Mental health issues and lifestyle changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents: A cross-sectional study in selected schools of Eastern India.

BACKGROUND: Due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), adolescents from all over the world have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress. This study attempts to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health and lifestyle issues. The study also focuses on coping strategies adopted by the participants during the pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study performed among school-going adolescents studying from classes VII to X of selected schools in Bhubaneswar. A semi-structured questionnaire was formed and validated by faculty members of the Departments of Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Community Medicine, IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, to obtain a detailed history regarding lifestyle changes, mental health issues, and coping strategies. Randomly, three schools were selected in Bhubaneswar. Permission from the principal, informed written consent from parents, and assent from students were obtained before the study. A total of 711 participants were enrolled in the study. All data were entered in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26.

RESULTS: Middle and high school students also experienced lifestyle changes; however, it was revealed that high school students experienced higher mental health problems, such as mood swings. Additionally, compared to males, girls substantially more frequently experienced academic stress, sleep difficulties, and worry, as well as the development of unhealthy habits. Various coping strategies developed by the students included development of a new hobby (45.4%), spending time with family members (12.8%), learning by playing indoor games (8.4%), computer skills (3.9%), and meditation (2.25%).

CONCLUSIONS: The lockdown, apprehension of pandemic and associated morbidity, fear of losing loved ones, academic and peer pressures, and sudden adjustment to new study methods contributed to the changes experienced by adolescents physically and mentally; hence, all of these issues were addressed in this study. This study pointed toward the need for the propagation of adolescent mental health awareness during pandemics.