Anxiety, depression and PTSD among children and their parent during 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China

Abstract

Home quarantine may lead to families developing a variety of psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological status of children and their parent during 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China. Data were collected from children ( n = 1360) and their parent ( n = 1360) in China using online survey during February 2020. Demographic information, media exposure, and psychological status including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were assessed using self-report measures. The results indicated that, for children, 1.84% experienced moderate anxiety, 2.22% experienced depression and 3.16% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD; for parent, 1.18%, 0.01% and 3.60% experienced moderate anxiety, severe depression, and moderate depression, respectively, and 3.53% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Moreover, excessive media exposure ( β = −0.08 ~ 0.13, p s < 0.05) was a risk factor for anxiety and PTSD for children, a positive factor against anxiety and depression for parent. Being a mother ( β = 0.07 ~ 0.21, p s < 0.01), being younger ( β = −0.09 ~ −0.07, p s < 0.05), lower levels of educational attainment ( β = −0.17 ~ −0.08, p s < 0.01) and family monthly income ( β = −0.17 ~ −0.11, p s < 0.05) were risk factors for anxiety, depression and PTSD for parent. Findings suggested that children and their parent in non-severe area didn’t suffer major psychological distress during the outbreak. Factors associated with lower levels of mental health problems were identified to inform the use of psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups during the pandemic.

One Year Into the Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Perinatal Mental Health Outcomes During COVID-19

“…In addition, general conflict, poor family functioning and martial distress emerged as significant risk factors for perinatal anxiety during the pandemic ( 56 , 72 , 74 , 81 , 89 , 98 , 116 , 117 , 128 ). Pregnant women's own health anxiety ( 81 , 98 , 103 , 117 , 118 , 129 ) and partner's perceived fear of COVID-19 ( 116 ) were understood to be contributing to pregnant women's increased anxiety and preventative behavior such as increased hygiene practices and social distancing ( 62 , 71 , 116 , 134 ). Women strictly adhering to the rules and safety recommendations reported greater symptoms ( 98 ).…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s mental health and wellbeing, and beyond: A scoping review

“…Most studies exploring the role of gender in the management of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic found that gender was a risk factor for depression and anxiety symptoms (Fong & Iarocci, 2020;Yue et al, 2020). Preliminary findings indicate that girls and women were hit harder during the pandemic (Fong & Iarocci, 2020;Yue et al, 2020).…”

“…This has led to the recent growing interest in the psychological manifestations of the pandemic (Ashikkali, Carroll, & Johnson, 2020;Sprang & Silman, 2013). Indeed, strong evidence confirms the profound psychological impacts lockdowns and isolation on humanity (Brooks et al, 2020;Garcia de Avila et al, 2020;Hawke et al, 2020;Roy et al, 2020;Yue, Zang, Le, & An, 2020). Prior research has consistently shown that families who were either isolated, or quarantined, during the H1N1 pandemic, in the United States, experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and anxiety (Sprang & Silman, 2013).…”

Sandplay Therapy Performed by Telepsychotherapy: Going Beyond the Limits of Face-to-Face Psychotherapy in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Children who are protected by women at home do not have a relatively negative psychological experience. Therefore, parents sharing the responsibility of raising children together becomes an important factor in protecting the mental health of the family (Yue et al, 2020). Long-term social distancing also leads to an increase in domestic violence, which is believed to be caused by weakened resilience and increased stress.…”