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Exploring children's knowledge of COVID-19 and stress levels associated with the pandemic in Nigeria: a mixed-method
Osamagbe Aiyudubie Asemota1, Sharanya Napier-Raman2, Hajime Takeuchi3
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria samsie10@gmail.com.
Insights
Nigerian children demonstrated good COVID-19 knowledge but experienced high stress. Parental support was a key factor in mitigating pandemic-related concerns for children. Further tailored support is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Global Health
- Psychology
Background:
- COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) disproportionately impacts vulnerable children indirectly.
- Limited data exists on Nigerian children's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This study addresses knowledge and mental health responses of Nigerian children to COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Nigerian children's knowledge of COVID-19 transmission and preventive measures.
- To evaluate the mental health responses and stress levels of children during the pandemic.
- To identify key stressors and protective factors influencing children's well-being.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 265 children (ages 6-17) in Calabar, Nigeria.
- Data collected via online and on-site methods, including parental sociodemographics.
- Utilized an adapted 'Perceived Stress Scale for Children' and free-text responses.
Main Results:
- High awareness of COVID-19 (100%) and good knowledge of transmission (67.8%) among children.
- Television, parents, and social media were primary information sources.
- Mean stress score was 20.47, with stressors including fear, schooling disruption, and family tensions.
Conclusions:
- Nigerian children possess substantial COVID-19 knowledge and understanding.
- Parental love and support significantly mitigated pandemic-related stress in children.
- Health services should provide tailored support addressing children's pandemic concerns.
Background:
Children have been relatively spared from the direct effects of COVID-19 globally, but there are significant concerns about indirect effects on the most vulnerable children's well-being. Nigeria is the largest African nation, but little is known about children's experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aims were to determine children's knowledge of COVID-19 and their mental health responses to the pandemic.
Methods:
Children aged 6-17 years living in Calabar, Nigeria, were surveyed using a combination of online data collection assisted by parents and on-site data collection at schools. Parents filled out sociodemographic details, while children answered questions about COVID-19 knowledge and preventive measures. An adapted version of the 'Perceived Stress Scale for Children' was used to assess stress with additional free text space for expression of views and experiences of COVID-19.
Results:
A total of 265 children completed questionnaires, mean age was 12.5 years, 52.1% were girls. All children knew about the virus and over two-thirds (67.8%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 transmission. Children identified television (60.8%), parents (44.2%) and social media (32.8%), as main sources of COVID-19 information. The overall mean stress score among the children was 20.47. Children mentioned the following as stressors: fear of the COVID-19 disease, effect of pandemic restrictions on schooling and social interactions as well as home/family tensions. Parental love and support were overwhelmingly reported as strengths.
Conclusions:
Nigerian children in this study had good knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive measures to counter the virus. Children had high stress levels and expressed pandemic-related concerns but parental love and support were mitigating factors. Government and child health service providers need to tailor health and support services in response to children's needs and concerns.
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