return to the parental home during the COVID-19 pandemic affects the life satisfaction of university students. We used nationwide survey data from German university students (N = 913) to analyze differences in life satisfaction for those who did or did not return to their parental homes. Our results revealed two main findings. First, university students who moved back to their parental home reported significantly lower life satisfaction than those who remained living independently. Second, the association between moving back and life satisfaction varied by age. A return to the parental home was more detrimental to older students’ life satisfaction, while students aged 24 or younger did not experience a significant decrease when moving back to the parental home. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of young adults’ subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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10 pages, 956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students Receiving Distance Learning: An Explorative Study

by Alfredo Manuli, Maria Grazia Maggio, Gianluca La Rosa, Vera Gregoli, Daniele Tripoli, Fausto Famà, Valentina Oddo, Giovanni Pioggia and Rocco Salvatore Calabrò

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10556; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710556 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Social restrictions have a significant impact on higher education, especially on nursing students. The main goal of our study was to assess the emotional state of nursing students who received e-learning during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was [...] Read more.

Social restrictions have a significant impact on higher education, especially on nursing students. The main goal of our study was to assess the emotional state of nursing students who received e-learning during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objective was instead to measure the usability and acceptability of distance learning systems. A cross-sectional survey design was used to assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year undergraduate nursing students attending the University of Messina, Italy, using an anonymous online questionnaire. The data of 522 nursing students were examined. All participants completed the online questionnaire, declaring the good usability of e-learning education (SUS mean 68.53 ds: 16.76). Moreover, we found that high levels of satisfaction in the use of the means of distance learning (based on the SUS score) were positively correlated with low levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and mental distress. In conclusion, the present study provided relevant information on usability and mental distress related to e-learning and use in a sample of nursing students. It was found that students generally found this method to be good for use. Although e-learning can be a valuable and usable teaching tool, the study suggests that students prefer a blended or presence modality, based on their perception of learning. So teaching nursing students in the future could integrate the two ways to enhance learning. Further studies are needed to evaluate this aspect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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16 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Family Dysfunction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in School Students during the Second COVID-19 Epidemic Wave in Peru

by Maria A. Fernandez-Canani, Stefany C. Burga-Cachay and Mario J. Valladares-Garrido

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159343 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3084

Abstract

Although the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents’ mental health has been studied, there is still scarce evidence of the influence of nuclear family on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to determine the association between [...] Read more.

Although the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents’ mental health has been studied, there is still scarce evidence of the influence of nuclear family on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to determine the association between family dysfunction and PTSD in Peruvian high-school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a virtual survey administered to 562 high-school students in three schools in Chiclayo, Peru. The dependent variable was PTSD, which was measured with the Child PTSD Symptom Scale. Family dysfunction was the main independent variable, measured with the Family APGAR Questionnaire. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated with generalized linear models. Most of the students were female (88.3%) and the average age was 14.4 years. We found that 21.4% showed severe family dysfunction and 60.3% had PTSD. Students with mild and moderate family dysfunction had 37% (PR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.14–1.65) and 26% (PR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04–1.54) higher PTSD prevalence, respectively. In conclusion, family dysfunction may influence the development of PTSD in adolescents. This study suggests the importance to develop a healthy family environment to help adolescents face critical situations experienced during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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13 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Stress of Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany—A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas

by Michael Braksiek, Uta Lindemann and Iris Pahmeier

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148274 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

Although infection with SARS-CoV-2 appears to be less dangerous for children and adolescents, research indicates that the measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have had and continue to have negative effects on children’s and adolescents’ mental health and physical activity (PA). Due to [...] Read more.

