The impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic on the mental health of scoliosis patients in Germany.

PURPOSES

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has adversely affected the mental health of children and adolescents due to widespread non-pharmaceutical measures. Studies have mainly focused on healthy adolescents. However, children and adolescents with chronic illnesses were also affected by the restrictions. Furthermore, very limited knowledge exists about their mental health during and after the pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the mental well-being of children and adolescents with scoliosis in Germany before, during, and after the pandemic, and to identify associated influencing factors.

METHODS

The data from a comprehensive questionnaire and the evaluation of psychological one-on-one interviews during scoliosis intensive rehabilitation of 9,835 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years regarding their mental health were retrospectively evaluated from 2019 to 2023. On this basis, it was possible to identify specific psychiatric illnesses. The evaluation was conducted based on both the individual years and the categorisation of pandemic waves proposed by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). We additionally analysed the risk factors for mental health deterioration over the period.

RESULTS

There was a significant deterioration in mental health. Depression, anxiety disorders and general psychopathological symptoms increased significantly over time. The peak of the stress occurred in 2021 or during the fourth wave. In 2022 or the fifth and sixth waves, the mental impairments consolidated slightly. However, after the complete cessation of non-pharmaceutical measures, some patients even showed a progressive deterioration in mental health compared to before and during the pandemic. Girls and patients with pain were more affected. The severity of scoliosis was not a risk factor, and adolescents showed greater impairment than children under the age of 12.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with chronic scoliosis also showed an impairment of their mental health during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. The results are consistent with those of studies in healthy children and adolescents. Notably, despite the lifting of restrictions, there was no consolidation of symptoms. There is still an urgent need to maintain the focus on this issue and to provide appropriate support for children and adolescents in a vulnerable phase of life. Meanwhile, collaborative projects have been set up in Germany that have set themselves the task of better supporting health needs and interests in the event to future crises.