Impact of Covid-19 lockdown on health-related quality of life, mental well-being, and daily routines among high school children of Udupi District, Karnataka, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundCovid-19 lockdown had a multidimensional impact on the health and well-being among children. The present study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), mental well-being, and daily routines among high school children, and find the relationship between them. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 high school students between 13 and 17 years of age from selected High Schools of Udupi District. The data collection instruments included: Background Proforma, KIDSCREEN-27 Index, Stirling Children's Wellbeing Scale, and Daily Routines Questionnaire. ResultsOut of 420 participants, 51.7% were males. Mean age was 14.35 ± 0.96. Around 91.2% participants experienced average HRQOL. Mean HRQOL score was 47.5 ± 5.98. HRQOL subdomains showed average levels of physical well-being, autonomy and parent relations, social support and peers, and school environment. Around 60.2% experienced average mental well-being, and 35.7% experienced poor mental well-being. Mean mental well-being was 48.8 ± 6.62. Daily routines analysis showed that 49.7% were engaged in physical activities, 36.9% used phones for one to 2 h a day, 75.7% had adequate nighttime sleep and 43.3% were mentally stressed due to online classes. A significant correlation was found between HRQOL and mental well-being (r = 0.615, p < 0.001). ConclusionChildren experienced average HRQOL and mental well-being during lockdown. Higher the HRQOL of children, better the mental well-being. Health promotion strategies and good support system from the school is needed to enhance HRQOL and improve mental well-being of children, thus contributing to Sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.