Children's anxiety after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study using the Children's Anxiety Questionnaire

• Grant number: 21/01092-2
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Pediatric Nursing
• Principal researcher: Marla Andréia Garcia de Avila
• Grantee: Tainara de Jesus Amorim
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The spread of COVID-19 infection requires continually improving knowledge about its epidemiology. In Brazil, the pandemic has greatly influenced children nationwide; events such as school closures have affected daily life. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to isolation and restrictions, which are significantly disrupting for children; they are not well understood and have been shown to be both confusing and frightening. Aim: To assess the prevalence of anxiety among Brazilian children and its associated factors after the first year of pandemic COVID-19. Method: We will use a cross-sectional design with an online survey to collect information. An online survey will distribute through social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and personal contacts (WhatsApp) that expanded through snowballing. Participants will be children between 6 and 12 years old and their parents or guardians. The CAQ (scores range from 4 to 12) contains four items with four images of facial expressions, with three response options, each representative of a different level of emotional intensity. The faces of Happy/Content and Calm/Relaxed are measured as 3-2-1, and the faces of Tense/Nervous and Worried/Afraid are measured as 1-2-3. The range for this instrument is 4 to 12 points, with 4 points signifying no anxiety and 12 points signifying the highest level of anxiety. Recently, the CAQ in Brazilian Portuguese was validated, as demonstrated by satisfactory results among professionals and children. This study contributes to characterize the evolution of the pandemic in our community, producing a basis to make comparisons with the literature and other contexts. In addition, to implement public health actions targeting these parents and their children. (AU)