Although infection with SARS-CoV-2 appears to be less dangerous for children and adolescents, research indicates that the measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have had and continue to have negative effects on children’s and adolescents’ mental health and physical activity (PA). Due to the different health policies, country-specific studies as well as studies in different phases of the pandemic are important to obtain a differentiated picture of the effects of the pandemic. This study set out to investigate children’s and adolescents’ PA, stress, and well-being as well as the associations between these two variables during a phase of a gradual decline in measure to contain the pandemic in Germany. For this purpose, 1293 children and adolescents in a rural area of a federal state in Germany were investigated. The results indicated that children and adolescents felt sadder and less well during this period than children and adolescents before the pandemic. Results also revealed that they were more physically active than children and adolescents before the pandemic as well as in the second lockdown but less active than in the first lockdown. Both well-being and sadness were positively associated with the PA. The study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

9 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrospective Outbreak Investigation of a COVID-19 Case Cluster in a Berlin Kindergarten, November 2020

by Sebastian Ruf, Franziska Hommes, Welmoed van Loon, Joachim Seybold, Tobias Kurth, Marcus A. Mall, Frank P. Mockenhaupt and Stefanie Theuring

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010036 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

While SARS-CoV-2 infection activity in German kindergartens during the first year of the pandemic appeared to be overall low, outbreaks did occur. We retrospectively investigated an outbreak in November and December 2020 in a Berlin kindergarten participating in the Berlin Corona School and [...] Read more.

While SARS-CoV-2 infection activity in German kindergartens during the first year of the pandemic appeared to be overall low, outbreaks did occur. We retrospectively investigated an outbreak in November and December 2020 in a Berlin kindergarten participating in the Berlin Corona School and Kindergarten Study (BECOSS). Interviews were conducted with affected families regarding symptomatology, contact persons and possible sources of infection, as well as relevant information on the conditions on-site and infection prevention measures. A chronology of the outbreak was elaborated, and based on data on contacts and symptoms, we mapped the most likely chains of infection. Overall, 24 individuals, including ten educators, seven children, and seven household members, were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a four-week time interval. Courses of infection ranged from asymptomatic to severe, with children less affected by symptoms. Viral spread within the facility seemed to occur mainly through kindergarten staff, while children primarily transmitted infections within their families. Interviewees reported that hygiene measures were not always adhered to inside the facility. To prevent outbreaks in kindergartens, especially in the light of current and newly emerging viral variants of concern, strict compliance to hygiene rules, staff vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2, and immediate reaction to suspected cases by quarantining and frequent testing seem reasonable measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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18 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Coronavirus Changed the Rules on Everything”: Parent Perspectives on How the COVID-19 Pandemic Influenced Family Routines, Relationships and Technology Use in Families with Infants

by Rebecca Hood, Juliana Zabatiero, Desiree Silva, Stephen R. Zubrick and Leon Straker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12865; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312865 - 6 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5462

Abstract

This study explores how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use (smartphones and tablet computers) among families with infants. Infancy is known to be an important period for attachment security and future child development, and a [...] Read more.

This study explores how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced family routines, relationships and technology use (smartphones and tablet computers) among families with infants. Infancy is known to be an important period for attachment security and future child development, and a time of being susceptible to changes within and outside of the family unit. A qualitative design using convenience sampling was employed. A total of 30 mothers in Perth, Western Australia participated in semi-structured interviews by audio or video call. All mothers were parents of infants aged 9 to 15 months old. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis to code and identify themes in an inductive manner. Families described staying home and stopping all external activities. Three themes relating to family interactions and wellbeing were found: enhanced family relationships; prompted reflection on family schedules; and increased parental stress. Two themes related to family device use were found: enabled connections to be maintained; and source of disrupted interactions within the family unit. Overall, participants described more advantages than downsides of device use during COVID-19. Findings will be of value in providing useful information for families, health professionals and government advisors for use during future pandemic-related restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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14 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Study of Violence against Children and Its Increase during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Stela Maria Tavolieri de Oliveira, Ewerton Alexandre Galdeano, Evelynne Maria Gomes Galvão da Trindade, Rafael Saad Fernandez, Rogerio Leone Buchaim, Daniela Vieira Buchaim, Marcelo Rodrigues da Cunha and Saulo Duarte Passos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910061 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5667

