Interventions to Ameliorate the Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children-A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted child and caregiver psychosocial well-being.
• There is a growing need for effective interventions to address mental health challenges in children during pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify interventions for children and caregivers to mitigate psychosocial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar outbreaks.
• To systematically review existing research on psychosocial interventions for pediatric populations during health crises.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) and COVID-19 specific resources.
• Inclusion of 11 study protocols from planned trials in China, US, Canada, UK, and Hungary.
• Analysis of interventions targeting children (≥10 years) and system-based interventions for parents/caregivers.

Main Results:

• A limited number of studies (11 protocols) were identified focusing on psychosocial interventions.
• Interventions included direct approaches for older children and system-based approaches for caregivers of younger children.
• Outcome measures primarily assessed anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, psychosocial well-being, and relationship quality.

Conclusions:

• A significant paucity of research exists on psychosocial interventions for children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Further research is crucial to meet the anticipated demand for child mental health services during and after pandemics.