Purpose of Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health and psychosocial outcomes of children and adolescents worldwide. Understanding the intersectionality of social determinants of health (SDH) and mental health outcomes is crucial in pediatric global health programs post-pandemic. This review synthesizes existing literature and mitigation strategies by pediatric global health programs designed to address this issue. Recent Findings: Recent studies on the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric mental health revealed significant increases in anxiety, stress, and depression among children and adolescents, with older children and females being the most affected. Sleep disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders were also prevalent. Notably, children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and special education needs, experienced variable outcomes. Despite prior reviews addressing pediatric mental health during the pandemic, gaps persist regarding the effectiveness and scalability of intervention strategies across diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts. This review aims to address these gaps by synthesizing findings from 63 studies with a global representation of data. Mitigation strategies identified included the establishment of helplines, parent empowerment programs, teletherapy initiatives, community-based activities, and online platforms promoting peer-to-peer engagement. However, inconsistencies in implementation and outcomes highlight the need for further research into adaptable and equitable mental health interventions for children and adolescents worldwide. Summary: The research underscores the complexity of pediatric mental health outcomes post-COVID-19, with varied impacts across populations. Discrepancies in research findings highlight the need for context-specific interventions addressing SDH. Public policies should aim to mitigate the broader social and economic impacts of the pandemic on children's mental health, considering the unique vulnerabilities of pediatric populations globally.
Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Mental Health and Mitigation Strategies by Global Health Programs
Failla G.
;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Purpose of Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health and psychosocial outcomes of children and adolescents worldwide. Understanding the intersectionality of social determinants of health (SDH) and mental health outcomes is crucial in pediatric global health programs post-pandemic. This review synthesizes existing literature and mitigation strategies by pediatric global health programs designed to address this issue. Recent Findings: Recent studies on the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric mental health revealed significant increases in anxiety, stress, and depression among children and adolescents, with older children and females being the most affected. Sleep disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders were also prevalent. Notably, children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder and special education needs, experienced variable outcomes. Despite prior reviews addressing pediatric mental health during the pandemic, gaps persist regarding the effectiveness and scalability of intervention strategies across diverse socio-economic and cultural contexts. This review aims to address these gaps by synthesizing findings from 63 studies with a global representation of data. Mitigation strategies identified included the establishment of helplines, parent empowerment programs, teletherapy initiatives, community-based activities, and online platforms promoting peer-to-peer engagement. However, inconsistencies in implementation and outcomes highlight the need for further research into adaptable and equitable mental health interventions for children and adolescents worldwide. Summary: The research underscores the complexity of pediatric mental health outcomes post-COVID-19, with varied impacts across populations. Discrepancies in research findings highlight the need for context-specific interventions addressing SDH. Public policies should aim to mitigate the broader social and economic impacts of the pandemic on children's mental health, considering the unique vulnerabilities of pediatric populations globally.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
