Children patients with COVID ‐19: How can parental and peer support lessen the psychological burden of isolation

AbstractAimTo assess the effect of parental and peer support on children's self-esteem during the isolation period in COVID-19-infected children is the main objective of this study.DesignThis is a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred ninety children with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included.MethodsA survey questionnaire to assess family and children's demographic characteristics was used for this study. A 13-item scale to assess parental support during the isolation period and a 10-item scale to assess peers' support during the isolation period were evaluated. Along with it, a 10-item scale to assess self-esteem during the isolation period was also measured.ResultsHome isolation was associated with higher parental and peer support scores than hospital isolation. The mean age of study participants was 13.23  ± 4.05 years; 52.6% were isolated at home versus 47.4% in hospital isolation. Phone calling and WhatsApp/messenger chat were methods of communication for 44.2% and 33.2% of patients, respectively. 6.3% of them had no method of communication. Child self-esteem was significantly affected by bo th parental and peer support during isolation. The increase in pronounced negative psychological effects such as disorientation, anger, low self-esteem and post-traumatic distress may be caused by a lack of parental care.No patient or public contribution to this studyPatients or the general public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation o...
Source: Nursing Open - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Research ARTICLE Source Type: research