Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the quality of life of the family and the child

Abstract

Admission. In March 2020, the whole world began to fight a previously unknown enemy - the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The pandemic had a significant impact on functioning of the family.

Aim. The aim of the study is to analyze the quality of life of a child and family in the time of exacerbations related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Material and methods. The quality of life of the entire family and children during hospitalization during the pandemic was investigated using the diagnostic survey method, with the use of self-authored questionnaires. The research procedure was also prepared on the basis of the original version of the KIDSCREEN 27 questionnaire. The research was conducted among 200 people. The examined children and adolescents (100 people) were patients of the Children's Observation Department of the Specialist Provincial Hospital. in Włocławek and a group of 100 parents of these children.

Results. Using the above-mentioned research tools, it has been shown that the COVID -19 pandemic in the study group negatively affects every aspect of the life of the entire family. The child's physical and mental health and social relations are disturbed, as well as their relatives.

Conclusions. The quality of life in family during a pandemic takes on a completely different dimension. As a result of the restrictions, it is necessary to reorganize life in every sphere. This leads to a number of negative consequences, namely the physical health of not only the child deteriorates, but also other family members, the mental health of the whole family, and the ability to establish proper social relationships is impaired.