IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE FAMILIES OF PATIENTS ATTENDING THE NIÑOS DE ACOSTA ÑU PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: The pandemic caused by the coronavirus had a negative impact on multiple aspects of human life, including physical, psychological, economic, and social aspects. Objective: To describe the impact of Covid-19 on family members of patients who sought care at the Niños de Acosta Ñu Pediatric Hospital. Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted. Family members of patients who sought care at the Niños de Acosta Ñu General Pediatric Hospital in January and February 2023 were included. The variables analyzed were age, sex, place of origin, contact with positive cases, hospitalized family member, admission to an intensive care unit, deceased family member, job loss, loss of health insurance, interruption of education, household relocation, and canceled events. Data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics. The protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: A total of 150 family members were included, with a median age of 29 years; 92.7% were female. All participants (100%) were from the Central Department. Education was interrupted in 98.7% of cases. Difficulties in obtaining medical care were reported by 71.3%. Household income decreased in 84.7%, and leisure activities were canceled in 84.7%. Exposure to coronavirus was reported by 72.3% of participants; 8% were hospitalized, and 4.7% reported the death of a family member. Parenting was considered difficult in 56% of cases. Physical well-being worsened in 82.6% of participants. Anxiety was experienced by 83.3%, and 83.3% experienced moderate psychological distress. Conclusion: According to the perception of family members of children attending a pediatric hospital, the Covid-19 pandemic caused significant psychosocial and economic repercussions, including household shortages, difficulties accessing essential services, financial hardship, job loss, interruption of education, cancellation of leisure activities, difficulties with parenting, increased anxiety, fear of infection, emotional lability, depression, insomnia, and stress among family members and children. All participants were from the Central Department, and the majority were female.