The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children’s Health in Portugal: The Parental Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for healthcare services and has led to changes in the usage pattern of the pediatric population. We aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on children’s health, wellbeing, and access to medical care in Portugal.Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study through an anonymous online survey via social media. The collected data refers to a period between the 16th of March and the 17th of May 2020.Results: We obtained responses to the survey on 19 745 children. Of the previously scheduled outpatient consultations, 54.2% were postponed by healthcare institutions and 21.6% of planned vaccinations were missed. Parents expressed concerns regarding psychological, social, and physical consequences for their children due to the pandemic.Discussion: The observed reduction of pediatric emergency department visits and the postponement of outpatient consultations and vaccine administrations are potentially harmful for non-COVID patients. The current pandemic and the imposed social distance might have an important negative impact on the mental health of children.Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to fully comprehend the outcomes of the decreased access to medical care, as well as the collateral damage for children beyond the clinical aspects of the pandemic. Defining strategies regarding the urge to vaccinate children and not postpone urgent evaluations should be a public health priority.

The Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Childhood Vaccination Uptake: A Rapid Review

“…In Portugal, survey responses for 19,745 children reported that 21.6% of planned vaccinations were missed. [Poppe M 2021] Similarly, a survey among Italian families on childhood vaccinations during the lockdown period reported that out of 1474 responders, 34% skipped vaccine appointments because they were afraid of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the vaccination provider postponed the appointment, or the service was closed. [Russo R 2021] USA US CDC Data indicated that three million fewer doses of non-influenza vaccines were ordered from 6 January to 19 April 2020, compared with the previous year.…”

Wybrane aspekty medyczne i społeczne pandemii Covid-19

“…Obserwowane zmniejszenie liczby wizyt na pediatrycznych oddziałach ratunkowych oraz odkładanie konsultacji ambulatoryjnych i podawania szczepionek to niepokojące zjawiska. Zdefiniowanie strategii dotyczących konieczności szczepienia dzieci i nie odkładania pilnych konsultacji i badań powinny być priorytetem zdrowia publicznego [27].…”

COVID-19 and children with congenital anomalies: a European survey of parents’ experiences of healthcare services

“…Existing research, conducted during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, suggests a high proportion of cancellations and postponements to paediatric healthcare appointments and treatments in the USA 17 and in Europe. 18–22 Disruptions to the healthcare services of children with CAs were found to cause anxiety for parents, 20 and fear that their child’s health may be negatively affected. 22 Corcerns about SARS-CoV-2 infection were also common among parents, 23 24 which coupled with reductions in other communicable infections during the pandemic, 25 26 resulted in fewer visits to clinics 25 27 and emergency departments 26 28 in 2020.…”