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Increased post-COVID-19 behavioral, emotional, and social problems in Taiwanese children

Chi-Yung Shang1, Luan-Yin Chang2, Yu-Tzu Chang1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|October 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, experienced persistent behavioral and emotional problems, including attention deficits and social difficulties, even after recovery. These findings highlight the need for ongoing mental health support for pediatric populations post-COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Mental Health
  • Infectious Disease Impact on Child Development
  • Neuropsychology

Background:

  • The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has significantly affected children's mental well-being.
  • Understanding the long-term behavioral and emotional consequences of COVID-19 in children is crucial for effective intervention.
  • This study investigates persistent behavioral and social adjustment issues in children following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize behavioral, emotional, and social adjustment problems in children after recovering from COVID-19.
  • To compare the mental health status of children post-COVID-19 with their pre-infection state and with a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-four children (aged 6-16) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were assessed within six months of infection.
  • Parental reports detailed children's behavior and social functioning pre-infection and post-infection (most recent two weeks).
  • A control group of 84 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched healthy children underwent the same assessments.

Main Results:

  • Children with a history of COVID-19 exhibited more severe symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and opposition compared to controls.
  • Post-COVID-19, children showed increased emotional and behavioral problems, including difficulties with school functions, social interaction, and parent-child interactions.
  • Compared to their pre-COVID state, infected children reported greater inattention, somatic complaints, thought problems, internalizing issues, and parent-child interaction problems.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection is significantly associated with a range of post-COVID mental health sequelae in children.
  • Behavioral/emotional and social adjustment challenges are common persistent issues following pediatric COVID-19.
  • Increased awareness and monitoring of children's ongoing mental health concerns after COVID-19 are essential.
Abstract

Keywords:
Behavioral/emotional problemsChildrenMental healthPandemicPost-COVID symptomsSocial adjustment

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