Adolescent behaviors during the preventive and mandatory social isolation in Argentina in 2020

In March 2020, Argentina established a preventive and mandatory social isolation policy (ASPO, for its acronym in Spanish) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To explore the behaviors and habits of the adolescent population during the ASPO and the extent of compliance.

Qualitative and quantitative, cross sectional study in Argentine adolescents aged 12-20 years. An anonymous, semi-structured questionnaire was administered during epidemiological weeks 34 to 36.

A total of 1535 questionnaires were analyzed. Participants' average age was 16 years; 72% were females. Non-compliance with the ASPO during the first 3 months was 27% versus 59% during the past month. A good to excellent family environment was described by 73%, and 87% performed educational activities. The average non-educational screen time was 6.8 hours per day. Results. A total of 1535 questionnaires were analyzed. Participants' average age was 16 years; 72% were females. Non-compliance with the ASPO during the first 3 months was 27% versus 59% during the past month. A good to excellent family environment was described by 73%, and 87% performed educational activities. The average non-educational screen time was 6.8 hours per day.

Most adolescents maintained their educational activities, spent a lot of noneducational screen time, and referred a low drug use. Adherence to the ASPO decreased progressively over time. The main positive aspects were strengthening family bonds and discovering or returning to activities; whereas negative aspects were emotional distress and not being able to see family members or friends.