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological profiles of violence against children, victims, and their aggressors, and their correlations between socioeconomic and demographic factors analyzed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective observational study based on [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological profiles of violence against children, victims, and their aggressors, and their correlations between socioeconomic and demographic factors analyzed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective observational study based on a review of Individual Notification Forms from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, including child victims of violence, under 18 years, assisted by a pediatric emergency service in Brazil, from 2016–2020. Data were stratified, then statistical analysis was performed using the two-proportion equality test and the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. A total of 609 notifications were analyzed and a prevalence of sexual violence (63.2%) was reported. The prevalent profile of victim was female (76.7%), aged between 2–9 years (38.1%) and 14–18 years (35.6%). The violence occurs in the victim’s home (58.9%). The prevalent profile of perpetrator was male (82.4%), young adolescent (59.2%), living as family (64%), mainly the parents (18.4%). No correlation was found between the classified socioeconomic and demographic variables and violence. There was an increase in notifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the same period in the previous year; self-harm was reported in 59.7% of physical violence in 2020. Prevalence of sexual violence was higher for females, aged between 2–9 and 14–18 years, victimized in their homes, by male offenders, living as family, mainly by their parents. No association was found between child violence and the socioeconomic and demographic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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16 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poor Mental Health in Caregivers of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Its Relationships with Caregivers’ Difficulties in Managing the Children’s Behaviors and Worsened Psychological Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Hui-Wen Tseng, Ching-Shu Tsai, Yu-Min Chen, Ray C. Hsiao, Fan-Hao Chou and Cheng-Fang Yen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189745 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3960

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown out a challenge to caregivers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study examined the factors related to the poor general mental health state of the caregivers of children with ADHD during the COVID-19 [...] Read more.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown out a challenge to caregivers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study examined the factors related to the poor general mental health state of the caregivers of children with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic, including (1) difficulties of caregivers in asking their child to adopt protective behaviors against COVID-19, (2) difficulties of caregivers in managing the child’s daily performance, and (3) worsened psychological symptoms in children. In total, 161 caregivers completed an online questionnaire to provide data regarding their general mental health state and difficulties in asking their child with ADHD to adopt protective behaviors against COVID-19 and in managing the child’s after-school learning, sleep routine, and internet use, as well as worsened psychological symptoms. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that caregivers’ difficulties in managing ADHD children’s self-protective behaviors and after-school learning and the children’s worsened emotional symptoms were significantly associated with poor caregiver general mental health state. An intervention that enhances the mental health of caregivers of children with ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing their difficulties in managing the children’s behaviors and psychological problems is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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12 pages, 548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Habilitating Residential Communities for Unaccompanied Minors during the First Lockdown in Italy: The Educators’ Relational Perspective

by Sara Isernia, Francesca Sangiuliano Intra, Camilla Bussandri, Mario Clerici, Valeria Blasi and Francesca Baglio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116166 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2762

Abstract

(1) Background: Italian residential communities for unaccompanied minors suffered a long period of closure during the SARS-COV2 lockdown. Professional educators who work inside these institutions with the aim to habilitate children toward life-span achievements faced a great challenge and responsibility during this period. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Italian residential communities for unaccompanied minors suffered a long period of closure during the SARS-COV2 lockdown. Professional educators who work inside these institutions with the aim to habilitate children toward life-span achievements faced a great challenge and responsibility during this period. In this context, the psychological well-being and development of unaccompanied children were at high risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on children living in residential communities from the educators’ perspective and to explore whether the educators’ relational lens was related to their perception and sense-making. (2) Methods: We conducted a mix-method study enrolling 21 educators in 10 residential communities who completed an interview and a self-construal scale. (3) Results: The interview was analyzed by a qualitative content method revealing 10 themes (social relationships, stand-by, emotions, new activities, new norms acceptance, end of lockdown, time, space, resilience, and achievements). Moreover, correlation analyses were performed to test the possible association between RISC and themes that emerged from the interviews, showing significant associations with four interview themes. (4) Conclusions: Our study highlights considerable lockdown effects on residential communities and the importance of educators’ relational approach, a tool for habilitating children and a protective factor against emotional overwhelming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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10 pages, 358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Inequalities in Health Determinants in Spanish Children during the COVID-19 Lockdown

by Yolanda González-Rábago, Andrea Cabezas-Rodríguez and Unai Martín

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084087 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4769

