# Impact of Covid-19 on Psychosocial Well-Being of School-Going Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study found that the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental health of school children in eastern India, especially those from families affected by the virus or job loss.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into psychosocial challenges faced by children during the pandemic in eastern India using validated psychological scales.

## Key findings

- 47.9% of children showed anxiety symptoms and 41.4% showed depressive symptoms during the pandemic.
- 15.4% of children had clinically significant psychosocial difficulties, more common in males and older children.
- Children from families with frontline workers or job loss had higher psychosocial difficulties.

## Abstract

Introduction: The mandated closure of schools due to Covid-19 is likely to have a negative impact on school-going children. This study aimed to assess the psychosocial well-being of school children during the pandemic in eastern India.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient pediatric department of tertiary care teaching hospitals. Children between the ages of 4 and 14 were enrolled. The main outcome measures included the Emotional Symptoms Scale, Conduct Problem Scale, Hyperactivity Scale, Peer Problem Scale, and Prosocial Scale from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), as well as the Children’s Hope Scale.

Results: Out of 169 children aged 4-14, 104 (61.5%) were male, 140 (82.8%) were from urban areas, 66 (39.1%) had a family member who was a healthcare worker or frontline worker, and 12 (7.1%) had experienced the death of a family member due to Covid-19. Anxiety-related and depressive symptoms were observed in 81 (47.9%) and 70 (41.4%) children, respectively. Psychosocial difficulties with a 'clinically significant problem likely' were observed in 26 (15.4%) children, more common in males (16.35%, P=0.035) and older children (12-14 years). Children from families with healthcare/frontline workers, Covid-affected families, loss of job in the earning member, and uninvolved parenting style were associated with more psychosocial difficulties. The mean (SD) hope score was 22.46 ± 6.42 in children above eight years.

Conclusion: The psychosocial well-being of school-going children is adversely affected during Covid-19, particularly in families with frontline workers, loss of job, and death of family members due to Covid-19. The poor hope score in children aged 8 years and above indicates an adverse impact on their ability to achieve future goals.