Background Public health measures taken to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic can potentially impact the mental health of children. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors for childhood depression during the Covid-19 lockdown. Methods After 100 days of lockdown, we sent a survey questionnaire by WhatsApp to parents of school-aged children (5–16 years) in Chennai. The Short Mood and Feelings questionnaire was used as an objective screening tool to assess depression, with a score of 12 as the cut-off. Results There were 874 responses. The prevalence of childhood depression was 13.7%. Girls were more likely to be depressed than boys; 11–16-year-olds were more likely to be depressed than 5–10-year-old children. Children who had more than 4 hours online education had a higher likelihood of depression. Those who used a cell phone for online classes had a higher likelihood of depression compared to other devices, such as tabs or laptops. Children who slept less than 8 hours a day had a higher likelihood of depression while those who either did not sleep in the afternoon or slept less than 1 hour had a lower likelihood of depression. Children who were interacting with family over 1 hour per day had a lower likelihood of depression. Conclusion Overzealous online education, lack of adequate sleep and failure to spend quality time with the family can negatively impact the mental health of children. The impact of Covid-19 on the emotional health of children should be addressed by public health policy-makers and healthcare professionals.

The prevalence of Cardiovascular Vascular Disease is increasing rapidly and has become a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in both developing and developed countries. Demographic transitions, adoption of unhealthy lifestyles and diet, sedentary occupations and even ignorance has contributed to this epidemic. However, there are very few existing studies determining the awareness of CVD and its risk factors among general population. We studied 640 patients from one subset of rural Chennai to determine the essential knowledge on various aspects of coronary artery disease. Most of our patients were aware that chest pain, sweating, palpitation, increased consumption of fatty and oily food, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were associated with heart disease. What was surprising was that majority did not know that dyspnea, edema and oliguria could occur in Cardiovascular Vascular Disease. Many did not know that avoidance of sedentary lifestyle was heart healthy and almost 50% of the study population were unaware that consumption of increased amount of green leafy vegetables and could prevent heart disease. Half of the study population did not recognise that family history of premature cardiovascular disease could predispose to the same in the offspring. Methods to Increase this awareness and follow up programs to monitor whether they are implemented could go a long way to reduce the prevalence of the disease.