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COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 29334

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Davide Gori

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Interests: public health; vaccines; prevention; infectious diseases; one health; vaccine hesitancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Federica Guaraldi

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Guest Editor

Pituitary Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy
Interests: pituitary diseases; hypothalamic diseases; autoimmune endocrine diseases; pediatric hypothalamic-pituitary diseases; pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs); prolactinoma; acromegaly

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Covid-19 epidemic has forcibly overshadowed the psychophysical well-being of children and adolescents, whose consequences will manifest in the near future. Measures aimed at limiting Sars-CoV-2 widespread, primarily the long lock-down periods with the closure of schools, business and recreational activities, have determined the discontinuity of the traditional “in presence education”, replaced by online learning, and the reduction of physical activity. An increasing number of studies have reported the abandon of healthy habits (i.e. regular physical activity, healthy diet, in presence social activities), while favouring unhealthy lifestyles, smoking and drug addiction and social isolation.

Aim of this special issue is to collect original studies and reviews focusing on the middle/long term consequences that restrictive measures adopted during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemics could have on children and adolescents psychophysical health.

Prof. Dr. Davide Gori
Dr. Federica Guaraldi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

children’s health
adolescents’ health
lifestyle
health promotion
diet
physical activity
prevention
public health
drug addiction
smoking
social isolation
distance learning

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Losing a Close Friend or Family Member Due to COVID-19 and Mental Health among LGBTQ Youth

by Jonah P. DeChants, Myeshia N. Price, Ronita Nath and Carrie K. Davis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126129 - 15 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1743

Abstract

This study examines the association between having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19 and mental health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) youth. Data come from 33,993 respondents in the United States, ages 13 to 24, who completed an online survey of LGBTQ youth mental health. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds of recent anxiety, depression, considering, or attempting suicide in the past year based on whether or not the youth reported having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19. Among the full sample, experiences of COVID-19 loss were associated with recent anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20–1.40), recent depression (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.15, 1.32]), seriously considering suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.14, 1.30)), and attempting suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.41, 1.69)). These findings highlight the urgent need for investment in low-barrier, affirming mental health services for LGBTQ youth who have experienced COVID-19 loss to support their grief, overall mental health, and healthy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

13 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Stressors and Aggression among Chinese College Students: The Mediation Role of Coping Strategies

by Wencai Hu and Mengru Sun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043171 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Although college students experienced excessive stressors (COVID-19 disease and negative COVID-19 news) during the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have been aimed at coping strategies used by college students to deal with stress caused by the pandemic. Coping strategies are efforts to deal with anxiety in the face of a perceived threat or stress. Aggression is harmful social interaction with the intention of inflicting damage or harm upon another individual. In the present study, we aimed to examine the direct effect of stressors resulting from the pandemic on college students’ aggression, as well as the indirect effect via their coping strategies. Through a cross-sectional survey of 601 Chinese college students (M-age = 20.28), we tested the proposed framework. We first found that information stressors of COVID-19 ranked highest among the four stressors of the pandemic. Results also indicated that college students’ stressors of COVID-19 were directly and positively associated with their aggressive behavior. For the indirect effect, college students would adopt both adaptive coping strategies (self-help strategy) and maladaptive coping strategies (avoidance strategy and self-punishment strategy) with the stressors of COVID-19. Furthermore, adaptive coping strategy (approach strategy) was negatively related to their aggression, whereas maladaptive coping strategy (avoidance strategy and self-punishment strategy) was positively related to their aggressive behavior. The present research extends the general strain theory in the COVID-19 context. Practical implications are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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17 pages, 824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Perceived Changes in Child and Adolescent Activities Relate to Perceptions of Health during COVID-19? Exploring Heterogeneity during the Pandemic

by Amanda S. Gilbert, Jason Jabbari and Racquel Hernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811206 - 6 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1679

Abstract

COVID-19 affected child/adolescent activities (e.g., extra-curricular, screen time), along with physical health (PH) and mental health (MH); however, less is known about the relationship between changes in activities and PH and MH in the United States and how these relationships vary by race/ethnicity. To address this gap, data were used from a national survey (Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Survey) administered May–June 2021 (n = 853). Multinomial logistic regression explored changes in outdoor, school, extracurricular, friend, and screen time activities with changes in PH and MH; interactions explored moderation by race/ethnicity. Results showed increases in outdoor (RRR 2.36, p = 0.003), school (RRR 3.07, p < 0.001), and extracurricular activities (RRR 3.05, p < 0.001), which were associated with increases in chances of better PH. Better MH was more likely for children/adolescents where friend activities (RRR 3.34, p < 0.001) and extracurriculars (RRR 4.48, p < 0.001) increased. Except for extracurriculars, heterogeneous relationships were observed (e.g., increases and decreases in activities were simultaneously related to better and worse health). The relationship between outdoor activities and screen time with health were moderated by race/ethnicity. Findings support facilitating outdoor, school, extracurricular, and friend activities, which were positively related to health. Given heterogeneity and variation by race/ethnicity, more research is needed to understand the complex relationship between activities and health during COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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11 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Wellbeing of Schoolchildren during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Berlin, Germany, June 2020 to March 2021

