Anxiety Levels and Changes in Health and Hygiene Behaviors in Mothers of Children with Asthma in Early COVID-19 Lockdown in Turkey

Abstract

Objective:

The restrictions imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have caused significant changes in people's lives. This study aimed to investigate anxiety levels and changes in health and hygiene behaviors in mothers of children with asthma in early COVID-19 lockdown in Turkey.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted on children with asthma, 6 to 11 years of age, between June 1 and 30, 2020, in Turkey. A sociodemographic data form, health and hygiene behavior form, childhood asthma control test, and state-trait anxiety inventory were administered to the mothers of the children.

Results:

The asthma group included 123 children (Female: 39.0%) and median age, interquartile range (IQR) [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (6) [6–12] years; the control group included 88 children (Female: 47.7%) median age, IQR [minimum-maximum]: 8.0 (7) [5–12] years. Increased hygiene behaviors and high compliance with social isolation measures were recorded in the early lockdown, with no difference between the groups. Before the pandemic, the most frequently used cleaning products were general-purpose cleaners. During the early lockdown, however, the most frequently used product was disinfectants and was similar in both groups.

In both groups, the rate of using nutritional supplements increased during the pandemic period, but the rate was higher in children with asthma both before and during the early lockdown (P < 0.001). The anxiety levels of the mothers in asthma and control groups were similar.

Conclusion:

This study is the first in Turkey demonstrating that, in mothers of children with asthma, lifestyle changes related to health and hygiene and anxiety levels are similar to those of other children and their mothers during the early lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic.