COVID-19-related future anxiety is associated with the health-related quality of life in school-aged children and adolescents—A cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1003876
• Publication Date: 2022-11-09T06:59:56Z
• Authors: Anika Kästner; Petra Lücker; Arne Hannich; Lena Schmeyers; Janny Lücker; Wolfgang Hoffmann
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Pandemic

Background Over the course of COVID-19 pandemic, previous studies have shown that physical as well mental health children and adolescents significantly deteriorated. Future anxiety caused by pandemic its associations with quality life has not previously been examined in school children. Methods As part a cross-sectional web-based survey at schools Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, two years after outbreak were asked about COVID-19-related future using German epidemic-related Dark Scale for (eDFS-K). Health-related (HRQoL) was assessed self-reported KIDSCREEN-10. The eDFS-K psychometrically analyzed (internal consistency confirmatory factor analysis) thereafter predictor HRQoL general linear regression model. Results A total N = 840 8–18-year-old included analysis. demonstrated adequate internal reliability (Cronbach's α 0.77), analysis further supported one-factor structure four-item scale an acceptable model fit. 43% students found to low HRQoL. In addition, 47% sometimes often reported fears future. Children had lower ( B – 0.94, p < 0.001). Other predictors older age 0.63, 0.001), female 3.12, 0.001) diverse 6.82, gender. Conclusion Two school-aged continue exhibit HRQoL, which is exacerbated presence anxiety. Intervention programs increased focus on also addressing should be provided.