JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is intensely affecting lives around the globe. Lockdown, social distancing, quarantine and isolation caused entire change of psychosocial environment of countries. As pandemic is progressing through phases, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of these phases on Mental health of children and adolescents and the provision of necessary interventions. So this study was conducted with an objectives to assess the prevalence of stressors and to estimate the prevalence of anxiety among school going adolescent children in Kolar. Aims: To assess the prevalence of stressors and anxiety among school going adolescents in Kolar. Using Adolescent stress questionnaire. Settings and Design: Cross sectional study conducted during July 2020 to September 2020. All school going children in the adolescent age group 10-16 years from the selected Private schools in Kolar, depending on the availability of the online teaching platforms. Methods and Material: A Cross-sectional study was carried out among 288 school going adolescents in Kolar using a 14 point shortened version of Adolescent stress questionnaire, via Google forms and communicate through the school online learning platforms. The school Principal permission was taken along with consent and assent from the parent and child respectively by an option of opting into the survey. Statistical analysis used: The data was compiled in Microsoft excel and SPSS statistical software version 22 was used to analyse the data. Results: Among the 288 responses obtained from the children, 32% had symptoms of anxiety and 52% were found to be stressed, whereas 16.3% children had sleep disturbances and. 51.9% of them complained of not getting enough time for leisure.85.1% children’s parents spent time with their children. Conclusions: In the current context of restriction of movements due to the pandemic, children have constrained access to socialization and playing outdoor. As supported by our study results, children are found to feel anxious and are at a loss due to over-exposure to media and academic pressure. Hence it’s the need of the hour to find ways to explain and address with children regarding the present day situation in a way that is understandable to them. Keywords: COVID 19, Stress, Anxiety, Adolescents, School going children.