Return to school and mask-wearing in class during the COVID-19 pandemic: Student perspectives from a school simulation study. (5th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• 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
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics & Child Health. Volume 27: Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S15
• Page End: S21
• Publication Date: 2022-05-05
• Subjects: Children -- COVID-19 -- Masks -- Mental health -- School reopening; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxab102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1205-7088

Abstract

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 (χ 2 (1)=31.16; P<0.001) and understand the teacher (χ 2 (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 (χ 2 (1)=10.07; P<0.05), and anticipated difficulty wearing a mask (χ 2 (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.