COVID-19 unmasked: longitudinal cohort study examining mental health of young children and their caregivers during the pandemic

Abstract

Background: Studies investigating child well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic have largely focused on schoolaged children. Young children are still at considerable risk of being negatively impacted and this may have long-term consequences for their developmental trajectories across the lifespan. Objectives: To examine the mental health (MH) outcomes for young children (1-5 years of age) and caregivers and to identify the key risk and protective factors for child and caregiver emotional well-being. Methods: COVID-19 unmasked is a prospective longitudinal cohort study consisting of an online survey completed at four time points (baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months). The survey was launched in Australia during May 2020 and is part of a global collaboration with eight other countries. Child mental health was assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Early Childhood (PROMIS-EC) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess parent MH. Findings: Overall, approximately 34% of Australian children have experienced high to very high levels of irritability, anxiety, depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance. There was a significant increase in MH difficulties for children and caregivers who experienced the second extended lockdown in Victoria. Young children in Australia have experienced similar or higher levels of MH difficulties in comparison to children living in other countries (i.e. the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain). Conclusion: Findings indicate that the challenges very young children are facing during the pandemic should not be underestimated. Targeted intervention is needed to support young children and their caregivers in coping with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.L6383263712022-07-01 <br />