ABSTRACT
Aims: Globally, mental illness and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability and disease burden for young people. Orygen is an Australian youth mental health organization with a mission to reduce the impact of mental ill-health on young people, families and society, and one of only a few known research and clinical centres with a dedicated Knowledge Translation division. This paper provides a case study of the workforce development team within Orygen Knowledge Translation, outlining how implementation science informs their work and how the division has adapted its model of service support in the face of COVID-19. Method(s): Process data on training and resources developed and delivered by the workforce development team at Orygen over the period 2017-2021 was collated and synthesized with team reflections about the adaptations made by team in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results and Conclusion(s): Since 2017, the team has delivered training to more than 4000 youth mental health workers across Australia, on the topics of trauma, psychosis, mood and anxiety disorders, brief interventions, cognition and other areas of youth mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic generated abrupt and dramatic changes to the delivery of workforce and service development initiatives in Australia due to significant restrictions to travel and in-person events. It also placed major delivery demands on youth mental health services. The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated profound and rapid changes to service delivery and development in Australian youth mental health. Implementation science offers flexible models to support a changing system.
ABSTRACT
Suicide remains to be one of the leading causes of death amongst young people worldwide. Help-seeking, however, remains disproportionately suboptimal in the youth population. Identifying more effective and less stigmatizing markers of suicidal ideation and behaviours can be important for improving early engagement and intervention work. We therefore examined the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt in a large epidemiological youth sample in Hong Kong (n = 2540) during the period of 2019-2021, as well as the factors associated with each of these outcomes using separate multivariable logistic regression models. In this sample, the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 20.0%, 4.6%, and 1.3%, respectively. In particular, we found 'suicide-related rumination' to be amongst the only factor that was significant for all three outcomes (p < .010). Using a two-stage approach (i.e., selecting only those with suicidal ideation), we found that suicide-related rumination, poorer cognitive ability, and 12-month major depressive episode were specifically associated with 12-month suicide plan, while environmental factors, including COVID-19 stressors, personal life stressors, poorer family relationships, as well as non-suicidal selfharm, were specifically associated with 12-month suicide attempt. A two-stage approach should be considered in future interventions targeting youth suicide. Suicide-related rumination may be an important marker of overall suicidal risk. The role of environmental stressors in addition to intrinsic vulnerability also need to be emphasized to best support young people at risk.
ABSTRACT
Aims: During the pandemic, youth were particularly vulnerable to experiencing financial hardship, education and employment disruption, and mental health impacts. Ensuring governments and services are prepared to support youth during future outbreaks or novel pandemics should be a key priority. This work aimed to explore youth experiences during COVID-19 and gather youth opinions on government responses to inform planning, policy, and decision-making for future pandemics. Method(s): Youth (ages 15-25) from Ireland and two provinces in Canada (British Columbia and Ontario) were interviewed at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. A thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive approach. This research was primarily youth-led and developed. Result(s): Across all three time points, youth experienced mental health and service uptake challenges, with mixed views on pandemic response. Opportunities for personal and societal growth were identified, with desire for incorporating youth voices into governmental decision making processes. Youth offered recommendations for effectively communicating accurate information, prevention of misinformation, and expressed needs regarding service accessibility throughout the pandemic and beyond. Conclusion(s): This work provides insights into the opinions of young people on government and information sharing during the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations were developed to ensure youth are consulted and represented in future pandemics.
ABSTRACT
The DisCOVery study sought to better understand the experiences of young people with complex emerging mental health problems over the longer-term social restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Quantitative findings (N = 105) will be shared to demonstrated how belonging to multiple social groups can promote better mental health through the provision of hopefulness and social connectedness. Qualitative findings (N = 16) will be shared to elucidate how young people with complex emerging mental health problems experienced social connectedness during the ongoing social restrictions, and how they perceive social connection to be associated with their well-being Results also indicate young people's social preferences and the complex role of in-person versus online connection and interaction. A brief summary will be given regarding a linked trial (TOGETHER), evaluating the feasibility of delivering a social connectedness-focused intervention for young people with emerging complex mental health problems across clinical and community services in the UK.
