SEROCoV-KIDS

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected young people globally, but the medium-term consequences remain unclear. This Geneva-based study shows that, five years after the start of the pandemic, the mental health difficulties experienced by the most severely affected children had generally subsided, although they persisted for several years. These findings are reassuring but highlight the need to anticipate the long-term psychological effects of future crises.

This study highlights a lower prevalence of anti-apolipoprotein A-1 (AAA1) antibodies in the general paediatric population compared with adults, with no obvious association with chronic comorbidities. It also shows that natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 is an independent predictor of AAA1 seropositivity, which in turn is associated with the persistence of symptoms for one month.

This study looks at screen time, physical activity, sleep and their changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in children aged 3 to 17. The majority of children followed the recommendations for health behaviour and did not experience any lasting changes linked to the pandemic. However, adolescent girls are at greater risk of adverse behaviours.

This study assesses screen time among young people, the factors associated with it and its consequences for health. Almost all the children used screens, with a sharp increase in screen time with age. The negative effects observed on quality of life call for close monitoring and appropriate interventions.

Socio-familial environments have a strong influence on the health behaviours of adolescents. Young people from disadvantaged families smoke more, drink more soft drinks, are less physically active and are less likely to be vaccinated. These early disparities call for health strategies that integrate social and family factors.