Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Egyptian Children and Adolescents During COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescents are vulnerable to mental health problems, which may be triggered by the effects of COVID-19 pandemic that enforced restrictions on daily living. Objectives: This study aims to determine the risk of emotional/behavioral problems among children and their associations with stressors and positive changes during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was carried out in four Egyptian governorates from 20 July to 10 August 2020. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to collect data from parents of children aging 4-17 years about the risk of having symptoms of emotional/behavioral problems among their children during the last 6 months. Results: Findings revealed that among 632 studied children, 274 (43.4%) were at risk of having emotional/behavioral problems (abnormal total difficulties score). Emotional symptoms and conduct problems were the most common problems (found in 39.1% and 39.4% respectively) followed by peer problems, hyperactivity, and prosocial behavior problems. High risk of emotional/behavioral problems was significantly associated with child age < 12 years, male gender, history of emotional or neurodevelopmental disorder, lack of online school learning, low father educational level, missing family/child occasions, being angry/afraid of infection, reduced family closeness, and lack of greatefulness for what they have. Conclusion: Children and adolescents face a high risk of emotional/behavioral problems during the COVID-19 lockdown. Parents can support their children’s socioemotional well-being during lockdown periods by increasing closeness with family members, keeping connections with relatives/friends, sharing facts to minimize anger/fear, and engaging in home-schooling.