Mind the gap: examining policy and social media discourse on Long COVID in children and young people in the UK.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Long COVID in children and young people (CYP) has posed significant challenges for health systems worldwide. Despite its impact on well-being and development, policies addressing the needs of CYP remain underdeveloped. This study examines UK Long COVID policies using ethical frameworks, integrating policy and social media analyses to explore public and professional concerns.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was applied. Policy documents were reviewed using Thompson et al.'s pandemic preparedness framework and Campbell and Carnevale's child-inclusive ethical model. Social media discourse (12,650 posts) was analysed using Brandwatch™ to identify key themes around CYP and Long COVID policies. Data was collected and triangulated through the LISTEN method, which integr

SUBMITTER: Chepo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11992780 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature