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Vulnerability and resilience in children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Winnie W Y Tso1, Rosa S Wong1, Keith T S Tung1

  • 1The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 18, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted child psychosocial wellbeing, especially for vulnerable groups. Promoting family cohesion, sleep, exercise, and responsible screen time is crucial for resilience.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts children's health and development globally.
  • Limited research exists on the psychosocial effects of COVID-19, school closures, and containment measures on children.
  • Vulnerable populations and resilience factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the psychosocial wellbeing of children aged 2-12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.
  • To identify factors associated with child psychosocial problems and parental stress.
  • To explore characteristics of vulnerable groups and protective factors.

Main Methods:

  • A large-scale, cross-sectional population study involving 29,202 Hong Kong families.
  • Online surveys collected data on demographics, child wellbeing, lifestyle, parent-child interactions, and parental stress.
  • Linear regression analyses were used to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • Children with special educational needs, chronic illnesses, or those from single-parent or low-income families faced higher risks of psychosocial problems.
  • Mothers with mental illness were also associated with increased child psychosocial issues.
  • Inadequate sleep, insufficient exercise, and excessive screen time correlated with higher parental stress and child psychosocial problems in preschoolers.

Conclusions:

  • Identified vulnerable groups include children with special needs, chronic conditions, and those from disadvantaged family structures.
  • Strengthening family coherence, ensuring adequate sleep and exercise, and promoting responsible electronic device use are key.
  • These factors are vital for enhancing children's psychosocial wellbeing during the pandemic.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Child psychosocial problemsCoronavirusHome confinementSchool closure

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