Effects of the coronavirus pandemic among adolescents and young people living in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Information on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on adolescents and young people, who are in a critical phase of transition to adulthood is sparse. We evaluated the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among adolescents and young people living in Southeast Nigeria.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on young people in Nigeria
Methods: A cross-sectional (online and onsite) study of 328 Nigerian youths was conducted, and data on sociodemographic profile and effects of the pandemic collected through pre-tested self-administered questionnaires, were analysed using STATA 16.0, with the significance level for tests of association set at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 16.8±3.3 years. Two hundred and eleven participants (64.3%) experienced a fear of death significantly associated with a low monthly income (p<0.001), 62/328(18.9%) respondents had experienced intra-familial sexual abuse, significantly associated with age group (p=0.003). Positive effects reported by 190/328(57.9%) participants included learning new things (88/190 =46.3%), spending time with loved ones (39/190 =20.5%), spending time on studies (29/190 =15.3%, p=0.015), significantly associated with age group; and time for rest and self-discovery (34/190 =17.9%, p=0.038) significantly influenced by age group.
Conclusions: A significant number of participants had a fear of death and intra-familial sexual abuse which was strongly associated with monetary poverty, and age; while some participants positively engaged in self-discovery, rest and studies. Thus, the mental health and social welfare of youths should be focused on, and positive skills enhanced during this pandemic and afterward.