Clinical-epidemiological aspects of mental health in children during confinement by COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Confinement during COVID-19 and associated stress can affect children's well-being. Objective: To determine the clinical-epidemiological aspects of mental health in children during COVID-19 confinement. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive observational study carried out at Dr. Eduardo Agramonte Piña Provincial Teaching Pediatric Hospital in Camaguey, from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 The universe and the sample consisted of 144 (women) with their children (144) who were admitted to Maceo, Adolescent, and Cardiology services, selected at random. The variables studied included age group, sex, emotional disorders, risk factors (home geographic location, diet, practice of physical exercise, socioeconomic situation, social relationships and sleep disorders), and specialized care. Data were expressed in absolute values and percentages. Results: 57.6 % of mothers reported that during confinement, their children suffered from negative emotional reactions, 78.5 % had inadequate nutrition, 90.3 % had sleep disorders, and 70.1 % did not practice physical exercise. Children from rural areas presented less emotional disorders (22.9 %) than those from urban areas (74.0 %), being those who had average and high socioeconomic status the ones who presented less emotional disorders, 43.7 % and 13.3 % respectively. Those who socialized more reported fewer harmful emotional reactions (38.8 %). Conclusions: Data suggest that adequate nutrition, good social relationships, and physical exercise benefit children's mental health in isolation situations © Este material es publicado según los términos de la Licencia Creative Commons Atribución–NoComercial 4.0. Se permite el uso, distribución y reproducción no comerciales y sin restricciones en cualquier medio, siempre que sea debidamente citada la fuente primaria de publicación