Impact of lockdown for COVID-19 on care-givers of children with neurological diseases in Enugu, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To understand the impact (health, cognitive, economic, and psychological) of the COVID-19 lockdown on children with chronic neurological disorders (epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD) in Nigeria. Methods: A focused group discussion of caregivers and children with chronic neurological conditions (epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain tumor and muscular dystrophy) was conducted. Nine caregiver-patient pairs participated in the discussion while observing all precautionary measures. The responses of the participants were recorded, transcribed and analysed. Results: There was limited access to consulting physicians in the hospital to review the child's health status, and lack of money to purchase drugs as parents' means of livelihood were disrupted. Findings indicated that children seemed to have forgotten what they learnt in the previous academic period. Some of the children have torn their books, given that learning tutors gave out the books for children to practice at home. The lockdown policy imposed hunger in the households as parents couldn't attend to their various jobs. Households rarely eat recommended daily servings and mix of food. Some of the caregivers lost their jobs, others had their shops and businesses locked down, leading to inability to contribute money for household feeding. Children had access to cloth face masks. However, children seldom adhere to the use of facemask when necessary. Regular hand washing was common. Only one participant reported availability and use of hand sanitizer. The lockdown of worship centers conferred a sense of anger, frustration, and hopelessness among some of the participants. Caregivers believed they lost social interactions including drinking with friends. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown had untoward effects on different aspects of the lives of children with chronic neurologic illnesses requiring the development of well adapted local strategies to mitigate unintended effects on children.