Emotional and behavioral changes in early childhood in the context of the covid-19 pandemic
Abstract
Objective: to investigate the emotional and behavioral changes in children during social isolation and the reasons for these changes in the perception of their caregivers. Method: a descriptive study in which data were collected on the routine and behavior of children aged between 18 months and 6 years, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a virtual interview conducted in 2020 with the child's caregiver. The data were analyzed using descriptive frequency analysis and comparative analysis between children under and over 3 years old. Categorical variables were grouped based on similarities. Results: 68 caregivers and children aged between 19 months and 5 years and 8 months participated. All of them reported changes in their routines throughout the pandemic. There was an increase in the time spent on electronic devices (75.3%) and playing (67.6%); an increase in the frequency of sleep disturbances (30.9%), crying (48.5%), fear (58.8%), irritation (73.5%); difficulty following orders (58.8%); greater demand for attention (79.4%); increased consumption of sweets (61.8%) and fried foods (29.4%); and decreased concentration (34.3%). Changes in routine were considered the main reason for the behavioral problems observed. Conclusion: the routine modifications caused by the pandemic led to emotional and behavioral shifts in children, which potentially affected their development.
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References
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