Children patients with COVID-19: How can parental and peer support lessen the psychological burden of isolation.
Nojoud Alrashidi, Faransa A Ahmed, Huwida H Abdelmonem and 15 others
PMID 37632315WHAT IT FOUND
Children with COVID-19 who stayed home reported higher self-esteem than those isolated in hospitals.
Support from parents and peers, maintained through phone or digital communication, was strongly linked to better self-esteem in both groups.
Key findings
01Self-esteem was significantly higher in children isolated at home (85% normal) compared to those isolated in hospitals (63% normal).
02Parental and peer support scores were significantly higher for children isolated at home than for those in hospitals.
03There was a strong positive correlation between parental and peer support and children's self-esteem during isolation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used a convenience sample, which introduces selection bias and limits generalizability. Data collection was performed virtually or via telephone, which may have affected the quality or depth of responses. The study was conducted during the peak of the pandemic, so findings may not apply to other periods or variants. The sample was homogeneous and limited to a specific geographic region in Egypt.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest and the research was not funded.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as evidence that home isolation is medically safer or more effective for treating COVID-19. The study only assessed psychological outcomes like self-esteem and support, not clinical recovery or viral transmission risks.