Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Risk of Developing Psychopathology in Children in Portugal: A Cross-Section Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51338/rppsm.397Keywords:
Child, Portugal, Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, SARS-CoV-2Abstract
Introduction: This study is based on preliminary data from a 2021 survey of parents of children aged 3-13 years at
the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim is to understand the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on children's mental health.
Methods: Using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and survey data, we specified multiple linear regression models to explain the variation in the total SDQ and the variation in its five components ‐ emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behaviour. We used explanatory variables selected according to current literature and other empirical studies, such as age, gender, household changes, confinement, hospitalization time, previous mental health care and long‐COVID symptoms (headache, sleep problems, concentration problems, fatigue).
Results: The results showed that age was not statistically significant in any of the estimated models. The gender variable proved to be significant in three models (total SDQ, conduct problems, hyperactivity) and the results show that girls have fewer problems when compared to boys.
Conclusion: Results suggest that intensive care hospitalisation and long-COVID symptoms increase the risk of psychopathology.
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References
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