Anxiety in hospitalised families: lessons from the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
10.4103/singaporemedj.SMJ-2021-413
- Author:
Annushkha SINNATHAMBY
1
;
Siau Hwei NG
1
;
Amanda ZAIN
1
;
Liangjian LU
1
;
Celeste YONG
1
;
Xinyi THONG
1
;
Si Min CHAN
1
Author Information
1. Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
Caregiver;
children;
hospitalisation;
psychological experiences
- MeSH:
Humans;
COVID-19/epidemiology*;
Male;
Child;
Female;
Singapore/epidemiology*;
Anxiety/etiology*;
Prospective Studies;
Adolescent;
Hospitalization;
SARS-CoV-2;
Adult;
Child, Preschool;
Pandemics;
Parents/psychology*;
Caregivers/psychology*;
Family/psychology*;
Depression;
Patient Isolation/psychology*;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Singapore medical journal
2025;66(6):327-332
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION:In the early phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, children with COVID-19 in Singapore required hospital isolation. We aimed to explore the psychological experiences of children and their caregivers isolated in a tertiary university hospital due to COVID-19.
METHODS:A prospective mixed-methods design was used to evaluate the psychological status of hospitalised family units with one or more children aged <18 years who had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Patient medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical information. Parents and children ≥7 years of age underwent a psychologist-administered telephone-based interview. Self-reported, age-appropriate instruments, Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, and Screen for Adult/Child Anxiety-Related Disorders, were used to assess anxiety and depression, respectively. Participants were also interviewed qualitatively.
RESULTS:Fifteen family units were hospitalised between March 2020 and May 2020. Of these, 13 (73%) family units were recruited. The median age of the children and median hospitalisation duration were 57 months and 21 days, respectively. Median number of COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction swabs performed for each child was eight. All children had asymptomatic to mild SARS-CoV-2 disease. The criteria indicative of anxiety disorder were met by 40% of adults and 80% of children, while the criteria indicative of separation anxiety were met by 60% of parents and 100% of children. One child met the criteria indicative of depression. Uncertainty, separation, prolonged hospitalisation and frequent swabs caused significant reported anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS:Families, especially children, had heightened anxiety while in hospital isolation. Therefore, home-based recovery from COVID-19 and psychological support for children and their families, with focus on early recognition of anxiety disorders, are recommended. We support review of paediatric isolation policy as the pandemic evolves.
