THE PEDIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC : A INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: During the Covid-19 pandemic, a rise in symptoms of anxiety and depression was described in the general population. It’s critical to analyze these symptoms in the pediatric population, considering the influence of mental health across the social and academic domains, and its impact on neurodevelopment, morbidity, and mortality. This study aims to recognize and, compare its risk factors, and suggest evidence-based policies to mitigate the adverse effects of future pandemics on youth. METHODOLOGY: Using a search strategy through PubMed, CINAHL, and Scholar Google platforms, after screening 106 articles, 50 were read in full. After its analysis, 11 met the inclusion criteria of a publication date after March 2020, cross-section or cohort/case-control study with data including general pediatric population mental health or pediatric population infected with Covid-19 mental health. DISCUSSION: The isolation, lack of exercise, and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, residence, economic status, and school class, were significantly associated with the self-reported psychological distress in the general pediatric population. CONCLUSION: It's crucial to measure and discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of vulnerable children and adolescents. Applicable interferences that showed less anxiety in hospitalized kids were contacting the family member through free teleconferencing programs and providing video games for children in isolation. There are still COVID-19 worldwide studies and data to be released, it's a subject to continue its discussion, and formulation of evidence-based policies.