Mental and Psychosomatic Effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Adolescents: A Validation Study.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had detrimental impacts on both physical and mental health worldwide. In addition to the behavioral effects, it has caused a range of psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and anger. Fear and stress have been particularly prevalent in individuals. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Scale for the Evaluation of Mental and Psychosomatic Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic (COVID-19 PRPEDS) on adolescents and explore the pandemic's psychosomatic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 503 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 years who continue their high school education constituted the study population. The COVID-19 PRPEDS comprising 18 items and 2 subscales (Mental Effects, Psychosomatic Effects), was used in adolescents. The forms were delivered to the students via the Internet, and in addition to the scale, the age and sex of the adolescents were recorded. RESULTS: A majority of the participants (96.6%, n = 486) had knowledge about COVID-19, 93.8% (n = 472) could differentiate COVID-19 from other diseases, 96.6% (n = 486) were able to explain the transmission ways of COVID-19 and 96% (n = 483) took the necessary precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19. The COVID-19 PRPEDS scores of males were higher than females. The study validation index was above 0.9, which is considered to be acceptable for adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Like in the other pandemics, adolescents experienced serious mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to its psychosomatic effects, the mental issues related to the pandemic were more common in male adolescents. Cite this article as: Ince G, Üzüm Ö, Eliaçik K, Kanik A, Emir B, Helvaci M. Mental and psychosomatic effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on adolescents: A validation study. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(1):60-69.

Self-effectiveness and healthy lifestyle behaviors in adolescents with asthma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the self-efficacy and healthy lifestyle behavior levels in adolescents with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Socio-demographic questionnaire form, questions about adherence to asthma medication, asthma control test, healthy lifestyle behaviors scale, and self-efficacy scale for children and adolescents with asthma were administered to 150 patients whom age range between 12-18, in follow up with asthma in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and self-efficacy scale scores between adolescents with controlled and uncontrolled asthma. When patients were grouped regarding the treatment compliance, both healthy lifestyle behaviors scale and asthma self-efficacy scale scores were found to be higher in patients with treatment compliance. When the patients were grouped on the basis of gender, regular follow-up visits, and smoking, there was no significant difference between healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-efficacy scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed us the importance of the relationship between healthy living and adolescent self-efficacy in adherence to treatment, while there are many more components in asthma control.

Investigating the Potential Connection Between Cyberchondria and Vaccine Hesitancy in High School Students.

BACKGROUND: Internet use, which provides the opportunity to access information from anywhere, and anytime, is increasing among adolescents and young adults. In studies examining the effect of technology use in adults, it has been observed that there is a relationship between cyberchondria and vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to uncover the potential relationship between cyberchondria and vaccine hesitancy in adolescents and to obtain data for combating anti-vaccination in this age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2.353 high school students were enrolled within the scope of this research. The forms were delivered to the students online and 531 volunteers participated in the survey. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale and Vaccine Hesitancy Scale were used to evaluate the details of the relationship between cyberchondria and vaccine hesitancy levels in adolescents. RESULTS: The compulsion subscales of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale in males and vaccine repugnance subscales of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in females were statistically significantly higher. Cyberchondria and vaccine hesitancy have a strong relationship with each other except benefits and protective value of vaccines subscale of vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSION: Health policymakers should be aware of this relationship and there is a need to develop novel online intervention programs for combating anti-vaccination, particularly among cyberchondriac adolescents who have relatively high vaccination hesitancy, particularly during the pandemic.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy: Social Isolation in Relation to Social Media Addiction and COVID-19 Anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in immunization over the last century, vaccine hesitancy is a major threat to world health. Health-related information available from a variety of sources, including new media such as social media platforms, can encourage vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study is to determine the level of vaccine hesitation among adults, specifically their belief in the advantages of vaccination and their perceptions of vaccine-related dangers in relation to social media addiction and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2021 and January 2022, 454 adults participated in an online cross-sectional survey consisting of the social media use disorder scale, the vaccine hesitancy scale, and the coronavirus anxiety scale. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed a strong correlation between social media addiction, vaccine hesitation, and COVID-19 anxiety. CONCLUSION: Given the potential for misinformation to spread through social media, especially in a situation like a pandemic, the conscious use of social media should be emphasized and anti-addiction measures are required. Novel programs including online interventions should be developed to promote vaccination among social media addicts who have relatively high vaccination hesitancy.

Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Children Diagnosed With COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 has affected individuals of all age groups, both physically and mentally. We aimed to determine anxiety and depression in children diagnosed with COVID-19. Fifty children aged 8 to 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. The children were evaluated the revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, STAI form TX-I (state anxiety inventory), and STAI form TX-II (trait anxiety inventory). Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied for one of the parents according to three different periods. The periods were established as before the pandemic, during the illness-quarantine process, and after the quarantine. We observed the highest scores for depression-anxiety and the poorest sleep quality during the quarantine period. The scores for depression-anxiety were lower, and sleep quality scores were higher in the prepandemic period compared with after the quarantine period. Measures should be taken to protect mental health for children with COVID-19.

Characteristics and Results of Hospital Admission Caused by Influenza Virus Infections in Children under 5 Years Old.

AIMS: The influenza virus is an infectious disease with acute respiratory tract infections, caused secondary bacterial infections and death. In this study, we aimed to determine which predictors were associated with the need for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) and transition to intensive care for influenza virus and also to compare single viral pathogens with multiple ones. METHODS: Inpatients under the age of 5 with influenza virus-related respiratory tract infections between November 2015 and March 2019 were included in the study. Demographic features, comorbidities, symptoms, secondary bacterial infection, need for HFNC and pediatric intensive care unit and respiratory support system, length of hospital stay, polymerase chain reaction tests were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were included in the study. It was determined that 53.8% of the cases were male and 84.9% were under the age of 2. Comorbidities were present in 50.5% of the cases. Secondary bacterial pneumonia developed in 56.9% of the cases. Patients with secondary bacterial pneumonia had higher PICU need, HFNC need and hospital stay (p = 0.014, p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.001, respectively). Patients with comorbidity had longer hospital stays and a higher need for HFNC (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was determined that especially comorbidity and secondary bacterial infection aggravated the clinical treatment of hospitalized patients. Therefore, it was concluded that patients with comorbidity should be followed closely and secondary bacterial pneumonia should be recognized and treated early.

Clinical Usefulness of Acute-Phase Markers in Distinguishing between PFAPA and Other Exudative Tonsillitis Causes: A Methodological Study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the practical use of procalcitonin (PCT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count (CBC) parameters in distinguishing periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) attacks from exudative tonsillitis associated with group A streptococcus (GAS) and Epstein-Barre virus (EBV). METHODS: The study population consisted of cases with exudative tonsillitis who had been subsequently diagnosed as PFAPA, EBV, and GAS tonsillitis through a period of 6 years. We retrieved the CBC, ESR, CRP and PCT data from patients' medical records. RESULTS: Of the patients, 47 (35.6%) had PFAPA, 36 (27.3%) had GAS and 49 (37.1%) had EBV tonsillitis. Median CRP, ESR and PCT values of patients with PFAPA were 78 (17-92) mg/dl, 44 (11-83) mm/h, 0.16 (0.01-1.45) ng/ml, respectively. The CRP and ESR levels were significantly higher in PFAPA and GAS groups compared with the EBV group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the PCT levels. CONCLUSION: The study indicated no benefit of PCT in distinguishing PFAPA from the others. However, we found that CRP, ESR, and CBC parameters could be useful in identifying PFAPA and GAS than EBV tonsillitis.

Adolescents with asthma reported more peer victimization, more anger repression, and less anger expression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the peer victimization and anger expression in adolescents with asthma. The relationship between asthma control and psychological features was also examined. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study with a healthy control group. The sample of the study was composed of 61 adolescents who were previously diagnosed by a physician with asthma of various intensities. Sixty adolescents with no chronic disorders were enrolled as the control group. Peer victimization was examined using the Multidimensional Peer Victimization Scale (MPVS). The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) was used to assess anger expression styles. Emotional and behavioral symptoms of the adolescents were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: Adolescents with asthma reported more peer victimization in the subscales of physical, social, verbal, attacks on property, and frightening in the MPVS; and having more problems in emotional, social, and peer relations areas in the SDQ (p < .001 for all subscales) compared to the control group. The results were similar between the groups regarding the conduct problems and hyperactive behaviors. The adolescents with asthma reported more anger repression and less anger expression than the control group (p < .001 for both subscales). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the adolescents with asthma were subjected to more peer victimization and experienced more difficulties in anger expression than the controls. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that these psychological factors should be kept in mind during the management of asthma in adolescents.

