Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adults and Their Children in Italy

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has abruptly changed the life of millions in the areas stricken by the pandemic as movements and social contacts have been severely restricted. We assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on adults and children, with special attention to health care workers (HCWs). Methods: On March 20-26, 2020, a self-rated online survey was conducted in Italy. Psychological impact was assessed with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) in adults, and the Children Revised Impact of Event Scale-Revised-13 items (CRIES-13) in their 8- to 18-year-old offspring. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to the data, accounting for age, sex, education, and other demographic characteristics. Outcomes: Data were available from 2,419 adults (78·4% females, mean age 38·1 ± 13·1 year; 15·7% HCW) and 786 children (50·1% male, mean age 12·3 ± 3·2). Median (IQR) for IES-R score was 30·0 (21·0-40·0), corresponding to mild psychological impact, with 33.2% reporting severe psychological impact. IES-R scores were lower in HCW (29·0) than non-HCW (31·0), but HCW involved in COVID-19 care had higher scores (33·0 [26·0-43·2]) than uninvolved HCW (28·0 [19·0-36·0]). Median CRIES-13 score was 21·0 (11·0-32·0), with 30·9% of the children at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Parent and child scores were correlated. Interpretation: Up to 30% of adult and children in the pandemic area are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disturbances. The risk is greater for HCW directly involved in COVID-19 care and their children. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: Authors declare they have no conflict of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Expedited approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee.