Anger and aggression in children aged 6-12 in lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between parents' emotional states and the anger and aggression levels of their children between the ages of 6-12 who were in social isolation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Turkey.Materials and Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive design. The sample consisted of 261 parents. Data were collected online during lockdowns between May and September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: More than half of the participants reported that they were unhappy (53.2%), sad (63.2%), and worried about the future due to the COVID-19 pandemic (70.8%). Less than a quarter of the participants were angry (17.6%). Children living in districts had significantly higher verbal aggression scores than those living in city centers (p <0.05). Children with relatives who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher verbal aggression scores than those without (p <0.05).Conclusion: Although, preventive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prevent the spread of the virus and allow parents and children to spend time together, they also adversely affect mental health.

The effects of the pandemic on childhood obesity

Obesity is among the leading global health problems in children under five years of age. Obesity, which is caused by genetic factors, inactive lifestyle, negative eating behaviors, endocrine disorders and malnutrition, has become a health problem with the growing risk given the conditions in the pandemic process. As a result of protective restrictions, such as mandatory shut down schools and lockdowns during the pandemic, children's time spent at home has increased, leading to a decrease in physical activity and changes in diet and sleep patterns. All these factors increase the risk of obesity in children. In addition, this situation has highlighted potential health problems for obese children. Childhood obesity is an important problem that needs to be addressed in the pandemic process, and appropriate approaches need to be developed and awareness of both parents and children need to be raised about this issue. During the pandemic process, some technological methods have been used for disease management in individuals with chronic diseases. One of the technological methods, the "Telehealth Solution", is one of the methods recommended for weight management of voluntarily children with obesity. In this article, obesity risks of children during the pandemic period were presented together with some appropriate solutions.