Consequences of Lockdown During COVID-19 Pandemic in Lifestyle and Emotional State of Children in Argentina

Abstract

The implications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measurements and social isolation in children and their parents are still unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on emotional state, feelings and lifestyle of children and their parents, to explore the association between parental characteristics and child well-being and to examine whether the impact of lockdown depends on socio-economic status. Parents completed an online survey including data about socio-demographic information, parent and child feelings and lifestyle during lockdown. Logistic regression and correlation analysis were used to establish associations between variables. In total, 814 parents with children between 4 and 11 were included in the study. According to parents, 69.5% of the children showed changes in their emotional state, 55.3% altered their routine and 62.6% showed sleep disorders. Families with lower socio-economic status were more worried about health, shortage of food and household income (p < 0.01). Parent and children concern about food/essential items were highly associated [OR (CI 95%) 13.0 (6.81, 26.5), p < 0.01]. Adverse children's emotional state was associated with parental feeling of loneliness (r = 0.35) and inversely associated with keeping a routine (r = −0.11). Sleep changes were inversely associated with keeping a routine and having a balcony/garden (r = −0.53 and −0.16). We conclude that lockdown affected emotional state and lifestyle of children and parents, which were strongly related. Routine and positive parental attitude supported children's well-being. Economic issues were an important concern in families with lower socio-economic status. Our findings can help to promote child health during lockdown.

Emotional Problems in Spanish Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

“…On the one hand, emotional problems were associated with fear of contagion (Ezpeleta et al, 2020;Gómez-Becerra et al, 2020) and, on the other hand, with changes in daily routines (Andrés- Romero et al, 2021;Domínguez-Álvarez, López-Romero, Isdahl-Troye, et al, 2020;Romero et al, 2020). These last results, concerning changes in routines, are consistent with those obtained by Fasano et al (2021).…”

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“…Fasano et al [ 21 ] indicated that the implications of confinement and social isolation measures caused by confinement by COVID-19 in children and their parents are still unknown, according to which, 5% of children showed changes in their emotional state, 55.3% altered their routine and 62.6% showed sleep disorders. Families with lower socioeconomic status were more concerned about health, food shortages and household income.…”

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