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

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610103 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2273

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have affected the wellbeing of schoolchildren worldwide, but the extent and duration of specific problems are still not completely understood. We aimed to describe students’ psychosocial and behavioral parameters and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany. Our longitudinal study included 384 students from 24 randomly selected Berlin primary and secondary schools, assessing psychosocial wellbeing at four time points between June 2020 and March 2021. We analyzed temporal changes in the proportions of anxiety, fear of infection, reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical activity and social contacts, as well as sociodemographic and economic factors associated with anxiety, fear of infection and HRQoL. During the observation period, the presence of anxiety symptoms increased from 26.2% (96/367) to 34.6% (62/179), and fear of infection from 28.6% (108/377) to 40.6% (73/180). The proportion of children with limited social contacts (<1/week) increased from 16.4% (61/373) to 23.5% (42/179). Low physical activity (<3 times sports/week) was consistent over time. Low HRQoL was observed among 44% (77/174) of children. Factors associated with anxiety were female sex, increasing age, secondary school attendance, lower household income, and the presence of adults with anxiety symptoms in the student´s household. Fear of infection and low HRQoL were associated with anxiety. A substantial proportion of schoolchildren experienced unfavorable psychosocial conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021. Students from households with limited social and financial resilience require special attention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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15 pages, 897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obesity and COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents: Reciprocal Detrimental Influence—Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

by Giusy La Fauci, Marco Montalti, Zeno Di Valerio, Davide Gori, Maria Giulia Salomoni, Aurelia Salussolia, Giorgia Soldà and Federica Guaraldi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137603 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4033

Abstract

The dramatic lifestyle changes forced by COVID-19-related lockdown promoted weight gain, with a stronger impact on obese subjects, at higher risk of severe infection. The PubMed database was searched to identify original studies assessing: (1) the extent and risk factors of lockdown-induced weight increase; and (2) the impact of obesity on the risk of hospital admission in children and adolescents. A systematic literature review and meta-analyses were performed. Twenty out of 13,986 identified records were included. A significant weight increase was reported in the majority of subjects, with no apparent gender or age differences. It was induced by a higher consumption of hypercaloric/hyperglycemic/junk food and/or the reduction of physical activity, often associated with an altered sleep–wake cycle. On the other hand, obesity increased the risk of hospitalization (OR = 4.38; 95% C.I. 1.46–13.19; p = 0.009; I² = 96%) as compared to the normal weight population. COVID-19 and obesity represent epidemic conditions with reciprocal detrimental impact. Urgent public health interventions, targeting the various age and social strata, and involving governmental authorities, health care personnel, teachers and families are warranted to increase awareness and actively promote healthy lifestyles to contrast pediatric obesity and its detrimental consequences at a global level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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9 pages, 524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Well-Being of Adolescents and Their Parents in Switzerland

by André Berchtold

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6789; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116789 - 1 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

This study is based on two waves of data collected by the Swiss Household panel, the first one in 2019, before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second one in May–June 2020, just after the end of the partial lockdown that was decided by the Swiss government. We considered “couples” of adolescents (age 14–24, mean = 18.82, 51.96% female) and their parents living together (n = 431). Our main goal was to determine whether the evolution of the well-being among adolescents was similar to the evolution of the well-being among parents. Ten indicators of well-being were measured identically in both waves and for both adolescents and their parents. Results indicate that while almost all indicators of well-being decreased during partial lockdown for both adolescents and their parents, adolescents were more strongly impacted than their parents. Furthermore, the change observed in adolescents was virtually unaffected by the change observed in their parents, and vice versa. This research is a reminder that while different population groups may be affected differently by a sudden and extreme event, it is not only older people who will be most affected. Here, adolescents appear to have been more adversely affected than adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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12 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Gaming Disorder Leading Untreated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation

by Ruu-Fen Tzang, Chuan-Hsin Chang and Yue-Cune Chang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116648 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

