The Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Primary School Children of Health Professionals

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals had to spend much of their time working in hospitals, which may have caused psychological distress to their children. This study was in the form of a case study pattern, one of the qualitative research methods aimed to identify the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the primary school children of health professionals. Its sample consisted of health professionals ( n = 60) and their children ( n = 60), who were all at primary school. Data were collected from the parents using a questionnaire, and from the children by asking them to create drawings and explain them. Descriptive and content analysis were carried out. The findings were grouped under the headings of “Spatial and Social Effects on the Child's Daily Life,” “Effects on the Child's Emotions,” and “Effects on the Parent From the Child's Perspective.” It is recommended that interventions to maintain the psychosocial well-being of children be planned.