Comparison of clinically related factors and treatment approaches in patients with acute bronchiolitis.

AIM: Acute bronchiolitis is a lower respiratory tract infection caused by viral agents in children aged under two years. Treatment includes hydration, oxygen, nebulized salbutamol, and intravenous steroids. This study aimed to determine the clinically related factors, the effect of viral agents on the clinical picture, and the efficacy of treatment methods in patients admitted with acute bronchiolitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged under two years of age who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of moderate/severe acute bronchiolitis between March 2015 and March 2019 were included in the study. Demographic data, hospitalization time, body temperature, presence of congenital heart disease, history of atopy, acute-phase reactants, mean platelet volume values, and respiratory virus panel results were recorded. The treatment modalities, length of hospitalization, intensive care hospitalization, and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) were recorded. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-two patients were included in the study. The duration of hospitalization was found to be significantly longer in patients aged under one year and in patients with acyanotic congenital heart disease. A single viral agent was detected in 69 (51.9%) patients. Rhinovirus was detected in 70 patients and RSV was detected in 37. The duration of hospitalization was found to be significantly shorter in patients who received only oxygen and/or intravenous fluid treatment compared with those who received nebulized salbutamol and/or intravenous steroids. In addition, and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of HFNC and hospitalization in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: Rhinovirus was the most common cause of acute bronchiolitis in our study. It was observed that congenital heart disease prolonged the length of hospitalization. In the treatment approaches, it was observed that hydration and oxygen therapy were sufficient treatment methods for the patients, in accordance with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and giving nebulized therapy prolonged the hospitalization period due to the treatment discontinuation steps.

Adolescents with unexplained chest pain reported depression and impaired emotional and social functioning.

AIM: Chest pain is common in adolescence, but there are no established criteria for managing this problem, which is rarely associated with cardiac disease. This study addressed the gaps in the literature by evaluating psychosocial factors that could be associated with medically unexplained chest pain. METHODS: We consecutively selected 100 patients (68% girls) aged 13-18 who were diagnosed with unexplained chest pain when they presented to the cardiology outpatient clinics of Tepecik Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, between 30 September 2015 and 30 June 2018. The controls were 76 age- and sex-matched adolescents (69% girls) aged 13-18 who were undergoing routine cardiology assessments before joining sports clubs. We assessed their health-related quality of life and any depression and physical symptoms. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed some adolescents were a number of times more likely to report chest pain. These included those who reported boredom (4.1 times), felt stressed or anxious (2.2) and those who experienced sleep disturbance (2.6), co-morbid headaches (2.0), back pain (3.1) and impaired social functioning (1.2). CONCLUSION: The results indicated a significant association between unexplained chest pain and physical symptoms, depression and impaired emotional and social functioning. These factors warrant further evaluation.

Glycemic control and health behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Yetim A, Alikasifoglu M, Bas F, Eliaçik K, Çig G, Erginöz E, Ercan O, Bundak R. Glycemic control and health behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 244-254. The purpose of this study was to determine the health/health risk behaviors of a group of Turkish adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to determine the prevalence and explore the exact effect of these behaviors on glycemic control (GC). A total of 210 adolescents (age 12-20 years; diabetes duration > 6 months; no additional comorbidities), completed a self-administered questionnaire (including some questions from Health Behavior in School-aged Children study questionnaire). Subjects were divided into two groups based on the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, measured in the last 3 months: good GC (HbA1c < 8%) and poor GC (HbAc1≥8%). Chi-square tests and backward stepwise logistic regression analysis were used in statistical analyses. Of the patients, 57 had good GC and 153 had poor GC. The results of the backward stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that being overweight and frequent electronic media use were risk factors for poor GC, whereas computer use for homework for long period of time (≥2 hours/day) was found to be a protective factor in terms of GC. Screening adolescents in terms of health/health risk behaviors such as frequent electronic media use, and giving adolescents health responsibilities should be an integral part of the follow-up of these patients, and intervention programs that lead to behavioral changes should be developed.

