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Impact of the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown on the Physiological and Psychological Well-Being of Children with Fragile X Syndrome and Their Families

Author

Listed:
  • Elisa Di Giorgio

    (Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Roberta Polli

    (Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
    Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4/F, 35127 Padova, Italy)

  • Marco Lunghi

    (Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Alessandra Murgia

    (Molecular Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
    Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica (IRP), Città Della Speranza, Corso Stati Uniti 4/F, 35127 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

On 10 March 2020, in Italy, a total lockdown was put in place to limit viral transmission of COVID-19 infection as much as possible. Research on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted detrimental effects in children and their parents. However, little is known about such effects in children with neurodevelopment disorders and their caregivers. The present study investigated how the lockdown has impacted the physiological and psychological well-being of children with Fragile X-Syndrome (FXS), aged from 2 to 16 years, and their mothers. In an online survey, 48 mothers of FXS children reported their perception of self-efficacy as caregivers and, at the same time, their children’s sleep habits, behavioral and emotional difficulties during, and retrospectively, before the lockdown. Results showed a general worsening of sleep quality, and increasing behavioral problems. Although mothers reported a reduction in external support, their perception of self-efficacy as caregivers did not change during the home confinement compared to the period before. Overall, the present study suggested that specific interventions to manage sleep problems, as well as specific therapeutic and social support for increasing children and mother psychological well-being, need to be in place to mitigate the long-term effects of a lockdown.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa Di Giorgio & Roberta Polli & Marco Lunghi & Alessandra Murgia, 2021. "Impact of the COVID-19 Italian Lockdown on the Physiological and Psychological Well-Being of Children with Fragile X Syndrome and Their Families," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5752-:d:563363
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    1. Hipp, Lena & Bünning, Mareike & Munnes, Stefan & Sauermann, Armin, 2020. "Problems and pitfalls of retrospective survey questions in COVID-19 studies," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 14(2), pages 109-1145.
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    1. Marta Tremolada & Mariangela Rosa & Roberta Maria Incardona & Livia Taverna & Michele Guidi, 2023. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Well-being and Adaptation in Children and Adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-14, January.

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