Measuring anxiety and depression in parents of hospitalized children during the COVID-19 pandemic in a pediatric Italian hospital

IntroductionParents of hospitalized children with chronic illness (HCCI) during the COVID-19 epidemic may face huge pressure and worry, leading to mental health issues. Parent’s depression and anxiety disorders increase the risk of mental health problems in the child and affect his/her recovery.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a pilot sample of parents of HCCI (in- and out-patients) with diagnosis of epilepsy (9), cystic fibrosis (8) and congenital heart anomalies (6) during COVID-19 pandemic. Pediatric patients were under a regular Children Hospital medical and psychological follow-up program.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 23 Italian parents (15 F;8 M) of HCCI during the COVID-19 epidemic period. We performed face-to face interviews and assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) questionnaire during scheduled follow up visits.ResultsThe anxiety score of parents of HCCI was 4.43 ± 3.17, of which 39.1% of parents were anxious (≥5 points), while the depression score was 4.04 ± 2.67, of which 30.4% of parents show depressive symptoms (≥5 points). The prevalence of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 26.1% among the entire sample.ConclusionsPreliminary data of our pilot study showed a high prevalence of anxious depressive symptoms and comorbidity among parents of HCCI. Timely provision of psychologic interventions are needed during and after COVID-19 pandemic in order to empower parenting and promote children recovery and quality of life.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Depression and anxiety in hospitalized children with epilepsy during COVID-19 pandemic: Preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study

IntroductionAnxious-depressive disorders are common among children with epilepsy. A recent Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Scott et al., 2020) reported that the overall pooled prevalence of anxiety disorders is 18.9% while of depressive disorders is 13.5%. COVID-19 pandemic has centralized the attention of governors and careers on the health emergency. As a result, the trajectory of the psychological care needs of this at risk population may have been neglected.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the prevalence rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms among children with epilepsy during COVID-19 pandemic. Children were hospitalized in- and out-patients under a neurological and psychological follow up program in an Italian Children Hospital.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 38 hospitalized children and adolescents with epilepsy (21F;17M, mean age: 14,5;range: 11-18) during COVID-19 pandemic. We performed face-to face interviews and assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) questionnaire during scheduled follow up checks.ResultsPreliminary results showed a rate of mild-to-severe anxious depressive symptoms by 49.9% and 60.5% respectively. In detail: 21.1% mild, 15.7% moderate and 13.1% of severe anxiety, meanwhile 23.7% mild, 26.3% moderate and 10.5% of severe depression. The prevalence of comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 39.5% among the entire sample.ConclusionsDepressive and anxiety rates among hospitalized children with epilepsy during COVID-19 outbreak are very high. Pediatric services should deserve special attention to those patients’ mental health. Regular screening protocols and empowerment interventions in Hospital should be promoted.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in chronically ill children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: Preliminary findings of a pediatric hospital in Italy

IntroductionPsychological problems are common among the pediatric population suffering from a chronic illness, especially compared to the normal population. Stressful life events, such as social distancing measures implemented to counter the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, can strongly influence their epidemiology.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms among an Italian pediatric population affected by chronic illness and already under a Children Hospital psychological follow-up program during COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 54 Italian children and adolescents affected by chronic illness (mean age: 15y;range: 8.9-18y) during the COVID-19 epidemic period. We assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD-7) questionnaire during scheduled follow-up checks or teleconsulting.ResultsPreliminary results showed an elevated prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (51% and 48% respectively) among chronically ill children during the COVID-19 outbreak. When compared with a non-ill pediatric population (Zhou et al. 2020), rates are + 7.3% higher for depression and + 10.6% for anxiety.ConclusionsChronic ill pediatric patients are a vulnerable group and require careful consideration. For this reason, the healthcare system should be able to implement and guarantee adequate mental health support programs and continuity of care. Further research is necessary since the COVID-19 outbreak could be repeated.