Assessment of Stress and Sleep with Respect to Age in School Going Children Confined to Home During Covid-19: An Observational Study

Abstract

In 2020 the World health organization declared the novel corona virus disease 2019 outbreak a pandemic. On March
2020, the government ordered a national lockdown to limit the viral transmission of COVID- 19 infection. The
lockdown included such measures as home confinement, restriction on movement, encourage and arrangement
to work from home. Aim of this study was to assess, stress and Sleep disturbances with respect to age. It was an
observational survey study with sample size of 100 school students .students divided in 2 groups based on ages
that was 8-11 yrs. And 14-15 yrs. Stress questionnaire (PSS) was given to students and sleep questionnaire (SDSC)
was given to parents. Result showed that Mean score were 12.72 and 26.60 of students age 8-11 yrs and 14-15 yrs.
Respectively. Mean difference was 13.88, and p value was 0.001which show that younger age (8-11 yrs) group
had less stress than older age group (14-15 yrs) and sleep disturbance scale for children used for assessing the
sleep disturbance the mean score were 37.38 and 44.48 in 8 to 11 yrs and 14-15 yrs respectively, and p value was
0.001 which show sleep disturbance was more in 14-15 year age group children. it is concluded that covid -19 had
poor impact on children’s mental aspect and sleep too and Occupational therapy can suggest various ways for
reduction in stress and decrease the sleep disturbance by activity scheduling, time management, deep breathing
exercise, Jacobson’s relaxation techniques, meditation and yoga.