Mental sequelae of the Covid-19 pandemic: Well-being one year into the crisis in children with and without complex medical histories and their parents

ObjectivesTo understand the long-term mental sequelae for families over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-being of children with and without complex medical histories and their parents was investigated longitudinally.MethodsWell-being of 200 school-aged children (73 typically-developing, 46 born very preterm, 73 with complex congenital heart disease) and 175 of their parents was assessed prior to and during the first (April–May 2020), second (October–November 2020), and third waves (April–May 2021) of the pandemic with standardized questionnaires. Social and COVID-19-specific determinants were investigated as predictors of impaired well-being.ResultsChild proxy-reported well-being was lower than before the pandemic during the first (P<0.001) and third waves (P=0.01) but not the second (P=0.13). Child self-reported well-being was not lower during the pandemic (all P>0.10). Parent well-being dropped during the first wave (P<0.001) and remained low during the first year (P<0.01). One year into the pandemic, 18/25% of children (self-/proxy-report) and 27% of parents scored below the normal range compared to 11%/10%, and 16%, respectively, before the pandemic. Parents of typically-developing children reported lower well-being than parents of children born very preterm (P=0.006) or with a complex congenital heart disease (P=0.03). Child and parent well-being was lower in families with sparse social support (P<0.001) and poor family functioning (P<0.01).ConclusionThe pandemic continues to impact family well-being one year after its outbreak. Families with sparse social support and poor family functioning are particularly at risk for compromised well-being and support should be provided to them.