HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE SLEEP OF CHILDREN AGED 6-18 YEARS?

Authors : Duygu DEMİR, Burcu SELVİ ÇALIŞKAN, Birsen MUTLU

Pages : 76-86

View : 16 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2022-08-09

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study was conducted to examine the sleep quality of children aged 6-18 years who stayed at home for an extended period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in Turkey as a descriptive study with the participation of 412 mothers with children aged 6-18 years who agreed to participate. The data were collected on the internet through a questionnaire developed by the researchers using the “Google Docs” program. Results: Of the children in the study, 51.7% were girls and their mean age was 9.86±3.21 years. Of the children, 61.7% stated that they were afraid of having COVID-19. In the study, it was determined that 63 children insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(17.5%); who did not have sleep problems before started to have sleep problems during this period. It was found that the rate of sleep problems in children who expressed fear and concern about the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than in children who did not have such concerns insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(χ2=15.874; p<0.001);. When the change in sleep problems experienced by children during the COVID-19 pandemic was compared with the pre-pandemic period, it was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the rates of difficulty in falling asleep insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);, waking up frequently at night insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.002);, not being able to wake up in the morning insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);, not wanting to sleep alone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.005);, not wanting to sleep in the dark insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.005);, and sleeping in the parents` bed insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.001);. Conclusion: It was found that children`s sleep patterns changed and the rate of sleep problems increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this period, it is important for pediatric nurses to provide counseling and guidance to children and parents about reducing and preventing sleep-related problems, and to inform them about the guides published by relevant organizations. Keywords: Child, Child health, COVID-19, Pandemic, Sleep 
Keywords : COVID 19, Pandemi, Çocuk, Uyku, Çocuk sağlığı