95% parents believed that the pandemic impacted their kids’ physical, emotional, mental & social growth: Fortis Hospitals Mumbai study

95% parents believed that the pandemic impacted their kids’ physical, emotional, mental & social growth: Fortis Hospitals Mumbai study

• Study conducted with parents of children between 5yrs-18yrs across Mumbai, from August to October 2021, with a sample size of 7,670

• 52% parents believe that their kids are experiencing attention deficiency

• 32% parents state that their children have not yet gotten the scheduled vaccinations required for their age

• 44% parents would consult their Pediatrician and only then have their child vaccinated against COVID19

November 14th 2021, Mumbai: Lack of physical activity, significantly increased screen time and disrupted social life have considerably impacted children's lives during the COVID19 pandemic. As more and more parents get worried about their kids' changing behavior and health, teams at Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Kalyan, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi and SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim reached out to about 8000 parents from Mumbai, aiming to understand the impact of the pandemic on their children’s physical & mental wellbeing. The survey was conducted keeping in mind multiple factors such as age groups of children, their time on electronic gadgets, physical activity, nutrition & food habits, sleep time, and emotional behavior.

Upon engaging with 7,670 parents, the study highlighted that while children have largely been spared from the direct health effects of COVID19, at least to date, the crisis has had a profound effect on their overall wellbeing. 

The essential findings of the study are:

Gadget use:

• 62% parents stated that their kids spent around 4-6hrs on electronic gadgets (laptops/ mobile devices) every day; over 23% parents stated that their child spent over 6hrs using electronic gadgets over the weekend
• 57% parents stated that their kids watched TV or played video games in their free time, and only 30% kids pursued hobbies such as painting/dancing etc.

Physical activity:

• 41% parents stated that their kids engaged in 1-2 hours playing/ physical activities everyday; 16% parents allowed their child to only meet their friends online

Physical health:

• 57% parents stated that their kids did not frequently fall ill during the pandemic, but 
• 37% parents stated that their kids experienced frequent cold, cough & sore throat 
• 21% parents stated that their kids experienced tiredness & fatigue
• 19% parents stated that their kids experienced digestive issues
• 10% parents stated that their kids experienced eye dryness, blurring and had to start wearing spectacles
• 39% parents stated that their kids gained significant weight during the pandemic, and more than 30% parents stated that their kids resorted to frequent snacking
• 58% parents stated that their kids enjoyed 8-10hrs of sleep every day; 4% parents stated that their child had experienced sleep disturbances

Mental health:

• 62% parents stated that their children now demanded their parents to spend more time with them
• 59% parents stated that their children got agitated/ irritated commonly since the pandemic
• 52% parents stated that their kids experienced lack of focus
• 23% parents stated that their kids picked up unhygienic habits like nail-biting  

Driving the survey, Dr Jesal Sheth, Senior Consultant-Paediatrician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, and Dr Sameer Sadawarte, Head- PICU Fortis Hospital, Mulund said, “The survey indicates that children are greatly impacted by the pandemic but show a lot of resilience as compared to adults. However, a long period of physical inactiveness has disrupted the growth process of young children is a matter of concern. We must understand that the pandemic cannot continue to impact our lives, especially the growth of our children. As life slowly limps back to normalcy, we must try to involve our children in physical activities, sports and help them socialize with their friends, but in a safe manner. Remaining cognizant of our kid’s mental and physical needs, reporting unusual symptoms, and ensuring social re-integration is crucial”.

“It has been a long, long 20 months for all of us – especially children. With nationwide lockdowns and pandemic-related movement restrictions, children have spent memorable months of their lives away from friends, classrooms, and play, which are key elements of childhood. The impact is such that many children were burdened under the weight of unaddressed mental health issues. Too little investment is being made by stakeholders to address these critical needs. As guardians of health, we must place importance on physical & mental health on future life outcomes, and initiate progressive steps in this direction’, said Dr Asmita Mahajan, Consultant-Neonatologist & Pediatrician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate

Adding to this, Dr Gurudutt Bhat, Consultant-Paediatrician, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, said, “Mental health is a part of physical health - we cannot continue to view it otherwise. We have seen little understanding and limited investment in this critical element of maximizing every child’s potential for far too long. This needs to change. Going forward, we urge parents to understand their kids’ physical, nutritional, mental and social needs to help them overcome the issues they face during the pandemic”.

“What we need to understand is that children are very impressionable in their growing years. Research clearly states that childhood experiences, whether traumatic or happy, shape a child’s personality & thinking. We must prioritise their health, make them feel they are being heard and not disregarded. Guardians should give appropriate attention to the child’s health and overall development. Since the schools will be opening shortly for all grades it is important to teach children COVID19 appropriate norms for their well-being. Also since children will be attending physical classes after a long gap of almost 20 months, it’s important that the teachers and parents create the right milieu and confidence so that the kids accept the school going with ease and learning becomes a pleasure for them”, emphasized Dr. Subash  Rao, Consultant-Paediatrics, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital

Armed with the survey findings that were unveiled on Children’s Day 2021, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai plans to take progressive steps towards building awareness amongst parents through various touchpoints. Spearheaded by Pediatricians & General Physicians/ Mental Health Experts, the engagement programs will drive focus on adopting healthy practices, effectively engaging (physically & mentally) children & parents to enable overall growth and prioritizing health.

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