ABSTRACT
The onset of mental disorders typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 25, and the burden of mental health problems is the most consequential for this group. Indicated prevention interventions to target individuals with subclinical symptoms to prevent the transition to clinical levels of disorders, even leading to suicide, have shown to be effective. However, the threshold to seek help appears to be high. Digital interventions could offer a solution, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. In this talk, the presenters will take you on a journey through the background, effects and experience of the digital indicated prevention intervention ENgage YOung people Early (ENYOY). ENYOY specifically addresses young people with emerging mental health complaints, and offers a new approach for treatment in the Netherlands through a clinical- and peer- moderated treatment platform. Considering the waiting lists in (child and adolescent)- psychiatry and the increase in suicides amongst youth, early lowthreshold and non-stigmatizing help to support young people with emerging psychiatric symptoms is of crucial importance. Moreover, this project aims to bridge the gap between child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. We included 125 young people with subclinical mental health problems (stage 1b), age 16-25 years. Using a combined peer and clinical support approach participants followed their personalized digital therapeutic treatment journey for up to 12 months. The first results demonstrate that at 3 and 6 months follow-up complaints significantly decrease (K-10) and social functioning increase (SOFAS) (p < .05). This new approach may offer perspective for young people and the healthcare system.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Youth are increasingly seeking health information through online platforms, such as websites, social media, and online forums. TikTok emerged as a popular platform for disseminating and consuming health information during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, this study aimed to explore how youth used TikTok to access information about mental health and mental health services during the pandemic. Method(s): Twenty-one interviews were conducted over Zoom with youth (ages 12-24) who lived in British Columbia, Canada and had accessed TikTok for mental health information during the pandemic. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using an inductive approach. Result(s): Youth described TikTok as a safe place to talk about mental health and share personal experiences. This helped youth feel less alone with their struggles and facilitated conversations about mental health with friends, family, and service providers. Participants also described how mental health content on TikTok helped them be more mindful of their own mental health and the different resources and coping strategies available and encouraged them to seek services. For those hesitant or unable to access services, TikTok provided immediate support. Youth appreciated the ease of accessing this information, given the platform's engaging and digestible format (i.e., short videos) and predictive nature of its algorithm. However, participants expressed concerns with the spread of misinformation and the lack of verifiable information on the platform. Conclusion(s): TikTok is as a practical platform to disseminate mental health information to youth. However, efforts to establish strategies for preventing and reporting misinformation are warranted.
ABSTRACT
Aims: to investigate if mental disorders and cognitive performance are associated with interpersonal behaviours and negative emotions among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): This work is part of the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions (BHRC), which included 6-12 years-old children at baseline (Year 2010) who participated in an online COVID-19 wave (N = 1.144). Outcomes were factor socres from specifc sections of the international Coronavirus Health and Impact Survey (relationship changes, stress, and concerns related to COVID-19). A structured interview (DAWBA, DSM-IV) assessed externalizing and internalizing disorders. Cognitive predictors were IQ and executive function assessed at baseline. We used Generalized Linear Models adjusting for sex and socioeconomic variables. First, higher IQ (B = 0.0032;t = 2.714;p = .006) and any internalizing disorder prior to the pandemic (B = 0.0902;t = 2.228;p = .026) were associated with higher perceived stress during the pandemic. Second, any externalizing disorder (B = -0.1449;t = -2.066;p = .039) was linked with lower levels of COVID-19-related worries, whilst higher performance in executive function tasks was associated with higher levels (B = 0.1803;t = 4.796;p = .001). Third, higher IQ was linked with negative changes in interpersonal relationships (B = -0.0007;t = -3.371;p = .0007). Conclusion(s): This study showed that lifetime externalizing and internalizing disorders, in addition to cognitive variables at lifetime externalizing and internalizing disorders, in addition to cognitive variables at an early age, were associated with distinct mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Background: Stratified care aims at matching the intensity and setting of mental health interventions to the needs of help-seeking Young People. In Australia, a 5-tiered system of mental health services is in operation. To aid patient triage to the most appropriate tier, a Decision Support Tool (DST) has been developed and is being rolled out nationally Methods: We analysed outcome data pre-and post-enrolment of about 1500 Young People (aged 16-25) referred to a Youth Mental Health Service delivering medium- and high intensity psychological treatment programs (tiers 3 and 4). We compared outcomes in both tiers during three 12-month periods: (a) in the inaugural phase of tier 4, prior to service saturation and stringent triaging, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019);(b) during the COVID-19 pandemic when all services were delivered remotely over phone- and video facilities, and when DST triaging was introduced (2020);(c) following return of face-to-face consultations, in a situation of service saturation and stringent DST triaging (2021) Findings: About 22% of Young People in the tier 3 program experienced reliable improvement according to their Kessler-10 (K-10) scale ratings, regardless of changing circumstances. In contrast, 40% of people in the tier 4 program reliably improved during the inaugural phase When circumstances and service delivery changed (COVID-19 restrictions service saturation, DST triaging), the rate of reliable improvement halved to about 20% Conclusion(s): Access to higher intensity psychological programs improves treatment outcomes for help-seeking Young People. However high-intensity services are more sensitive to external and service factors than less intense treatment models.