Pandemic with COVID-19 and Families with Children with Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a huge change in daily functioning in millions of people worldwide. The epidemiological measures in prevention of possible infection have increased the possible risks on the mental and physical health.We have conducted a survey in order to investigate the needs and challenges of families with children with chronic respiratory diseases. In this order, we have created a questionnaire with general information about the family, general information about the child with chronic respiratory disease, overall physical and mental health before and during the pandemic, needs and mental health condition of the parents/caregivers.This survey showed that this group of families of children with respiratory disorders have suffered financially in significant way and has changed the way they perform professional and educational patterns due to the pandemic. Most of the children were stable in their physical health, but their mental health has deteriorated. This is probably due to the regular contact with the medical staff, but not with the mental health professionals. This group of children has a significant reduction in their physical activity and increase the hours in front of TV screens. The further effect on the physical and mental health is to be investigated.

Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with chronic health conditions

“…Of note, loneliness, irritability, worry and anxiousness increased significantly with COVID-19 restrictions, similar to findings after natural disasters (8). This is consistent with research showing a deterioration in mental health of children with respiratory disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic (7).…”

“…Therefore, we anticipated that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will be magnified for children with CHC, resulting in higher levels of psychological symptoms when compared with healthy children (6). For example, children with pre-existing respiratory problems had an increase in mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (7), and this was also seen for children with special educational needs and neurodevelopmental disorders (5). Research from recent natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, have shown that children with CHC demonstrate negative psychological consequences, including behavioral change and increased reporting of sadness and withdrawal (8).…”

COVID-19 lockdown and lifestyles: A narrative review

“…Studies show that patients with pre-existing NCDs have found it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures introduced by countries 227 . Patients with coronary heart disease [228][229][230][231][232] , neurological disorders 233,234 , diabetes 235,236 and cancer 237,238 have had to compromise on their physical activity routine, dietary patterns, and social connectedness in particular 227,236,239,240 as did families with children who had chronic respiratory diseases 193,241 . Poor glycemic control in diabetics due to altered lifestyle was reported in many studies [242][243][244][245][246][247][248] , while one study in India reported an improvement in the glycemic status of patients with type II diabetes mellitus 249 .…”

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity in Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The characteristics of the included studies and the participants are shown in Table 1 . Studies were performed in Saudi Arabia [ 32 ], Brazil [ 33 ], Israel [ 1 ], Spain [ 19 ], and Republic of Macedonia [ 34 ]. A total of three of the studies were cross-sectional [ 1 , 19 , 34 ] and two longitudinal; one of them was prospective [ 33 ], and the other was retrospective [ 32 ].…”

“…Studies were performed in Saudi Arabia [ 32 ], Brazil [ 33 ], Israel [ 1 ], Spain [ 19 ], and Republic of Macedonia [ 34 ]. A total of three of the studies were cross-sectional [ 1 , 19 , 34 ] and two longitudinal; one of them was prospective [ 33 ], and the other was retrospective [ 32 ]. A total of 667 participants were enrolled in the included studies.…”