Interventions to ameliorate negative psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the young

Abstract

Abstract The psychosocial health of the young has been particularly affected by the pandemic. Containment measures have restricted social development, education and recreational activities, and may have increased sleep disturbances, symptoms of anxiety and depression. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of interventions that seek to build resilience and to ameliorate negative psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses based on PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations. Literature searches were conducted in the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and COVID-19 specific databases of WHO and Cochrane. The searches retrieved 9957 records of which we included 13 RCTs for evidence synthesis. Included studies predominantly implemented online group sessions with either a psychological component, a physical activity component, or a combination of both. A meta-analysis of studies on anxiety (n = 7) and depressive symptoms (n = 5) provided evidence for a positive effect of interventions by reducing anxiety (SMD (95 % CI): -0.33 (-0.59; -0.06)) and depressive symptoms (-0.26 (-0.36; -0.16)) compared to control interventions. Studies also showed improvements in positive mental health outcomes, such as resilience (n = 2) and mental/psychological wellbeing (n = 2). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested a greater effectiveness of interventions that are of higher frequency and duration, enable real-time personal interaction, and include a physical activity component. Psychosocial interventions are promising to prevent and mitigate anxiety and depressive symptoms and to enhance resilience and wellbeing among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions in the school setting as well as interventions including a component of physical activity may be favorable particularly in individuals at risk. Key messages • Interventions can mitigate the negative psychosocial effects of the pandemic and build resilience among the young. • Online group sessions, physical activity or psychological counseling seem to be effective strategies.