Quality of life in children after a new coronavirus infection

Introduction. After an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in some cases, the so-called post-covid syndrome is formed, which includes conditions and symptoms that develop during and / or after the disease, lasting more than 12 weeks, occurring in waves or on a permanent basis, and without a confirmed alternative diagnosis. Vegetative, psycho-emotional disorders, as well as disorders of the cardiovascular system, digestive and some others can be considered as manifestations of the post-covid syndrome. The variety of clinical manifestations of post-COVID syndrome in children can have a significant impact on their quality of life (QoL).

Aim. To estimate the quality of life of children aged 5 to 17 years after COVID-19.

Materials and methods. The study included 92 children aged 5 to 17 years, divided into two groups. The study group included 62 children (31 boys, 31 girls; mean age 12.0 (7.4; 14.5) years) after a new coronavirus infection. The control group consisted of 30 children who had acute respiratory tract infection of a different etiology and did not have COVID-19 (16 girls and 14 boys; mean age 12.5 (7.5; 15.1) years). The assessment of QoL in children of the study groups was carried out using the Russian version of the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire. Parental and child forms of the questionnaire were used.

Results. The average follow-up period after a coronavirus infection was 6 months (from 3 to 12 months). 92 patient questionnaires were analyzed: 14 in the group of children 5–7 years old, 36 in the group of children 8–12 years old, 42 in the group of children and adolescents 13–17 years old, and 14 parental questionnaires in the group of children 5–7 years old. The indicators of the quality of life of children after COVID-19 were statistically significantly reduced compared to the control group in all age groups. Differences in the assessment of the quality of life by preschool children and their parents were revealed.

Conclusions. A significant decrease in the life quality was revealed in children with COVID-19 history after six months (3–12 months) of the disease manifestation in comparison with control group.

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