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Parents' perception of their children's neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors
Sabrina Ribeiro Ibiapina1, Taís Michele Werle2, Milena Monticelli Giongo2
1Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Pediatria e Saúde Infantil, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Insights
Parents perceived changes in their children's neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many noting worsening development. Factors like maternal education and social isolation were associated with these perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted daily life, potentially affecting child development.
- Parental perception is a crucial indicator of developmental changes in children.
- Understanding these perceptions is vital for timely interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parents'/caregivers' perceptions of changes in children's neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify factors associated with these perceptions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with parents/caregivers of children aged 0-7 years in Brazil.
- Validated neurodevelopmental screening tools were used.
- Statistical analyses included chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of children were in the 0-3 age group, with significant percentages perceived as having abnormal or worsened neurodevelopment.
- Older children (4-7 years) showed higher rates of perceived abnormal and worsened neurodevelopment.
- Maternal education, child's sex/age, socioeconomic status, social isolation, and family death due to COVID-19 were associated risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Parents/caregivers reported a significant percentage of children experiencing worsened neurodevelopment during the pandemic.
- Perceptions of abnormal neurodevelopment were noted, highlighting potential pandemic-related developmental impacts.
Objective:
To verify parents'/caregivers' perceptions of changes in their children's development during the COVID-19 pandemic and factors associated with such perceptions.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study using an online survey made available to parents/caregivers of children between 0-7 years old, from September 2021 to March 2023 in two Brazilian states. Respondents answered questions about their perceptions regarding their children's neurodevelopment, and worsening of neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Validated questionnaires such as M-CHAT, "Swanson, Nolan and Pellham," and "Strengths and Difficulties "were applied according to age. Comparisons were made using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression was used in the univariate analysis and in the multivariate analysis.
Results:
Data from 589 children were obtained, 49.7% aged 0-3 years and 50.3% 4-7 years. Of the 0-3 age group, 50 (17.1%) were perceived as having abnormal neurodevelopment, and 79 (27.0%) as having worsened neurodevelopment during the pandemic. Of the 4-7 year group, 76 (25.7%) were perceived as having abnormal neurodevelopment, and 104 (35.1%) as having worsened their neurodevelopment. Significant risk factors associated with the perception of abnormal neurodevelopment were maternal schooling, the child's sex and age; for the perception of worsening neurodevelopment were the child's sex and age, low socioeconomic status, degree of social isolation, and death in the family due to COVID-19.
Conclusion:
Data from the present study showed that parents/ caregivers' perception of normal neurodevelopment was significantly higher than their recognition of abnormalities. In addition, a significant percentage perceived a worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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