Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pediatric Population: An Implication for Clinical Practice

JOURNAL TITLE: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Education and Research

Author
1. Prahbhjot Malhi
ISSN
2277-8969
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1552
Volume
56
Issue
1
Publishing Year
2022
Pages
4
  • Article keywords
    Children, Emotional and behavioral functioning, Pandemic, Post-traumatic growth

    Abstract

    The current article briefly reviews the factors that contributed toward risk and resilience experienced by children and families during the pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 with a focus on the child's behavior and emotional adjustment. The widespread closures of schools for an indefinite period led to a huge slide in academic learning of children at the local and global level, especially from low-income families. Increased time spent indoors, lack of peer interaction and learning remotely on electronic devices led to an exponential increase in time spent using technology and screens, decrease in physical activity, unhealthy eating habits and routines, and poor-quality sleep among children and adolescents during the pandemic. Increase in loneliness was documented in several studies and since loneliness is inextricably linked to mental health outcomes such as increased depression and anxiety these negative emotions are a matter of concern for child health professionals. Several governmental policies and remedial actions were initiated in the education, economic, and social sectors to support the developmental needs of children and pave the way forward. On the positive side, the stay-at-home mandate provided some families a unique opportunity to positively connect, engage in shared family activities, discover new strengths, and develop their interests. The real influence of the pandemic may well extend beyond the infection and profoundly impact children's overall development and quality of life. Effective preventive supports and prioritized targeted measures are therefore needed to ensure the subjective well-being of children during and after the pandemic.

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