RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Exploring children’s knowledge of COVID-19 and stress levels associated with the pandemic in Nigeria: a mixed-method study
JF BMJ Paediatrics Open
JO BMJ Paediatrics Open
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e001444
DO 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001444
VO 6
IS 1
A1 Osamagbe Aiyudubie Asemota
A1 Sharanya Napier-Raman
A1 Hajime Takeuchi
A1 Shanti Raman
A1 Enosakhare Aiyudubie Asemota
A1 Ezeh Nonye
YR 2022
UL http://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e001444.abstract
AB Background Children have been relatively spared from the direct effects of COVID-19 globally, but there are significant concerns about indirect effects on the most vulnerable children’s well-being. Nigeria is the largest African nation, but little is known about children’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aims were to determine children’s knowledge of COVID-19 and their mental health responses to the pandemic.Methods Children aged 6–17 years living in Calabar, Nigeria, were surveyed using a combination of online data collection assisted by parents and on-site data collection at schools. Parents filled out sociodemographic details, while children answered questions about COVID-19 knowledge and preventive measures. An adapted version of the ‘Perceived Stress Scale for Children’ was used to assess stress with additional free text space for expression of views and experiences of COVID-19.Results A total of 265 children completed questionnaires, mean age was 12.5 years, 52.1% were girls. All children knew about the virus and over two-thirds (67.8%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 transmission. Children identified television (60.8%), parents (44.2%) and social media (32.8%), as main sources of COVID-19 information. The overall mean stress score among the children was 20.47. Children mentioned the following as stressors: fear of the COVID-19 disease, effect of pandemic restrictions on schooling and social interactions as well as home/family tensions. Parental love and support were overwhelmingly reported as strengths.Conclusions Nigerian children in this study had good knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive measures to counter the virus. Children had high stress levels and expressed pandemic-related concerns but parental love and support were mitigating factors. Government and child health service providers need to tailor health and support services in response to children’s needs and concerns.All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as online supplemental information.