Behavioral and mental impact of school reopening during the COVID-19 post-pandemic in elementary school students under Bangkok metropolitan administration: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of behavioral and mental health challenges in Thai primary school children post-school reopening in the 2022 academic year during the COVID-19 post-pandemic
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among elementary school students aged 6 - 12 years in randomly selected public schools within the educational institutions under the Office of Primary Education District 1 (Ratchathewi, Phayathai, Dusit) of Bangkok, Thailand, after the onset of Semester 1 in 2022. The survey period spanned from January to March 2023. The Thai version of the parent-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to evaluate children's mental health and behaviors by primary caregivers. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and multivariable logistic regression models were applied for analyzing associated factors.
Results: A total of 430 Students underwent assessment. Most children (69.3%) were aged 6 - 9 (grades 1 - 3), with almost equal gender representation. Our results indicated that 9.8% of children exhibited behavioral and mental health issues following the 2022 school year commencement. Prevalent difficulties included peer relationship (11.2%), hyperactivity/inattention (10.9%), emotional (8.8%), and conduct problems (7.4%). Although peer relationship problems did not associate significantly with any of the factors, Hyperactivity/inattention problems associate with children who had underlying psychological conditions (OR = 6.74). Emotional issues were associated with sleep disturbances and partial assisting of parents during online courses. Additionally, conduct problems were linked with inadequate online learning access (OR = 3.42) and having child - caregiver conflict (OR=10.11).
Conclusion: Thai primary school children faced various emotional and behavioral challenges upon the reopening of schools in Semester 1 of the 2022 academic year following the COVID-19 pandemic. Key issues included peer relationship problems and hyperactivity/inattention behaviors. These challenges were associated with mental health difficulties, sleep disturbances, inadequate parental support for online learning, and conflicts with parents. Continuous research tracking pre- and post-pandemic mental health changes is crucial for addressing these concerns. Effective support from the government, communities, schools, and families is necessary to facilitate a smoother transition for students returning to physical classrooms and address emotional and behavioral problems.
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