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Early Youth Engagement (EYE) project co-developed the first engagement-focussed intervention derived from the perspectives of young people and their families in Early Intervention in Psychosis services. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in the EYE-2 study aimed to ensure that the voices of people experiencing first episode psychosis, and carers, were embedded in the refinement, delivery and evaluation of the Early Youth Engagement (EYE-2) approach across the UK. Method(s): The EYE-2 project used a multi-level PPI approach: Each of five sites had a PPI lead, trained and supported by senior PPI researchers. PPI leads convened local Lived Experience Advisory Panels (LEAPs), and co-delivered staff and researcher training. Practical challenges were identified and resolved. Results and Impacts: Tangible PPI impacts included: the co-produced revised booklets and EYE-2 website https://www.likemind.nhs.uk following workshops of over 40 people;the delivery of on average 52 peer-led intervention social groups at each site, allowing people to connect with peers with lived experience and build a sense of optimism, shared identity, interpersonal skills and problem-solving in a social environment, with activities driven by service users. Written outcomes included a PPI-led booklet on running peer-led social groups, a person-centred telephone interview for the HoNOS questionnaire for use during the Covid-19 pandemic, peer reviewed papers, blogs and video logs. Conclusion(s): PPI was integral to the delivery of the EYE-2 study;the multi-level approach facilitated a diversity of voices across different aspects of the study and ensured that people with lived experience shaped the intervention, research design and implementation.
ABSTRACT
This rapid review provides an overview of recent literature on the nature of digital interventions for young people in terms of technologies used, substances and populations targeted, and theoretical or therapeutic models employed. A keyword search was conducted using MEDLINE and other databases for 2015-2021. Following a title/ and full-text screening of articles and consensus decision on study inclusion, data extraction proceeded using an extraction grid. Data synthesis relied on an adapted conceptual framework (Stockings et al., 2016) that involved a three-level treatment spectrum for youth substance use (prevention, early intervention, and treatment). The review identified 43 articles describing 39 digital interventions. Most were early interventions (n = 28), followed by prevention (n = 6) and treatment (n = 5). Of the five technologies identified, web-based interventions (n = 14) were most common. Digital interventions have mainly focused on alcohol use (n = 20), reflecting limited concern for other substance use and co-occurring use. Yet the rise in substance use and related harms during the Covid-19 pandemic highlights a critical need for more innovative substance use interventions. Technologies with more immersive and interactive features, such as VR and game-based interventions, call for further exploration. Only one intervention was culturally tailored and purposefully designed for gender minority youth, and another was geared to young men. As well, most interventions used a personalized or normative feedback approach, while a harm reduction approach guided only one intervention. The incorporation of culturally tailored interventions and harm reduction approaches may promote uptake and stronger engagement with digital interventions amongst youth.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people, and rates in Australia are increasing. The Australian city of Melbourne faced the toughest COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions worldwide, which had a major impact on youth mental health. This study aimed to provide a snapshot into the mental health and suicide-related thoughts and behaviours of Australian Adolescents from Melbourne post the lockdowns. Method(s): Participants were 932 young people (Age M = 15.5, 53% female) recruited from high schools in Melbourne, Australia as part of a larger RCT. Participants completed measures of suicidal ideation (SIDAS) and behaviour (recent attempts and current plans), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Result(s): Preliminary results indicate that 28% of participants experienced some level of suicidal ideation with 7% reporting severe suicidal ideation. Suicide attempts in the sample in the last 12 months (13%) and current plans (3%) were less common but still prevalent. In terms of depressive symptoms, the breakdown in the sample was 5% severe, 8% moderately severe, 18% moderate, 25% mild and 43% none to minimal with 1% not reporting. Data related to particular risk factors (e.g., years since the pandemic, gender, school etc.) along with implications for practice and policy will be presented at the conference. Conclusion(s): This study sheds light on the mental health and suiciderelated thoughts and behaviours of school-attending young people following COVID-19-related lockdowns in Australia. The high levels of suicidality and poor mental health in the cohort point to a need for targeted interventions and support for this group.
