A scope review on the global impact of COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents’ health

Abstract

Background: The implementation of COVID-19 lockdown measures across the globe could affect adolescents’ health. Objective: This review was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the health of the adolescents. Methodology: We conducted this study using the scope reviews methodological framework. We searched for articles on the effects of COVID-19 lockdown among adolescents on four databases; MedLine, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals and Google Scholar. Screening of articles was done for relevance to the study objective. Results: The positive effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents included increased physical activity for adolescents 17 years and below, increased resource mobilization for healthy lifestyle, and psychosocial support programs for schools. The negative effects of the lockdown period were decreased physical activity with resulting disruptive sleep patterns; increased screen time, behavioral addictive disorder from excessive use of the internet, increased levels of domestic abuse,and worsening of existing mental health disorders. Overall, the COVID-19 lockdown period has had considerable adverseeffects on adolescents’ health. Conclusion: To curb the negative effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, we recommend parental supervision of adolescents’ screen time. Adolescent health should be prioritized by policymakers to ensure that future lockdown does not adversely affect them. Keywords: Adolescent health; Coronavirus; COVID-19 lockdown.