Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Admissions to Paediatric and Adolescent Eating Disorder Units in Melbourne, Australia: A Multi-Centre Retrospective Observational Study

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in paediatric eating disorder admissions worldwide. This multi-centre study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on paediatric eating disorder admissions across Melbourne, Australia, where restrictions were among the harshest in the world, despite relatively low infection rates. We explored changes in markers of severity and factors contributing to increased admissions.

Methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients admitted under the four paediatric eating disorder units in Melbourne between April–September 2019 (“pre-COVID-19”) and 2020 (COVID-19). Overall monthly admission numbers were also compared from 2018 to 2023.

Results

Admissions increased by 55% from 2019 to 2020. In post-pandemic years (2022–2023), admissions decreased, but not to pre-pandemic levels. Length of stay decreased from a median of 12 days (IQR 7–18) in 2019 to 10 days (IQR 5–14) in 2020 (p = 0.045). In 2020, compared to 2019, there was an increase in patients with hypoglycaemia (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.02, 2.23) and hypothermia (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.26, 2.70). The perceived impact of COVID-19 was documented in 50.9% of 2020 admission records and identified as contributors to deterioration in 70.6% of these. Restrictions on schooling and activities, increased time to focus on disordered eating behaviours, and worsening mental health were the commonest lockdown-related factors.

Conclusions

During the first year of the pandemic in Melbourne, there was a significant increase in eating disorder admissions and some markers of severity. Factors potentially contributing to deterioration and admissions should be considered in inpatient and outpatient management of children with eating disorders, and in future planning of social restrictions.