ABSTRACT
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune disease that involves skin, muscle and internal organ disorders. Its mechanisms still not well established, but the triggering role of viral infections has been described. In this context, the effect of the COVID-19 on the onset of autoimmune disorders such as JDM remains a matter of study and research. We report a severe JDM, following a confirmed COVID-19 infection in a previously healthy 8 year-old boy who presented with various skin lesions and a cholestatic liver involvement. Laboratory findings were consistent with an inflammatory myositis and an autoimmune liver disease. Skin and muscle biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of JDM. The therapy choice was difficult. Finally, he received a second line therapy of the JDM with a favorable outcome. The liver fragment analysis showed a steatosis. This case supports the hypothesis of COVID-19 triggering role in the genesis of JDM and autoimmune diseases.Copyright © 2023 Scientific Publishers of India. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The PRODIGY trial found that for young people with complex emerging mental health problems in the UK (N = 270), Social Recovery Therapy did not confer additional benefits above and beyond treatment as usual. Treatment as usual in the trial was, however, surprisingly comprehensive. A study was conducted to evaluate the provision of 'packages' of standard youth mental health care, and the association of provision with trial outcomes. In a subsequent study individuals who participated in the PRODIGY trial (N = 13) were interviewed about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have had significant and wide-ranging impacts on young people due to social isolation, disruption to education and employment opportunities, and young people with pre-existing mental health difficulties were considered to have been disproportionality affected. The results of this study indicated a reciprocal relationship between participants' mental health and their response to the pandemic. Participants told stories of both how the pandemic exacerbated their difficulties, but equally told stories of how their long-standing experiences of managing adversity supported them to cope during pandemic-related social restrictions.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) and the Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) were established in Melbourne in 1992. The two services focused on the early detection of emerging illnesses and the development of clinical interventions for psychosis in young people. Aim(s): To describe the development and evolution of the EPPIC and PACE teams over the past 30 years. Method(s): Initially a modest service, operating on one site with fewer than 100 new clients each year, the service has expanded to nine subteams across two regional hubs and three satellite clinics. We will describe the components of the services and the changes to service provision over a 30-year period. Result(s): Over the past 30 years, national and international early psychosis services have developed and youth services have broadened their scope. Service models are being developed that reflect a staged model of illness and clinical care to ensure interventions are responsive to young people's needs. We will outline some of the challenges for EPPIC and PACE in delivering evidence-based interventions across a large service with limited clinical resources, as well as through multiple Covid lockdowns. One of the ongoing challenges is to maintain a focus on early intervention of positive symptoms of psychosis amongst increasing diagnostic complexity and associated interventions. Conclusion(s): The EPPIC and PACE clinical model has been successfully replicated in a number of services around Australia and worldwide. Challenges and future directions will be discussed further.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental ill-health has been observed globally in young people, particularly amongst those in their final years of secondary school. The students' negative experiences coincide with a critical transitional period, which can subsequently disrupt milestones in social and educational development. This study aims to use innovative population-level data to map the impact of the pandemic on students entering higher education. Method(s): Tertiary education application data for Victorian students were obtained from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre both pre-pandemic (2019/2020) and pandemic (2020/2021). Prevalence of mental health special considerations were compared between cohorts across geographical areas and applicant demographic subgroups. Relative risk regression models were used to understand the role of different risk factors. Result(s): The rate of mental health special considerations increased by 38% amongst all applications (pre-pandemic: 7.8%, n = 56 916;pandemic: 10.8%, n = 58 260). The highest increases were observed amongst students in areas with severe lockdown experiences and areas impacted by 2019/2020 black summer bushfires. The increases were higher amongst year 12 students and students with other preexisting risk factors (e.g., physical condition, learning disability). However, interestingly slightly higher increases were observed in areas with higher socioeconomic status, which is potentially related to inequality in