We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Return to school and mask-wearing in class during the COVID-19 pandemic: Student perspectives from a school simulation study.
- Authors
Coelho, Sophie G; Segovia, Alicia; Anthony, Samantha J; Lin, Jia; Pol, Sarah; Crosbie, Jennifer; Science, Michelle; Matava, Clyde T; Parekh, Rulan S; Caldeira-Kulbakas, Monica; Carroll, Stacie; Greenwood, Jodi L; Panzera, Giovanna; Imgrund, Ryan; Osokin, Konstantin; Korczak, Daphne J
- Abstract
Objectives This study examined children's perspectives about returning to in-person school following lockdown due to the pandemic and about mask-wearing in class, as well as the mental health of children and parents during the pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was part of a 2-day school simulation exercise that randomized students to different masking recommendations. Parent-report of mental health and post-simulation child-report of COVID-19-related anxiety and mask-wearing were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with older students to supplement questionnaire data. Results Of 190 students in this study, 31% were in grade 4 or lower 95% looked forward to returning to in-person school. Greater child anxiety about COVID-19 was predicted by increased parent/caregiver anxiety (β=0.67; P<0.001), and lower parental educational attainment (β=1.86; P<0.002). Older students were more likely than younger students to report that mask-wearing interfered with their abilities to interact with peers (χ2(1)=31.16; P<0.001) and understand the teacher (χ2(1)=13.97; P<0.001). Students in the group that did not require masks were more likely than students in the masking group to report worries about contracting COVID-19 at school (χ2(1)=10.07; P<0.05), and anticipated difficulty wearing a mask (χ2(1)=18.95; P<0.001). Conclusions For children anxious about COVID-19, parental anxiety and education about COVID-19 may be targets for intervention. Future research should examine the impact of prolonged implementation of public health mitigation strategies in school on academic achievement and children's mental health.
- Subjects
MEDICAL masks; SCHOOL environment; PARENT attitudes; CAREGIVER attitudes; FOCUS groups; CROSS-sectional method; MULTIPLE regression analysis; RESEARCH methodology; RE-entry students; MENTAL health; INTERVIEWING; PUBLIC health; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; QUESTIONNAIRES; INTERPERSONAL relations; STUDENT attitudes; ANXIETY; DATA analysis software; COVID-19 pandemic; EDUCATIONAL attainment
- Publication
Paediatrics & Child Health (1205-7088), 2022, Vol 27, pS15
- ISSN
1205-7088
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/pch/pxab102