Challenges During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Diabetes Control and Psychosocial Issues in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Governments have enforced restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus dis- ease 2019, which has affected lifestyle and psychosocial well-being. The aim of this study is to examine the psychosocial dimensions of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and lifestyle changes in the face of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty school-aged children with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included to evaluate socioeconomic status, lifestyle changes, and psychological state after a 3-month school closure, using a questionnaire as well as scales in children and mothers [Depression-Anx iety-Stress Scale (short-form), Revised Child Anxiety-Depression Scale (parent-version), The Perceived Stress Scale in Children] via a Google® Form. The effect of pre-pandemic glycemic control on lifestyle and factors affecting HbA1c change were also investigated. RESULTS: The percentage of mothers having scale scores above the cutoff in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression were 18.3%, 23.3%, and 33.3%, respectively. Mother's and children's anxiety, depression, and stress scores were positively correlated. Employed mothers had higher depression scores. Paternal unemployment increased the anxiety of the mothers. Seventy-eight percent (n = 46) of the mothers thought that diabetes in their children increased the risk of coro- navirus disease 2019 infection, and children of these mothers had higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores(P = .01, P < .01, P < .01). The majority of participants were adversely affected by coronavirus disease 2019 in terms of daily routines and dietary compliance. Patients with poor-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus deteriorated more in terms of diet compliance (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 affects the psychosocial dimensions in the family of chil- dren with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The psychosocial impact is reflected within the family and may affect diabetic control. Thus, it should be handled within the context of family. The provi- sion of proper information and guidance to parents may be crucial to alleviate the psychosocial burden on the family during the pandemic.

Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Their Families.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial impact of the pandemic in pediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and their families and whether congenital adrenal hyperplasia imposes an additional burden compared to other endocrine disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (n = 38) and congenital hypothyroidism (n = 41) and their families were enrolled in the prospective longitudinal survey study. Questionnaires that were completed remotely in June 2020 and in July 2021 included Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and purpose-built daily routine, parent, and child COVID information scores, factors affecting drug usage, and parents' thoughts about the pandemic. At the end of 1 year, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children were repeated in the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group and they were questioned about the incidence and severity of coronavirus infection. RESULTS: Median Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children scores were similar between the congenital adrenal hyperplasia and congenital hypothyroidism groups. In the congenital adrenal hyperplasia group, median purpose-built daily routine was higher in those who had a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State score above the threshold (P = .048), also Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Depression, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Anxiety, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Stress, Parent COVID Information Score were higher among parents who followed news/data because of chronic diseases/medications of the child (P = .010, P = .034, P = .044, P = .045, respectively), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State was higher among parents who believed "having chronic diseases" and "using medications" increase the risk of COVID-19 infection (P = .011, P = .016, respectively). In the second survey, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children-State, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Anxiety, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale short form-Stress decreased significantly (P < .01, P = .009, P = .008, respectively). Three patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who reported positive nasopharyngeal swab tests revealed mild symptoms. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has negative consequences on the mental well-being of individuals with chronic diseases, albeit from different causes.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children With Special Needs: A Descriptive Study.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, children with special needs may have challenges. To determine emotional and behavioral challenges, 116 children aged 4 to 6 years, who received special education, were evaluated. COVID-19 negatively affected the families at a rate of 94.6%; 76.5% of the children's daily routines were worsened. Although the one-on-one time duration with the mother and father increased (73.5% and 66.7%), reading books (40.6%), play (17.2%), and overall activity durations (25.7%) decreased. The median screen time increased from 1 to 3 hours. According to the families, there was a regression in development in 18.8% of children. Special education practices at home were ceased by 17.2% of families, and a significant difference was found between the groups with and without regression in development in terms of the frequency of continuing special education at home. The development of children with special needs is an ongoing urgent situation; thus, besides protecting and promoting physical health during the pandemic, families and children should also be supported for developmental needs.