IMPACT OF COVID 19 ON CHILDREN: A STUDY FROM A TERTIARY LEVEL HOSPITAL IN BANGLADESH

Kamrul Laila*, Mohammad Zahidul Islam and Shahana Akhter Rahman

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The best way to prevent the transmission of COVID 19 is to maintain social distancing. Bangladesh government has declared nationwide school closure to prevent spread. The present study was carried out to analyze the impact of COVID 19 on the lifestyle of children during this pandemic situation. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted in the community among 6 to 18 years old children from May to November 2020. Data were collected using a structured predesigned and pre tested questionnaire by face to face interview. Result: The study population was 200 school going children from rural (52%), urban (36.5%) and semi urban (11.5%) areas. It is found that, the pandemic has changed the habit of waking up from bed, curricular and extra-curricular activities and increased gadget and Television dependency. Only 33.5% of children have adequate facility of distance learning. Forty three children (21.5%) has developed psychosocial abnormalities during this pandemic. Conclusion: A child-focused response plan to COVID-19 should be taken, especially, working with schools and support them during the lockdown period.

Keywords: COVID 19, impact, online class, domestic violence, psychological impact.