COVID-19-Related Experiences and the Psychological Wellbeing of Adolescent Girls in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study

Purpose

This study examined the association between COVID-19-related experiences and the psychological wellbeing of school-going adolescent girls in Uganda.

Methods

We utilized cross-sectional data collected from 1165 adolescent girls (14–17 years), participating in a longitudinal randomized clinical trial (2017–2022). Due to social distancing and mitigation measures, data were collected using telephone interviewer-administered surveys. We fitted hierarchical regression models to assess the association between COVID-19-related experiences (such as resource changes and disruptions, and access to medical care), and two aspects of psychological wellbeing (emotional and cognitive wellbeing).

Results

Resource changes and disruptions due to the pandemic were negatively associated with adolescents’ emotional (β = − 0.68, 95% CI = − 0.83, − 0.53, p < 0.001) and cognitive aspects of psychological wellbeing (β = − 0.38, 95% CI = − 0.47, − 0.29, p < 0.001). On the other hand, adhering to COVID-19 rules was positively associated with cognitive wellbeing (β = 2.18, 95% CI = 0.93, 3.44, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The pandemic significantly impacted adolescents’ psychological wellbeing. Our study findings contribute to the limited literature focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of adolescent girls. Findings support efforts to address the psychological needs of adolescent girls, specifically, interventions to alleviate the negative effects of the pandemic.