Comparative Study of Children's Mental Health Outcomes in Tyrol, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

Journal Neuropsychiatr

Specialties Neurology
Psychiatry

Date 2023 Nov 22

PMID 37989911

Authors

Gabriele Kohlboeck

Verena Barbieri

Anna Wenter

Giuliano Piccoliori

Adolf Engl

Kathrin Sevecke

Christian J Wiedermann

Silvia Exenberger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the mental health outcomes of children in North Tyrol, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, considering the sociocultural and contextual differences between the two regions.

Methods: The Tyrolean COVID-19 Children's Study (TCCS: n = 401; June 2021 to July 2021) and the Corona and Psyche in South Tyrol 2021 Study (COP‑S; n = 3402; May 2021 to June 2021) were used for data analyses. Both studies employed cross-sectional designs and collected data through online questionnaires completed by children aged 7-13 years and their parents. Various psychosocial assessment tools including the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screening, Children Anxiety Test, Child Behavior Check List, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children were used in the surveys.

Results: The comparison between North Tyrol and South Tyrol revealed no significant differences in perceived threats, trauma, or anxiety among children. Similarly, there were no substantial disparities in psychosomatic complaints, indicating similar manifestations of emotional distress across the two regions.

Conclusion: The comparative analysis of children's mental health outcomes in North Tyrol and South Tyrol during the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed the analogous influence of sociocultural and contextual factors on their wellbeing. Despite presumable variations in pandemic events, management strategies, and healthcare systems, the study suggests comparable resilience among children and highlights the importance of sociocultural factors in shaping their wellbeing. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions to support children's mental health during challenging times.

Citing Articles

Impact of Digital Media, School Problems, and Lifestyle Factors on Youth Psychosomatic Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Barbieri V, Piccoliori G, Engl A, Wiedermann C Children (Basel). 2024; 11(7).

PMID: 39062244 PMC: 11274681. DOI: 10.3390/children11070795.

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