Looking through mothers' lens on children's technology overuse, behavioral and psychosocial alterations during home confinement: future recommendations

Abstract

BackgroundCOVID-19 home confinement protracted extended cohabitation and drastic changes in the children's lifestyle behaviors. During this time, mothers faced the foremost challenge to preserve their children's physical and psychological well-being. PurposeThis study aimed to investigate children's technology overuse, behavioral and psychosocial alterations during COVID-19 home confinement. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Alexandria city, Egypt. A sample of 375 mothers who had school-age children completed the Children's Behavioral and Psychosocial Changes during Home Confinement Questionnaire. FindingsMore than three-quarters of mothers reported alterations in children's behaviors related to technology overuse (76.8%). Similarly, 51.5% and 44.8% of mothers reported aggressive behaviors and alterations in children's feelings during COVID-19. Changes in eating patterns (50.7%), sleeping patterns (48.3%), physical activity (54.9%), and personal hygiene (54.4%) were also perceived as major challenges. ConclusionHome confinement related to the COVID-19 pandemic was identified as a great source of alteration in children's behaviors and psychosocial status. Children overused technology as a solely recreational outlet during confinement time. Consequently, mothers faced major challenges regarding the alteration in their children's lifestyle, technology overuse, disobedience, aggressive behaviors, feelings, and social interaction. So, COVID-19-related behavioral changes could be combated by adopting parents' guidelines. Nurses play a critical role in educating parents to keep an open channel of communication with their children. They should also remain vigilant for the changes in the regular children's lifestyles and behaviors during home confinement.