Father`s role in infantile anorexia.

Özyurt G, Çagan-Appak Y, Karakoyun M, Eliaçik K, Baran M. Father`s role in infantile anorexia. Turk J Pediatr 2018; 60: 608-611. Organic diseases account for only 16-30% of early feeding disorders. During the infancy period, mother-child relationship is in the center of feeding and disturbances in this relationship can also cause feeding disorders. Infantile anorexia (IA) usually begins within the first three years of age, but it has most commonly been observed to emerge between 9 and 18 months of age, a time during which babies transition to spoon and self-feeding. It is also worth noting that babies start to gain autonomy during this time frame. The present study discusses the case of an 8-month-old girl diagnosed with IA after ruling out food allergies, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, malrotation, and neurological problems. The patient was diagnosed with IA was treated with the relational regulation of parents and active participation of her father during the treatment process. It is found that mother-child relational disturbances and conflicts decreased dyadic reciprocity and non-appropriate affects in feeding times are associated with IA. Effective treatment strategies for non-organic feeding disorders might be developed by giving importance to maternal mental health and providing paternal involvement in baby caregiving.

The relationships between problematic internet use, alexithymia levels and attachment characteristics in a sample of adolescents in a high school, Turkey.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between attachment characteristics, alexithymia and problematic internet use (PIU) in adolescents. The study was performed on 444 high school students (66% female and 34% male). Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Short Form of the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (s-IPPA) scales were used. The adolescents who scored ≥50 on IAT were considered as the PIU group and <50 were considered as control group. There was a moderate positive relationship between TAS-20 and IAT scores (r = .441), and a moderate negative relationship between TAS-20 and s-IPPA scores (r = -.392), and a negative weak relationship between IAT and s-IPPA scores (r = -.208). S-IPPA scores were significantly lower in the PIU group compared to the controls (p < .001). TAS-20 scores of the PIU group were significantly higher compared to the controls (p < .05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that s-IPPA scores and TAS-20 significantly predict the PIU development (p < .05). The results indicate that alexithymia increases the risk of PIU and higher attachment quality is a protective factor for both alexithymia and PIU. These results suggest that it is important to focus on the insecure attachment patterns and alexithymic characteristics when studying adolescents with PIU.

The overlap of gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional constipation in children: the efficacy of constipation treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with functional constipation (FC). It was structured to assess the improvement level in reflux symptoms by measuring the acid reflux in these patients after they had received FC treatment. METHODS: Ninety-four children who suffered from constipation were evaluated prospectively. Data forms were completed to assess the GERD symptoms in all the cases. Twenty-four-hour pH meter monitoring was performed in 55 of the patients with GERD symptoms. The cases with abnormal acid reflux were treated by conventional therapy for FC. These cases were re-evaluated for GERD symptoms and weekly defecation frequency, and 24-h pH meter monitoring was performed at the end of a 3-month period. RESULTS: An abnormal level of acid reflux was determined in 23 of the 55 cases. After the constipation treatment, a significant improvement was achieved in the acid reflux index and GERD symptoms, whereas the weekly defecation frequency increased. CONCLUSION: GERD is a frequent problem in children with FC. Treatment of the constipation can improve the reflux symptoms and abnormal acid reflux in these cases. Physicians should bear in mind the co-occurrence of these two prevalent problems for better disease management.

Anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and stressful life events in non-cardiac adolescent chest pain: a comparative study about the hidden part of the iceberg.

