ИЗЛАГАНЕ НА КОВИД-19 И БОЛЕДУВАНЕ ОТ КОВИД-19 В СЕМЕЙСТВОТО: ЕФЕКТИ ВЪРХУ ПСИХИЧНОТО ЗДРАВЕ НА ЮНОШИТЕ
COVID-19 EXPOSURE AND COVID-19 DISEASE IN THE FAMILY: EFFECTS ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Summary/Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on all spheres of life. The unclear nature of the virus, the complications and mortality associated with it, and the restrictive pandemic measures provoke an experience of uncertainty and fear and threaten not only the physical state, but also the mental health of people. Adolescents are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to examine the effects of exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19 disease in the family, and quarantine or self-isolation of the adolescent or a family member on adolescent mental health. Data were collected in June 2022 in a sample of 1130 adolescents aged 11-16 years. Methods include authors’ method on exposure to COVID-19 and COVID-19 disease in adolescents or their family members and on frequency of quarantine or self-isolation, GAD-7 generalized anxiety disorder scale, loneliness scale. According to the results, in half of the families there were members infected with COVID-19, infected adolescents were 16%. One in five adolescents experienced moderate or severe anxiety, and one in seven - chronic loneliness. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents has been confirmed. Anxiety and loneliness among adolescents were associated with their COVID-19 disease and quarantine or self-isolation in the family. Anxiety was also associated with the absence of COVID-19 infection in a family member. The results point to the need of efforts to address increased stress due to the pandemic and its negative consequences for adolescent mental health.

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