Psychosocial Problems Among Primary School Children in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2022

Abstract

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, primary school children are particularly vulnerable as restriction measures have caused a huge impact on their health and well-being. This study aims to assess the prevalence of mental health among primary school children in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with psychosocial problems.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 701 Thai parents of primary school children from January to March 2022 – when teaching modalities between onsite and online learning were alternated. Parents were requested to assess the mental health of their youngest child at primary school age level. Psychosocial problems were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) with a total score of 40, based on 4 domains (emotion, behavior, hyperactivity, and relationship). Independent variables included (1) parental/household factors, (2) children characteristics, and (3) online learning-related issues. The dependent variable was the prevalence of children with a total score of 14–40, which indicates at risk and/or having mental health problems. The analysis was performed using logistic regression model.

Results

Thai parents reported that 41.1% of children had psychosocial problems. Children in a single-parent family (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–2.8), male children (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.4), and children who did not receive adequate assistance for online learning from their parents (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–4.0) significantly faced greater odds of mental health problems.

Conclusion

The prevalence of Thai primary school children confronting psychosocial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic increased, with significant concern. Public health interventions that aim to protect the mental health of primary school children during the pandemic should be introduced and targeted male children and those living with a single parent. Social support that facilitates online learning for children whose parents have limited capacity in supporting them should be implemented.

Keywords:

• mental
• health
• primary school
• children
• COVID-19
• Thailand

Key Messages

• By using the parent-reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), it was found that the prevalence of children’s psychosocial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand was 41.1%, which was much higher than that found in a normal period.

• Factors associated with children’s mental health included: being a boy, living with a single parent, lacking assistance from their own parents, and not receiving adequate assistance on a daily basis.

• During a public health emergency period, when onsite education cannot be continued and is replaced by online education, health interventions should be introduced and targeted at male children and those living with a single parent. Meanwhile, social support that facilitates online learning for children whose parents had limited capacity in assisting with learning daily should also be implemented.

• To ensure that children’s psychosocial problems have been addressed properly, follow-up of the changes of children’s mental health during the post-pandemic period should be undertaken.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.