IMPACT OF COVID 19 LOCKDOWN ON CHILD HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR

Author:

Rajesh Kiran1,Dawre Rahul1,Kinikar Aarti2,Valvi Chhaya1,Rajput Uday1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Paediatrics, B.J. Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

2. Department of Paediatrics, B.J. Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Lockdown was imposed in various countries in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. While the deleterious effects of prolonged social isolation in adults is well understood, further studies are required to gauge its effect on children, their responses to the prevailing circumstances and its effects on both physical and mental health. This study aims to analyse the impact on health and behaviour of children following the imposition of lockdown. Methods: Parents of 88 children in the age group of 1 to 12 years underwent an online survey regarding eating, sleeping habits, screen time and other activities before and during lockdown. Parents were also asked regarding any behavioural problems before and during lockdown. Results: Screen time in children has increased following the imposition of lockdown.30% children watched TV for more than 4 hours a day. Mobile phone usage has increased exponentially with all children of the study using mobile phones during lockdown as compared to 46% of children of the study using it before lockdown. 63% of children were reported to have more temper tantrums than usual. 67% of children indulged in more mischief and 63% were more tearful than usual. Conclusion: The increased screen time is worrying, as this habit has immediate as well as long term consequences. Disturbances in sleep seen as prolonged sleep latency, behavioural changes are closely associated with increased screen time as seen in various studies as in this one. Apart from contributing to the increasing burden of metabolic syndrome in these children, this has also raised ophthalmologic and psychiatric concerns. These issues should be anticipated, its manifestations should be closely monitored and interventions should be instituted. Parents should be sensitised regarding these issues and be advised to keep a close watch on the activities of the children.

Publisher

World Wide Journals

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