Immediate and longer-term changes in mental health of children with parent-child separation experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been understudied among vulnerable populations. This study aimed to examine the immediate and longer-term changes in the mental health of children with parent-child separation experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify potential buffering opportunities for mental health.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study used data from 723 rural Chinese children who provided data before (Oct. 2019) the COVID-19 pandemic and during the following 2 years. Changes in the probability of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, non-suicide self-injurious (NSSI), suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt were tested across four waves using generalized estimating models (GEE).

Results

Compared with chi

SUBMITTER: Wu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10552287 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature