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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s lives deserve attention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety among Brazilian children and its associated factors during social distancing during COVID-19. We used a cross-sectional design with an online survey from April to May 2020 in Brazil. We included children aged 6–12 years and their guardians. The Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ; scores 4–12) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; scores 0–10) were used to measure anxiety. We enrolled 157 girls and 132 boys, with a mean age of 8.84 (±2.05) years; 88.9% of respondents were mothers. Based on CAQ ≥ 9, the prevalence of anxiety was 19.4% (n = 56), and higher among children with parents with essential jobs and those who were social distancing without parents. In logistic regression, the following variables were associated with higher CAQ scores: social distancing without parents; more persons living together in home; and education level of guardians. Based on NRS > 7, the prevalence of anxiety was 21.8% (n = 63); however, no associations with NRS scores were found with the investigated variables. These findings suggest the necessity of implementing public health actions targeting these parents and their children at the population level.
Department of Nursing Botucatu Medical School UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista
Department of Neurology Botucatu Medical School UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista
Institute of Health Sciences University West
The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital
Institute of Health and Care Sciences University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg
Department of Nursing Botucatu Medical School UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista
Department of Neurology Botucatu Medical School UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista
FAPESP: 2019/05294-9