mental health service access. Conclusion(s): As the consequences of mental health difficulties and academic disruption in youth can be long-lasting, it is critical to establish a mental health supportive framework both in and outside of higher education to facilitate young people's recovery from the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To examine temporal trends of FDA-approved and off-label second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) prescribing for adolescents over time through the Covid-19 pandemic. Method(s): This is a new-user, retrospective longitudinal panel study using electronic health record data from a large, integrated health care system. Outpatient prescription orders for a new SGA (index date) for adolescents (age 10-17 years) during 2013-2021 were analyzed. Prescription orders were linked to diagnoses at time of encounter to examine prescribing behavior. A one-year lookback period was used for baseline inclusion and exclusion criteria, including one-year "washout" of SGAs and continuous insurance enrollment. FDA-approved use was determined by two outpatient diagnoses (one baseline diagnosis and the prescription order diagnosis) for autism, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, or Tourette's;the remaining proportion was considered potentially off-label. We report crude annual prescribing rates per 1,000 youths. Result(s): There were 8,145 unique patients with new SGA prescription orders, of which 5,828 (71.6%) had linked diagnoses available. Calendar year 2013 had the highest prescribing rate prior to Covid-19 onset (2.1 per 1,000) but then declined through 2016 (1.7 per 1,000). Prescribing rates in 2020 (2.0 per 1,000) and 2021 (2.2 per 1,000) were higher than those between 2017-2019. Across all study years, SGA prescriptions were mostly off-label and ordered for aripiprazole, quetiapine, or risperidone. The proportion of off-label indications was highest in 2013 (80.1%) and lowest (69.1%) in 2019. Off-label proportions increased again in 2020 (76.1%) and in 2021 (74.1%). At baseline, patients frequently had other psychotropic prescriptions (e.g., antidepressants 63.3%, stimulants 22.9%, and sedatives/hypnotics 20.7%). Conclusion(s): A general decline in SGA prescribing rates among adolescents was observed from 2013 to 2019, but then increased following Covid-19 onset. Despite known safety risks, off-label use of SGAs remains prominent. Future studies are needed to better understand prescribing outside of pediatric professional society guidelines.Copyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
There are few specific epidemiological studies focusing on youth mental health in a non-western population. In particular, studies which are designed to include a broad range of youth-relevant potential risk and protective factors during the COVID-19 period are scarce. Such data are important for formulating programs to enhance healthy coping, as well as to facilitate the screening of risk factors. We present data from a comprehensive youth epidemiological study in Hong Kong from innovative angles which extend beyond conventional prevalence reporting. For example we investigated the change in major depressive episode states in a cohort with longitudinal data, which provide us with insight into what determines the persistence of depression. We also look into suicidal ideation and the role of rumination in this population. We also report the use of a recently identified marker for brain inhibition/excitation balance (visual stress) as a predictor associated with mental health outcomes. Finally, we studied the role of personality in mediating mental health outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Background: Early Intervention in Psychosis services improve outcomes for young people with psychosis but a significant proportion disengage with potential costs to their mental health. Method(s): This study evaluated effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the EYE-2 intervention, a motivational engagement intervention, delivered by EIP clinicians, compared to standardized EIP (sEIP) in a cluster RCT in 20 EIP teams in 5 sites across England. Participants were 1027 young people with first episode psychosis. The primary outcome was time to disengagement. Economic outcomes were NHS mental health and wider societal costs, clinical and social outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Result(s): The adjusted hazard ratio for EYE-2 + sEIP versus sEIP alone was 1.07, (95% CI 0.76 to 1.49;p = .713). Disengagement was 16% with no observed differences between arms for any secondary outcomes. The health economic evaluation indicated lower average mental health costs [-543 (95% CI -2715 to 1628)] and marginally improved mental health states, with a 63% probability of the EYE-2 intervention being dominant in cost-effectiveness compared to usual care. There were very tentative indications of lower societal costs and better social outcomes with 30 more days per year spent in education and training (95% CI 1.52 to 53.68;probability positive outcome for the intervention: 99%) in a sub-sample of 22% of participants. Conclusion(s): Cost-effectiveness analyses revealed estimates in the direction of dominance of EYE-2, but 95% confidence limits ruled out a reduction of more than 24% in the risk of disengagement. Implementation, fidelity and COVID-19 impacts are discussed.
