Children and adolescents’ quality of life in repeated cross-sectional studies during the COVID-19

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, internalizing and externalizing symptoms have impacted the quality of life of children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study evaluated children’s quality of life using parental reports, observing associations with mental health problems and sociodemographic variables. Some behavioral measures were linked to lower quality of life, particularly depression symptoms, relationship problems, and inattention. Multiple regression models indicated that reduced children’s quality of life (R2 = 36%) was associated with higher levels of internalizing (r = −0.46) and externalizing (r = −0.23) behavioral problems and younger parents (r = −0.08). Children with previous mental disorder diagnoses had lower quality of life than those without (p < 0.001). In summary, children’s quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic was linked to current mental health, parental age, and previous history of mental disorders.