Abstract

The COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in a context of notable inequalities in the distribution of the social determinants of health. It is possible that the housing conditions in which children and their families experienced the confinement, and the adoption of healthy behaviors, may [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in a context of notable inequalities in the distribution of the social determinants of health. It is possible that the housing conditions in which children and their families experienced the confinement, and the adoption of healthy behaviors, may have followed unequal patterns. The aim was to describe social inequalities in housing conditions and in health-related behaviors among children during the lockdown in Spain. This cross-sectional study was based on data from an online survey collecting information on the child population (3–12 years) living in Spain (n = 10,765). The outcome variables used were several housing conditions and health-related behaviors. The socioeconomic variables used were financial difficulties and parents’ educational level. Crude prevalence and prevalence ratios estimated using Poisson models were calculated. During lockdown, children from families with low educational levels and financial difficulties not only tended to live in poor housing conditions, but were also exposed to negative health determinants such as noise and tobacco smoke; they took less physical exercise, had a poorer diet, spent more time in front of screens and had less social contact. A notable social gradient was found in most of the variables analyzed. The results point to the need to incorporate the perspective of equity in the adoption of policies in order to avoid the increase of pre-existing social inequalities in the context of a pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

13 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fall 2020 COVID-19 Needs Assessment among New Jersey Secondary School Educational Professionals

by Derek G. Shendell, Juhi Aggarwal, Maryanne L. F. Campbell, Lauren N. Gonzalez, Elizabeth Kaplun, Koshy Koshy and Thomas I. Mackie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4083; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084083 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3511

Abstract

Secondary or high school (HS) educational professionals expressed concerns about dealing with environmental and occupational health and safety protocols due to COVID-19. Concerns related to fall 2020 school re-opening and getting back into in-person teaching—whether full-time, part-time or some other approved hybrid model—plus [...] Read more.

Secondary or high school (HS) educational professionals expressed concerns about dealing with environmental and occupational health and safety protocols due to COVID-19. Concerns related to fall 2020 school re-opening and getting back into in-person teaching—whether full-time, part-time or some other approved hybrid model—plus ongoing uncertainty with how the state and federal government will be handling matters about mandates for virtual learning, rapid testing, vaccine distribution, etc. These concerns were related to both their experience as educational professionals and genuine interest in personal and student well-being. This study was a cross-sectional online survey in early fall from mid-September–early October 2020. Of a possible maximum participation of 740 New Jersey (NJ) supervisory-level HS teachers and administrators (e.g., department chairs, district and school principals), 100 confirmed unique respondents (13.5%) consented and completed the survey. Of 100 experienced (mean 18 years teaching) participants, 70% responded to the gender identity question (overall, 61% female, 39% male; by NJ region, gender ratios were similar). There were statistically significant differences (using Fischer’s exact test) between NJ regions regarding provision of online counseling and support services for teachers (p < 0.001); for resources and equipment for teachers to mediate online learning (p = 0.02); for assistive video technology tools (p = 0.03) and accessibility to structured online learning and professional development (p = 0.002); concerning learning aids to engage students in online instruction, online counseling, and support services for students and their families (p = 0.006); appropriate protocol is clean and disinfect areas used by a person with COVID-19 (p = 0.002); and, immediately separate staff and students who screen positive for COVID-19 (p = 0.03). There were few statistical differences by gender. This study reported what participants wanted regarding the development of future policies then implemented as reopening practices. Data can inform recommendations in NJ and elsewhere at federal, state, and local levels. Data provide new insights and valuable information to inform the consideration of acceptability of various policy measures among HS education professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

10 pages, 1516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Loneliness–Life Satisfaction Relationship: The Parallel and Serial Mediating Role of Hopelessness, Depression and Ego-Resilience among Young Adults in South Africa during COVID-19

by Anita Padmanabhanunni and Tyrone Pretorius

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073613 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 6124

Abstract

Recently, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several lockdown and stay-at-home regulations have been implemented worldwide. In this regard, loneliness has been identified as the signature mental health consequence of this pandemic. The aim of this study is to explore the associations [...] Read more.

Recently, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several lockdown and stay-at-home regulations have been implemented worldwide. In this regard, loneliness has been identified as the signature mental health consequence of this pandemic. The aim of this study is to explore the associations among loneliness, hopelessness, depression, ego-resilience and life satisfaction in a random sample of young adults (N = 337) at a university in the Western Cape of South Africa. Parallel and serial mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that loneliness is associated with hopelessness, which in turn is associated with depression, and that ego-resilience mediates the association between all the negative indices of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that mental health interventions that boost ego-resilience and target loneliness may help in dealing with the mental health consequences of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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18 pages, 410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Behavioral and Emotional Aspects and Daily Routines of Arab Israeli Children

by Rafat Ghanamah and Hazar Eghbaria-Ghanamah

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062946 - 13 Mar 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 7949

Abstract

Negative psychological effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been identified in adults and children, such as anxiety and sleep disorders. However, research about the impact of this pandemic on children from ethnical minorities is scarce. We tested the effects of COVID-19 outbreak [...] Read more.

Negative psychological effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been identified in adults and children, such as anxiety and sleep disorders. However, research about the impact of this pandemic on children from ethnical minorities is scarce. We tested the effects of COVID-19 outbreak on psychological aspects and daily routines among Arab Israeli Children. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Arab Israeli parents, including behavioral and emotional aspects questionnaire and questions addressing using of screens, sleep, and physical activities. The results showed that, during the COVID-19 outbreak, 55.8% of the children asked to sleep in their parents’ bed and 45% expressed fears they did not have before. Most of the children showed increased irritability, constant mood swings and nervousness about limits and messages, and 41.4% showed sleep difficulties. Concerning adaptive behaviors, more than 50% of the parents reported that their child became wiser, lazier, and was able to adapt the limits and restriction of the COVID-19 outbreak. Moreover, the children tended to increase their use of screens, used to sleep more time, and were less active physically. The results suggest that children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak psychological effects and highlight the need to reduce the psychological burden of this pandemic and the necessity of immediate intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

12 pages, 1017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Risk Perception, Behaviour and Preventive Measures at Schools in Berlin, Germany, during the Early Post-Lockdown Phase: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Franziska Hommes, Welmoed van Loon, Marlene Thielecke, Igor Abramovich, Sascha Lieber, Ralf Hammerich, Sabine Gehrke-Beck, Elisabeth Linzbach, Angela Schuster, Katja von dem Busche, Stefanie Theuring, Maximilian Gertler, Gabriela Equihua Martinez, Joachim Richter, Clara Bergmann, Alisa Bölke, Falko Böhringer, Marcus A. Mall, Alexander Rosen, Alexander Krannich, Jan Keller, Norma Bethke, Marco Kurzmann, Tobias Kurth, Valerie Kirchberger, Joachim Seybold, Frank P. Mockenhaupt and BECOSS Study Group Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052739 - 8 Mar 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5260

Abstract

Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020. Following re-opening, schools resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks. During this phase, we aimed at assessing, among students and teachers, infection status, symptoms, [...] Read more.

Briefly before the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany, schools closed in mid-March 2020. Following re-opening, schools resumed operation at a reduced level for nine weeks. During this phase, we aimed at assessing, among students and teachers, infection status, symptoms, individual behaviour, and institutional infection prevention measures. Twenty-four primary and secondary school classes, randomly selected across Berlin, were examined. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and capillary blood samples were collected to determine SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR) and specific IgG (ELISA), respectively. Medical history, household characteristics, leisure activities, fear of infection, risk perception, hand hygiene, facemask wearing, and institutional preventive measures were assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed. Among 535 participants (385 students, 150 staff), one teenager was found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (0.2%), and seven individuals exhibited specific IgG (1.3%). Compared to pre-pandemic times, screen time (e.g., TV, gaming, social media) increased, and the majority of primary school students reported reduced physical activity (42.2%). Fear of infection and risk perception were relatively low, acceptance of adapted health behaviors was high. In this post-lockdown period of low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Berlin, individual and school-level infection prevention measures were largely adhered to. Nevertheless, vigilance and continued preventive measures are essential to cope with future pandemic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unintended Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic, on the Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People)

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