Youth less healthy during the early stages of the pandemic

The researchers compared 145 scientific studies from approximately 60 countries on the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for the physical and mental health of children and young people.

Children and young people who already had mental or physical health problems were particularly severely affected during the first year of the coronavirus period. The pandemic worsened their existing problems. Other factors that increased the negative consequences of COVID-19 included poverty and problems within families.

Children and young people also visited healthcare providers less often for physical or mental health complaints, even though their need for mental healthcare increased.

Resilient children and young people

At the same time, the study shows that children and young people were also resilient during the first year of the pandemic. During the lockdowns, they experienced less pressure or overstimulation and had more free time and independence. For many children and young people, their physical and mental health complaints also decreased again after coronavirus measures were relaxed.

The literature review is part of the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19, which is being carried out on behalf of ZonMw and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Its aim is to monitor the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the coronavirus measures taken for health.

Pandemic worsened problems

“It is good to see that a large proportion of young people quickly recover between lockdowns,” says Thijs Tuenter of the Netherlands Youth Institute. “It is understandable that they have a more positive outlook on life when, for example, they can see their friends again. Unfortunately, this does not apply to all children and young people, particularly those who already had psychological problems. They have been affected most severely by the crisis; this is evident not only from the Dutch studies but also from the international studies included in this research. For them, the pandemic worsened their problems. We know that this is a major risk factor for multiple problems in the long term. It is important to identify and address this in a timely manner.”