Abstract
BackgroundChanges in relationships, sleep rhythms, and physical activity caused by school closures instituted to curb the spread of COVID‐19 influenced children’s mental health. We explored changes in children’s daily life and effects on their mental health during school closures.MethodsParticipants included elementary and junior high school students 9 years of age and older seen in the outpatient clinic during school closures and were required to complete the Japanese version of WHO Five Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5‐J). The results were compared with those of students seen after schools reopened.ResultsParticipants included 78 students in the school closure group and 113 in the school reopening group. Although those in the closure group devoted more time to family and sleep, their sleep rhythms, eating habits, and physical activities were disrupted. Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in total WHO‐5‐J scores, single WHO‐5‐J items such as activity and vigor and interest were significantly worse and rest was significantly better in the school closure group.ConclusionAlthough school closures resulted in elementary and junior high school students spending more time with family and sleeping, their sleep rhythms, eating habits, and physical activities were disrupted. As the children’s living environment changed, they felt less active and vigorous and had difficulty finding things that interested them. However, their sleep improved and overall, the number of children with potential mental health problems did not change.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.