Symptoms of emotional difficulties and hyperactivity/inattention among children during the COVID-19 epidemic and associated lockdown: data from the SAPRIS project

Abstract Background COVID-19 limitation strategies led to widespread school closures around the world. The present study aims provide a description of children's mental health and associated factors during closure in France. Methods We conducted cross-sectional analysis SAPRIS pandemic France, relying on 2 ongoing national birth cohorts, ELFE EPIPAGE 2. Using weighted multinomial logistic regression models, we estimated associations between (i.e., hyperactivity/inattention emotional symptoms; assessed by Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire), behaviors, schooling, as well sociodemographic socioeconomic characteristics children family. Results sample consisted 5702 aged 8 - 9 years 49.3% girls. Sleep disturbance parents' dominant socio-professional category were with both hyperactivity-inattention (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=2.10 95%Confidence Interval [1.85-2.38]; aOR=0.45 [0.33-0.61] respectively) symptoms (aOR=6.33 [5.26-7.63]; aOR=0.62 [0.39-0.98] respectively). Specifically were: male sex (aOR=2.51 [2.24-2.82]), presence regular care its pursuit (aOR=1.69 [1.33-2.15]), (aOR=2.74 [2.23-3.37]), situation (aOR=2.19 [1.69-2.82]), tutoring difficulties it (aOR=2.56 [2.13-3.08]), type housing (aOR=0.79 [0.70-0.89]). Factors covid cases household (aOR=2.33 [1.92-2.82]), (aOR=2.94 [2.45-3.52]) financial (aOR=1.71 [1.39-2.11]). Conclusions Policy makers need balance pros cons closing schools, taking into consideration educational psychological consequences for various health.