Return to school and mask-wearing in class during the COVID-19 pandemic: Student perspectives from a school simulation study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study examined children's perspectives about returning to in-person school following lockdown due to the pandemic and about mask-wearing in class, as well as the mental health of children and parents during the pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was part of a 2-day school simulation exercise that randomized students to different masking recommendations. Parent-report of mental health and post-simulation child-report of COVID-19-related anxiety and mask-wearing were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with older students to supplement questionnaire data.

Results

Of 190 students in this study, 31% were in grade 4 or lower 95% looked forward to returning to in-person school. Gr

SUBMITTER: Coelho SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9126272 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature