SARS pandemic exposure impaired early childhood development: A lesson for COVID-19

Abstract

Social and mental stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may promote long-term effects on child development. However, reports aimed at identifying the relationship between pandemics and child health are limited. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003 and its relationship to child development indicators using a representative sample across China. Our study involved longitudinal measurements of 14,647 children, 36% of whom (n = 5216) were born before or during the SARS pandemic. Cox models were utilized to examine the effects of SARS on preterm birth and four milestones of development: age to (1) walk independently, (2) say a complete sentence, (3) count from 0 to 10, and (4) undress him/herself for urination. Mixed effect models were utilized to associate SARS with birthweight, body weight and height. Our results show that experiencing SARS during early childhood was significantly associated with delayed milestones, with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.17 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.71, 3.70], 3.98 (3.50, 4.53), 4.96 (4.48, 5.49), or 5.57 (5.00, 6.20) for walking independently, saying a complete sentence, counting from 0 to 10, and undressing him/herself for urination, respectively. Experiencing SARS was also associated with reduced body weight. This effect was strongest for preschool children [a weight reduction of 4. 86 (0.36, 9.35) kg, 5.48 (-0.56, 11.53) kg or 5.09 (-2.12, 12.30) kg for 2, 3, 4year-olds, respectively]. We did not identify a significant effect of maternal SARS exposure on birthweight or gestational length. Collectively, our results showed that the SARS pandemic was associated with delayed child development and provided epidemiological evidence to support the association between infectious disease epidemics and impaired child health. These results provide a useful framework to investigate and mitigate relevant impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The indirect health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents: A review

“…These findings are comparable to studies on the psychological impact of previous emergencies and disasters (e.g. epidemics, terrorist attacks, hurricanes, floods) ( Danese et al, 2020 ; Fan et al, 2020 ; Sprang and Silman, 2013 ). Young people may mostly experience transient symptoms such as fear, detachment, numbness and feelings of worry that an event will reoccur ( Danese et al, 2020 ).…”

“…People are forced to work from home and nurseries, schools, universities are closed. Many sports and social events have been cancelled ( Fan et al, 2020 ; Fegert et al, 2020 ).…”

“…It also led to higher rates of sexual abuse and neglect of children ( Đapić et al, 2020 ). Likewise, an epidemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 resulted in delayed physiological and cognitive development in early childhood ( Fan et al, 2020 ).…”

Impact of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) Pandemic and Lockdown on Parents and Caregivers in Ontario, Canada

“…A retrospective analysis of the 2003 SARS pandemic showed that children had delayed childhood development, including gross motor and language development. 21 Given our study design, it is impossible to confirm and quantify the extent of the regression in our children’s developmental milestones. Further research needs to be designed to confirm these findings.…”