(1) Background: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in youths likely leads to disruptive mood dysregulation, especially among those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether IGD mediates the pathways leading ADHD to disruptive emotional dysfunction remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the direct or indirect influence of IGD on ADHD; (2) Method: The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms of ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and the Chen gaming disorder scale was used to measure IGD. A psychiatrist diagnosed ADHD, IGD, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)-like symptoms. Structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the role of IGD in mediating ADHD progression to disruptive mood dysregulation; (3) Results: Among a total of 102 ADHD youths, 53 (52%) of them with IGD were significantly more likely to have poor interpersonal relationships (p < 0.01) and DMDD-like symptoms (p < 0.01) than ADHD youths without IGD. IGD played a mediating role in increasing the risk of disruptive mood dysregulation in ADHD youths; (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that IGD mediates ADHD’s progression to disruptive mood dysregulation. Intensive biopsychosocial interventions are warranted for ADHD youths with IGD. More children and adolescents became mood-dysregulated after excessive gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic; this study’s results suggest that child mental health experts develop earlier detection and prevention strategies for children and adolescents hidden behind internet addiction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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9 pages, 642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Education of Adolescents during COVID-19 Pandemic, Results from “Come Te La Passi?”—Survey in Bologna, Italy

by Marco Montalti, Aurelia Salussolia, Alice Masini, Elisa Manieri, Flavia Rallo, Sofia Marini, Marta Agosta, Martina Paternò, Michela Stillo, Davide Resi, Federica Guaraldi, Davide Gori and Laura Dallolio

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095147 - 23 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2523

Abstract

Social distancing measures adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental impact on adolescent education and their interaction with peers and adults, secondary to the limitation of school and recreational activities, with repercussions on social and sexual life. The “Come te la passi?” (“How is it going?”) study, performed in the Metropolitan City of Bologna (Italy), aimed at investigating the type of information sources adopted by adolescents for their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and education, the age of their sexual debut, and the way in which the COVID-19 pandemic affected their relationships and sexual life in order to help local health care professionals and educators designing SRH education programs. A purposely designed online survey was administered during the COVID-19 pandemic to 378 high school students (age > 14 yo) in July 2021. Based on the study results, the most common source of SRH education was the web, followed by peers (friends). A total of 61.3% of 17-year-olds already had sexual intercourse, and 90% of 15-year-olds had experienced romantic or sexual attraction. For 58.2% of the adolescents, the COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on their relationships/sexual life. The current research emphasizes the need to involve health care professionals and educators in structured programs to promote SRH education tailored to adolescents’ needs and started from early ages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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12 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Short- and Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Child Maltreatment

by Mengqing Long, Jia Huang, Yishun Peng, Yawen Mai, Xian Yuan and Xinhua Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063350 - 12 Mar 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3925

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new threat to child health and safety. Some studies suggest that social isolation and economic stress have exacerbated child abuse and neglect, whereas other studies argue that orders to stay at home are likely to promote parent–child relationships during this stressful time. Due to a lack of prospective studies including before–during–after lockdown assessments, the impacts of lockdown measures on child maltreatment are unclear. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated child maltreatment of 2821 Chinese children and adolescents from 12 to 18 (female, 59%) before, during and after lockdown, and identified risk factors. Potential predictors including socio-economic and individual mental health status were collected. Results: During Chinese lockdown, children and adolescents reported that the proportions of decrease (range 18–47.5%) in emotional abuse and neglect, physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, and witnessing domestic violence were greater than that of increase (range 5.1–9.1%). Compared with before lockdown (1.6%), the prevalence of sexual abuse significantly increased 8 months (2.9%) after the lifting of lockdown (p = 0.002). Being male, suffering from depression, state anhedonia, and experiencing psychotic symptoms at baseline were associated with increased sexual abuse after lockdown. Conclusions: The impact of lockdown on child maltreatment was beneficial in the short-term but detrimental in the long-term in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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12 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“My Life during the Lockdown”: Emotional Experiences of European Adolescents during the COVID-19 Crisis

by Alberto Forte, Massimiliano Orri, Martina Brandizzi, Cecilia Iannaco, Paola Venturini, Daniela Liberato, Claudia Battaglia, Isabel Nöthen-Garunja, Maria Vulcan, Asja Brusìc, Lauro Quadrana, Olivia Cox, Sara Fabbri and Elena Monducci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147638 - 18 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4187

Abstract

This study investigates, using an online self-report questionnaire, adolescents’ emotional reactions during the lockdown in a sample of 2105 secondary school students (aged 14–19) in Italy, Romania, and Croatia. We used a self-reported online questionnaire (answers on a 5-point scale or binary), composed of 73 questions investigating the opinions, feelings, and emotions of teenagers, along with sociodemographic information and measures of the exposure to lockdown. The survey was conducted online through a web platform in Italy (between 27 April and 15 June 2020), Romania, and Croatia (3 June and 2 July 2020). Students aged >14 years, living in a small flat, and not spending time outside were more likely to report anger, sadness, boredom/emptiness, and anxiety. Boys were significantly less likely than girls to report all measured emotional reactions. Those who lost someone from COVID-19 were more than twice as likely to experience anger compared to those who did not. Our findings may help identifying adolescents more likely to report negative emotional reactions during the COVID-19 pandemic and inform public health strategies for improving mental health among adolescents during/after the COVID-19 crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 Pandemic and Children's Psychophysical Health: Issues and Challenges Ahead)

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