Chest pain in adolescents is rarely associated with cardiac disease. Adolescents with medically unexplained chest pain usually have high levels of anxiety and depression. Psychological stress may trigger non-cardiac chest pain. This study evaluated risk factors that particularly characterise adolescence, such as major stressful events, in a clinical population. The present study was conducted on 100 adolescents with non-cardiac chest pain and 76 control subjects. Stressful life events were assessed by interviewing patients using a 36-item checklist, along with the Children's Depression Inventory and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for children, in both groups. Certain stressful life events, suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety were more commonly observed in adolescents with non-cardiac chest pain compared with the control group. Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis showed that trouble with bullies, school-related problems, and depression may trigger non-cardiac chest pain in adolescents. Non-cardiac chest pain on the surface may point to the underlying psychosocial health problems such as depression, suicidal ideas, or important life events such as academic difficulties or trouble with bullies. The need for a psychosocial evaluation that includes assessment of negative life events and a better management have been discussed in light of the results.

Maternal and paternal personality profiles of adolescent suicide attempters.

Personality features have been correlated with suicidal behaviors in recent decades. Given its neurobiological background, Cloninger's model of personality, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), may help to identify the maternal and paternal personality dimensions associated with adolescent suicide attempts. The present study is the first that specifically compares the temperament and character profiles of both mothers and fathers of the adolescent suicide attempters with a control group, by considering the influence of demographic and clinical factors. The study group comprised 117 parents of 71 adolescent suicide attempters and 119 parents of 71 age- and gender-matched adolescents without a suicide attempt included as a control group. The TCI and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were applied to the parents in both groups. Logistic regression analysis, which was performed to adjust confounding factors, demonstrated significantly higher scores for harm avoidance among the mothers and lower scores of self-directedness among the fathers of the adolescent suicide attempters. New psychotherapeutic modalities considering the high-risk parental personality traits would be beneficial to support parent-adolescent relationships and may have a preventative effect on adolescent suicide.

Internet addiction, sleep and health-related life quality among obese individuals: a comparison study of the growing problems in adolescent health.

BACKGROUND: The rapid rise in the global prevalence of obesity suggests that environmental factors may be responsible. The increased use of technology is associated with increased rates of obesity due to declines in physical activity and significant sedentary life style. Internet addiction is also a growing health issue associated with diminished physical activity and poor sleep quality as well as various health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine associations between Internet addiction and adolescent obesity-related problems. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 71 adolescents with obesity were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Tepecik Teaching Hospital and Katip Celebi University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology in Izmir, Turkey. The control group consisted of 64 non-obese adolescents that were matched with patients in the study group by age and gender. All subjects completed socio-demographic forms, an Internet addiction scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Adolescents with obesity were significantly more likely to have Internet addiction (p = 0.002), lower quality of life (p < 0.001), and higher daytime sleepiness (p = 0.008). Moreover, binary regression analysis showed that Internet addiction and less physical activity were associated with increased odds of obesity. CONCLUSION: The results indicated a significant association between Internet addiction and obesity. Health practitioners should take possible Internet addiction, online activities, and physical activities into consideration in follow-up of obese adolescents. In addition to pharmacologic therapies and dietary interventions, providing behavioral therapy targeting healthy Internet use may be promising to reduce the effects of obesity in adolescence.

Parental attitude, depression, anxiety in mothers, family functioning and breath-holding spells: A case control study.

AIM: This study aimed to identify differences in the antenatal stressful life events, parenting style, family functioning, depression and anxiety of mothers who have children with breath-holding spells (BHS) compared with controls. METHODS: This case control study divided 66 children into a group of children with BHS and a control group, with the children's ages ranging between 6 months and 5 years of age. This study explored underlying anxiety and depression in mothers as well as functioning of their families. Socio-demographical data and stressful life events that the mother experienced during pregnancy were analysed. In order to evaluate the effects of family structure, depression and anxiety in mothers on BHS in children, the Family Assessment Device, and both the Parental Attitude Research Instrument and the Beck Depression Inventory as well as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess both groups. RESULTS: Exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy (P < 0.001), depressive traits (P < 0.001), state-trait anxiety (P < 0.001), overprotective maternal characteristics (P = 0.027) and most of the family functioning subscales were found to be significantly different between BHS and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The association of anxiety, depression, prenatal stressful events and poor family functioning in mothers who have children with BHS is significantly higher than controls. An evaluation of these problems may be beneficial in the management of BHS.