Parents' perception of their children's neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors.

Abstract

Objective: To verify parents'/caregivers' perceptions of changes in their children's development during the COVID-19 pandemic and factors associated with such perceptions.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using an online survey made available to parents/caregivers of children between 0-7 years old, from September 2021 to March 2023 in two Brazilian states. Respondents answered questions about their perceptions regarding their children's neurodevelopment, and worsening of neurodevelopment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Validated questionnaires such as M-CHAT, "Swanson, Nolan and Pellham," and "Strengths and Difficulties "were applied according to age. Comparisons were made using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and Poisson regression was used in the univariate analysis and in the multivariate analysis.

Results: Data from 589 children were obtained, 49.7% aged 0-3 years and 50.3% 4-7 years. Of the 0-3 age group, 50 (17.1%) were perceived as having abnormal neurodevelopment, and 79 (27.0%) as having worsened neurodevelopment during the pandemic. Of the 4-7 year group, 76 (25.7%) were perceived as having abnormal neurodevelopment, and 104 (35.1%) as having worsened their neurodevelopment. Significant risk factors associated with the perception of abnormal neurodevelopment were maternal schooling, the child's sex and age; for the perception of worsening neurodevelopment were the child's sex and age, low socioeconomic status, degree of social isolation, and death in the family due to COVID-19.

Conclusion: Data from the present study showed that parents/ caregivers' perception of normal neurodevelopment was significantly higher than their recognition of abnormalities. In addition, a significant percentage perceived a worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic.