The impact of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on education and mental health of Chinese children aged 7–15 years: an online survey

Abstract

Background The emerging of psychological problems triggered by COVID-19 particularly in children have been extensively highlighted and emphasized, but original research in this respect is still lagging behind. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the effectiveness and attitudes towards online education among Chinese children aged 7–15 years. Methods A detailed questionnaire, comprising of 62 questions was designed and parents or caretakers of 7 to 15 years old children were invited to participate via WeChat, a multi-purpose messaging, social media and mobile payment app, which is widely used by the Chinese population. A total of 668 parents across different regions of China were included. Results During COVID-19 pandemic, 20.7 and 7.2% children report experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PTSD and SMFQ-P scores are significantly higher in middle school and boarding school students compared to primary and day school students. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that school system and province of origin are factors significantly associated with developing PSTD symptoms. 44.3% respondents feel online education is effective in gaining knowledge and improving practical and communications skills. 78.0% believe the online education system is efficient. Overall 79.8% respondents are satisfied and children can adapt to this new education system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we found 1 in five children have PTSD and 1 in 14 children have depressive symptoms. Conclusion In summary, COVID-19 epidemic has caused PTSD and depression symptoms among Chinese children aged 7 to 15 years. In general, a large proportion of respondents are satisfied with online education, but still a substantial proportion of students are not comfortable with this new form of learning. Authorities should optimize online education systems and implement effective interventions to cope with the psychological effects of COVID-19 on children, as it is affecting the global population and remains uncertain when it will end.

Brief Research Report: The Association Between Educational Experiences and Covid-19 Pandemic-Related Variables, and Mental Health Among Children and Adolescents

“…Under the pandemic context, there is little previous research about these educational experiences. These studies did not associate their findings with mental health, but we think it is important to highlight that they found a substantial proportion of students who are not comfortable or motivated by online education ( 19 , 20 ) and consequently, we can conclude that they may develop or increase mental health problems if we contrast this with our results, which is worrying.…”

“…Finally, in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, some studies have found that educational factors have been negatively impacted by lockdown measures, especially the schools closing. For example, one study conducted in China reported that a substantial proportion of students were not comfortable or motivated by online education, and consequently, they did not participate effectively during the pandemic ( 19 ). Another study conducted in Italy and Portugal also found that online education was associated with lower students' motivation ( 20 ).…”

COVID-19 impact on high school student’s education and mental health: A cohort survey in China

“…In this study, we used Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) self-questioner to examine the psychological impact[ 6 , 7 ]. Further detail has been documented previously[ 5 ]. IES-R questioner was translated into Chinese language.…”

“…The teenagers were restricted at home for a long time and were the first to switch to online education. Although the rises of psychosomatic issues caused by COVID-19, especially in teenagers, have been widely reported [ 3 - 5 ], innovative investigation into this issue remains scarce. In this study, we conducted a large cohort survey in a high school at the end of the COVID-19 epidemic in China.…”

COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, and information sources among Chinese population

“…Strict guidelines with specific emphasis on protective measures such as city lockdowns, travel bans, and within-population quarantines were developed by the authorities for controlling the pandemic. As these measures lead to physical inactivity, they also had an adverse impact on health, such as promoting obesity, premature ageing, cardiovascular vulnerability, bone loss, muscle atrophy, decreased aerobic capacity[ 4 ], and psychological issues[ 5 - 8 ]. Physical activity is vital for public health[ 6 ], as it acts on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems[ 7 ].…”