ABSTRACT
There is growing momentum to understand the value of the arts in mental health and wellbeing. Engagement with the arts can promote wellbeing by helping to build resilience, aid recovery and foster social connections. Aim(s): To co-develop, implement and evaluate the impact of Culture Dose for Kids (CDK), an arts engagement program, on young people's anxiety. Method(s): Mixed methods [surveys and interviews] were used to research an 8-week series of face-to-face arts engagement sessions conducted at the Art Gallery of New South Wales with anxious youth (9-12 years) and their parents/carers. Result(s): Findings indicate that the children's anxiety scores decreased over the eight-week program. Sustained high attendance rates throughout were another marker of its effectiveness and engagement, although a COVID outbreak affected several sessions. Qualitative data, from parent and children's interviews, offered greater insight and meaning into CDK's impact on the child and family. Not only did parents find CDK calming and stress-relieving for themselves ('a little gift of time'), but they said that they are using some strategies and topics from the sessions to connect more closely with their child and their child's issues. By engaging both parent and child in this inclusive, non-stigmatizing arts-based mental health intervention, a more holistic, family-centred, community approach to supporting wellbeing occurred. Conclusion(s): This study responds to the recent call to move beyond the formal mental health system to facilitate community-led initiatives and infrastructure to strengthen young people's overall mental health and well-being and their social connections and involvement with their community.
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients with cancer are at a higher risk of getting infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 owing to their immunocompromised state. Providing care to these patients amidst the first wave of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was extremely challenging. Objective(s): This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical profile and disease-related outcomes of pediatric patients with hematological illnesses and cancer. Material(s) and Method(s): This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in North India during the first wave of the pandemic from March 2020 to December 2020. Children aged up to 18 years, who were treated for a hematological illness or malignancy or underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and tested positive for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms were included in the study. Baseline demographic data related to the age, diagnosis, treatment status, and chemotherapy protocol used were collected. Outcomes including the cure rates, comorbidities, and sequelae were recorded. Result(s): A total of 650 tests for COVID-19 were performed for 181 children;22 patients were found to be COVID-19 positive. The most common diagnosis was acute leukemia (63.6%). None of the patients developed COVID-19 pneumonia. The majority of patients had asymptomatic infection and were managed at home. Among those with a symptomatic infection, the most common symptoms were fever and cough. A total of 3 (13.6%) patients needed oxygen therapy, one developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children leading to cardiogenic shock. Three patients required intensive care or respiratory support;all the patients had favorable clinical outcomes. The median time from the onset of COVID-19 to a negative result on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test was 21.3 days. Cancer treatment was modified in 15 patients (68.2%). Conclusion(s): Our results suggest that children with hemato-oncological illnesses rarely experience severe COVID-19 disease. The impact of the first wave of COVID-19 primarily manifested as disruptions in the logistic planning and administration of essential treatment to these children rather than COVID-19 sequelae.Copyright © 2021 Cancer Research, Statistics, and Treatment Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.