Psychosocial well-being of adolescents during Covid-19 Lockdowns in Kahoora Division of Hoima District

Abstract

Background: In Uganda, thousands of adolescents were forced to stay home during the COVID-19 lockdowns. However, it is not known how their psycho-social wellbeing was affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns. The present study assessed the psycho-social wellbeing of adolescents during COVID-19 lockdowns in Kahoora division of Hoima district. Methodology: In a cross-sectional survey, 571 adolescents responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the modified kids screen health questionnaire for children and young people. Psychosocial wellbeing (PSW) was assessed by combining scores regarding feelings, physical activity, and general mood during the two lockdowns. To identify factors influencing PSW, those with higher scores (above the mean were compared with those below the mean on demographic characteristics, social economic situation, circumstances surrounding family and home life, relationship with friends as well as on coping strategies using bivariable and multivariable modified poison regression analysis. A two tailed P-value of 0.05 and 95% Confidence interval (CI) were used as measures of statistical significance. Results: Of the 571 adolescents that participated in the study, 355(62.2%) were female and the mean age was 15.96 years (SD=2.19). Of these, 46.6% (266/571), 95% CI: [42.5%-50.7%] of the respondents were psychosocially well during either or all of the COVID-19 lockdowns in Uganda. Older age adolescents residing in the central ward, and having a child during lockdown were negative predictors of psychosocial well-being. Whereas spiritual support from family members, a favorable environment, having parents staying together during the lockdown, spending time with friends, and having time for oneself were positive predictors of psychosocial well-being. The coping strategies included speaking out their grievances about challenges from lockdown, reporting any form of abuse done to them to any person who could help, getting what to do to avoid boredom at home, and learning to control their emotions during the lockdown. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychosocial well-being was low during the COVID-19 lockdowns hence showing need for policies formulated to support adolescents in future situations like COVID-19 lockdowns.