Health problems in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19, a disease that reached pandemic status in March 2020, transformed all spheres of life and consequently affected the biopsychosocial health of children and adolescents. Objective: To identify health problems that may affect children and adolescents in an epidemiological emergency.
Methods: Research conducted between July and November 2020. Scientific journals and theses were used as a primary source of information. As a secondary source of information, the databases SciELO, Elsevier, ONU, Lilacs, Latindex were used. The terms and keywords used in the search were: COVID-19, emotional health, sleep disorders, obesity, information and communication technologies, prevention.
Results: Children's health problems were defined and disability and the use of information and communication technologies were described as risk factors. Prevention measures were implemented.
Conclusions: Confinement increases anxiety, loneliness, sadness, despair in children, sleep impairments and suicide attempts in adolescents. Childhood disability is highly vulnerable. The excessive use of communication and information technologies by children during the pandemic is a  risk factor, which can generate, among other problems, obesity. Parents and caregivers are responsible for modifying the lifestyle of children and adolescents and designing new strategies to preserve their health.