Impact of COVID 19 on child health: Parents perspective

Abstract

A novel coronavirus outbreak was first documented in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, resulting in the on going 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic. Fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, and at times when we are faced with uncertainty or the unknown. So, it is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every age group is processing the events in a different way. Children below 10 years don’t know much and are picking up tiny bits from the television and family conversations, while those above 10 years have more fear of death as they try to comprehend the severity of the infection. A descriptive survey is conducted to assess the parent’s perspective on impact of COVID-19 in children by using questionnaire. 83 parents were participated in the study. Results of the study show that, majority 37 children belong to up to 5 years of age group, 65 parents had fear of infection, 63 parents reported that, their child enquires about corona virus. 75 parents worried of increase in number of COVID cases. 76 parents are able to spend quality time with their children in lockdown. 70 parents are noted that increased involvement of child in household activities. Among children, use of computer/mobile, feeling of boredom, missing of physical presence of his/her friends increased in this period. It is concluded that, engage in activities like yoga, meditation, exercise, brain gym will enhance children’s mental health. Coordination between parents and children is required to overcome COVID-19 pandemic.