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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Detrimental Results of COVID-19 Fear to Child Health
Mutlu Uysal Yazici1, Bilge Akkaya2, Emine Gulsah Torun2
1Department of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Health Sciences, Dr Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital for Maternity and Children, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission caused parents to delay emergency hospital visits for their children. This delay led to detrimental health consequences, highlighting the dangers of exaggerated health anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
Background:
- The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has induced widespread fear and anxiety.
- Fear of virus transmission is a significant concern, impacting health-seeking behaviors.
- Parents' apprehension about contracting COVID-19 has led to delayed medical attention for children, even in emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a series of cases illustrating the harmful effects of COVID-19-related fear on pediatric health.
- To raise awareness about the negative consequences of excessive anxiety in the community.
- To emphasize the importance of timely medical care for children.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation of eight pediatric patients.
- Retrospective review of patient histories and clinical outcomes.
- Analysis of reasons for delayed hospital admission.
Main Results:
- Eight cases of delayed hospital admission due to parental fear of COVID-19 infection are detailed.
- Delayed care resulted in adverse health outcomes for the pediatric patients.
- The findings underscore the negative impact of heightened anxiety on accessing essential healthcare.
Conclusions:
- Exaggerated fear and anxiety surrounding COVID-19 can lead to significant health problems, particularly in children.
- It is crucial for communities to balance necessary precautions with the need for timely medical intervention.
- Addressing health anxiety is vital to prevent detrimental consequences and ensure child well-being.
Abstract:
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its consequences have led to fear and anxiety among individuals worldwide. The risk of coronavirus transmission frightens people more than any other health problem they face. Parents have concerns about being infected with COVID-19 and delay accessing hospitals even in an emergency which can be very detrimental to child health. Here, in this article, we would like to present eight patients delayed in admission to the hospital to draw attention to the harmful consequences of COVID-19 fear in the community. Although anxiety and fear are encouraging to take necessary precautions, exaggeration of these emotions may cause greater health problems.
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