The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health in the middle of the second year of quarantine in Lithuania

Abstract

Introduction: The necessity of understanding the relevance of the possible negative long-term consequences of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 on children’s mental health is relevant. Our study is focused on children’s perspectives on their emotional and behavioural changes during the quarantine. Aim of the study: To evaluate the impact of the pandemic related restrictions on the mental health of 11-17-year-old children in the second year of the pandemic. Materials and methods: 389 11-17-year-old children from 4 schools participated in our study. Data was collected from March 9, 2021, to April 30, 2021, using a cross-sectional study. Children answered questions about their emotional state, changes in emotions, behaviour, and relationships during quarantine. Children were divided into groups by gender (girls and boys) and age (11-14 and 15-17 years old). The qualitative variables (children) and responses (less than average, average, more than average; positive, neutral, negative) in the study sample were categorized and differences were assessed. The nationwide quarantine was announced in Lithuania in November 2020. During our survey the restrictions on movement between municipalities were lifted, children studied only remotely. In the beginning of the year 2021, some of the restrictions were removed. Firstly, from March allowing non formal education activities outdoors, secondly, since the middle of April, allowing cultural events. Results: Girls statistically significantly more frequently felt anxiety (21.6% vs 12.8%), stress and tension (15.8% vs 8.8%), fatigue (27.4% vs. 18.2%), got angry more easily (22.4% vs. 17.6%) and their overall emotions were more negatively affected (56.8% vs. 45.9%) than boys. Boys statistically significantly more frequently were not able to engage in daily activities (39.2% vs. 29.5%) than girls. Children aged 15-17-year-old statistically significantly more often stated loneliness (30.7% vs 14.9%), the impaired concentration of attention (56.4% vs 28.4%), used physical aggression less frequently (82.2% vs 63.5%), and their overall behaviour was more negatively affected (46.9% vs. 33.8%) than 11-14-year-old children. 11-14-year-old children’s relationships with their siblings were statistically significantly more negatively affected by quarantine (19.6% vs 9.9%) than those aged 15-17-year-old. Conclusions: Pandemic caused by COVID-19 infection had an extensive negative impact on children’s mental health by disturbing their behaviour, emotions, and relationships. As the pandemic continues it is important to monitor its impact on children’s and adolescents’ mental health and to find factors improving their mental health outcomes