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

FASANO, MARÍA VICTORIA; PADULA, MARCELA; AZRAK, MARÍA ÁNGELES; AVICO, ANA JULIA; SALA, MARISA; ANDREOLI, MARÍA F.

Frontiers in Pediatrics

Frontiers

Año: 2021 vol. 9

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