Mental health and wellbeing implications of the COVID-19 quarantine for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people: evidence from a cross-cultural study in Zambia and Sierra Leone

Abstract Background The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantining on children young people (CYP) living in low- middle-income countries (LMICs) has yet to be fully comprehended. CYP LMICs are at utmost risk, given COVID-19-related restrictions social distancing measures, resulting reduced access school-based services for nutritional needs. This study examined during first lockdown Zambia Sierra Leone. Method A total 468 disabled disadvantaged aged 12 25 completed a planning tool that comprised short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), as well open-ended questions covering connectedness, physical educational challenges lockdown. community coaches screened individuals families who could eligible receive emergency aid, based convenience sample following distribution recipients were invited complete tool. Results data showed participants global south have increasing anxieties fears centred accessing offline resources income loss family effecting food security their ability return education. Mean (SD) SWEMWBS scores all Leone, 19.61 (3.45) 21.65 (2.84), respectively. well-being lower females, 12–14 with two or more disabilities. Factors significantly associated poor wellbeing were: type disability, nationality, peer relationships, connection others pandemic, knowledge about COVID-19, worry long-term types self-isolating. Conclusion shows self-reported low levels literacy also scored self-assessment. Yet, despite undoubted limited resources, these doing identifying needs maintaining hope face problems where stigma persists around ill-health.