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COVID-19 in children: I. Epidemiology, prevention and indirect impacts
Annaleise R Howard-Jones1,2, Asha C Bowen3,4, Margie Danchin5,6,7
1Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children globally, causing direct health issues and a
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Child Psychology
Background:
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound global effects on children's health and well-being.
- Understanding the multifaceted impacts, both direct and indirect, is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the direct and indirect public health impacts of COVID-19 on children.
- To highlight the long-term consequences of the pandemic and its public health responses on child welfare.
Main Methods:
- This study is a comprehensive review of existing literature and data.
- It synthesizes information on COVID-19 transmission, vaccination, and the 'shadow pandemic' affecting children.
Main Results:
- Children experienced direct health impacts and significant indirect effects, termed the 'shadow pandemic'.
- These indirect impacts include mental health risks, economic stressors, increased family violence, delayed healthcare, and prolonged disruption to education.
- Vulnerable populations and children from disadvantaged families are disproportionately affected, exacerbating existing inequities.
Conclusions:
- The indirect effects of COVID-19 on children's mental health, education, and socioeconomic well-being will have lasting consequences.
- Paediatricians must advocate for children to ensure their long-term health and well-being are prioritized in public health responses.
- Addressing the amplified inequities and disadvantages faced by children is essential for mitigating the pandemic's enduring impact.
Abstract:
Children globally have been profoundly impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review explores the direct and indirect public health impacts of COVID-19 on children. We discuss in detail the transmission dynamics, vaccination strategies and, importantly, the 'shadow pandemic', encompassing underappreciated indirect impacts of the pandemic on children. The indirect effects of COVID-19 will have a long-term impact beyond the immediate pandemic period. These include the mental health and wellbeing risks, disruption to family income and attendant stressors including increased family violence, delayed medical attention and the critical issue of prolonged loss of face-to-face learning in a normal school environment. Amplification of existing inequities and creation of new disadvantage are likely additional sequelae, with children from vulnerable families disproportionately affected. We emphasise the responsibility of paediatricians to advocate on behalf of this vulnerable group to ensure the longer-term effects of COVID-19 public health responses on the health and wellbeing of children are fully considered.
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