A study on the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of adolescent girls in institutional and non-institutional setting

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes over social economical and psychological dimensions of human life. After having dealt with the physical health, the post pandemic world will have to deal with its mental health. Fear and anxiety of the virus, physical distancing and safety had its impact on the world population. In Kerala 173 children committed suicide during the lockdown period (till October 30,2020) of which majority are girls. The study was conducted in the Kondazhy Panchayath in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The study was based on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaire and personal interview method of data collection while secondary collected from government officials. The paper highlights the need of emotional regulation, interaction with peers and proper guidance for children. It also studied about how peer interaction and involvement of experts influence lives of children. The study finds that quality of life of girls in institution is better than that of homes due to safer feeling and expert's services in agency. Study suggested that in order to accomplish the new circumstances, an understanding of impact of the pandemic on not just girl children, but the whole human race and the trends should be investigated thoroughly. Appropriate and effective measures are to be taken to reduce the socio-environmental impact of the pandemic on children.