Increased symptoms of post-traumatic stress in school students soon after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in China

Abstract

Background The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) caused psychological stress in Chinese adults population. But we are unaware of whether the pandemic causes psychological stress on children. Methods We used the Children’s Impact of Event Scale questionnaire (CRIES-13) to investigate the degree of Post-traumatic Stress (PTSD) symptoms caused by the pandemic in students selected from schools in Sichuan, Jiangsu, Henan, Yunnan, and Chongqing provinces of China. Results A total of 7769 students(3692 male and 4077 female), aged 8–18 years, were enrolled in the study, comprising 1214 in primary schools, 2799 in junior high schools and 3756 in senior high schools. A total of 1639 students (21.1%) had severe psychological stress reactions. A large proportion of senior high school students (23.3%) experienced severe psychological stress, and they had the highest median total CRIES-13 score. Female students were more likely to experience severe psychological stress and had higher median CRIES-13 total scores than males. Conclusion COVID-19 has placed psychological stresses on primary and secondary school students in China. These stresses are more likely to reach severe levels among female students and senior high school students.

Mental health disorders among students from rural areas three months after returning to school: a cross-sectional study among Polish students (12-13 y.o.)

“…It was claimed that after returning to schools, the levels of depression suicides, post-traumatic stress disorders and the consumption of psychoactive substances will increase [14]. Research conducted after the students' return to schools partially confirms the above thesis [15].…”

Mental Health Disorders among Students from Rural Areas Three Months after Returning to School: A Cross-Sectional Study among Polish Students

“…It was claimed that after returning to school, the levels of depression, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorders and the consumption of psychoactive substances would increase [14]. Research conducted after the students' return to school partially confirms the above theory [15].…”

A narrative review into the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on senior high school adolescent mental health

“…As the age grows, psychological distress also increases. Teenagers who are currently in their final year in senior high school have the highest level of psychological stress compared to primary school and junior high school (Qin et al, 2021 ; Schwartz et al, 2021 ; H. Xu et al, 2021 ). High school adolescents have higher stress reactions such as feeling sad, angry, withdrawn, and experiencing difficulties or cognitive/attention disorders (Schwartz et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In addition, the stress in adolescents is also influenced by the risk of exposure to infection from families and adolescents who experience symptoms that lead to COVID‐19 symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and diarrhea (H. Xu et al, 2021 ). Decreased motivation, decreased creativity, decreased social interaction, and family conflict is also a risk of mental health decline in adolescents (Jester & Kang, 2021 ).…”