Introduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the wellbeing of children, either directly or through the effects of the response. Measures are in place to curb the spread of the virus in Nigeria, but little is known of the effect these stringent measures have on the healthcare-seeking behaviour of parents for their sick children.  Aim: This survey sought to describe parents’ healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nigerian parents with children less than 18 years of age, via an online Google doc questionnaire administered through WhatsApp instant messaging. Using snowball sampling technique, 260 respondents from affected Nigerian states were recruited over one month. Chi-square tested differences between variables in assessing if healthcare-seeking behaviour was affected; statistical significance level was set at p-value <0.05.  Results: The median age was 38 years (IQR:9); 155 (59.7%) were females, 167 (64.2%) had tertiary education, while 83 (31.9%) had low income. Half (50%) of the respondents cited that the lockdown had affected their healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children; this did not significantly differ by geopolitical zone of residence (χ2=3.90, p-value=0.42), and other variables. Thirty-seven 37 (14.3%) agreed their children couldn’t get routine immunizations as scheduled. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown considerably affected parents’ healthcare-seeking behaviour for their sick children in Nigeria. Contextual strategies aimed at health system strengthening and improved accessibility are needed to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 on parental access and utilization of healthcare facilities.

Aim: This survey aimed to highlight the mental and social health-related complaints of children and adolescents during the lockdown in Nigeria. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Respondents from all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, from May 9 to June 8, 2020.Nigeria. Methodology: A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 260 respondents, consisting of parents/caregivers of children 18 years and below from states affected by the lockdown. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Logistic regression analysis was done on mental health-related complaints (dependent variables), with participation in the radio/TV sessions, presence of computer at home, access to the internet, and income-level of parents as independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The median age of respondents was 38 years (with an interquartile range of 9); 155 (59.7%) were females, 239 (91.9%) married, 167 (64.2%) had tertiary education, 83 (31.9%) were low-income earners, 202 (77.7%) had computer devices at home, 243 (93.5%) had internet access at home. Logistic regression revealed that children who participated in the radio/TV sessions were more likely to complain of being bored; and children without internet access at home were more likely to complain of being unhappy, express anxiety/fear and show signs of stress. However, 113 (43.4%) agreed their children learnt a new skill, and 159 (61.1%) agreed there was increased family bonding during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion: The pandemic threatens the mental and social wellbeing of Nigerian children. Policymakers must put in place measures that address factors which increase the likelihood of mental and social health-related complaints among children by improving access to the internet, subsidizing costs and developing child-focused mental health services with new strategies to reach those already affected.

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