Change in Disease Dynamics and Health Care Utilisation in Children during COVID 19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The direct and indirect impact of SARS COVID 19 on the health of children was unprecedented. This study was conducted to compare the changing pattern of pediatric disease dynamics and the use of healthcare system before and after the SARS-CoV2 outbreak in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This retrospective, observational study was conducted by collecting data from medical records during COVID 19 pandemic from March 2020 till August 2020. This was compared with the data of 2019 during similar months. The impact of COVID 19 on use of paediatric health care service units like outpatient department, casualty, intensive care and immunization clinic were assessed. Results: There was a significant decline in routine OPD (68%) attendance during the COVID 19 period as compared to pre-COVID period. Paediatric ward admissions and PICU admissions were decreased by 55% and 42% respectively. We also observed a significant 43% decline in the number of children attending immunization clinic in the year 2020. Conclusion: The fear of COVID 19 pandemic and the measures taken to control the pandemic has affected the health seeking behaviour of patients. This evaluation of trends in healthcare use may help in planning the delivery of healthcare service delivery in future. @ The Journal retains the copyrights of this article.