The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent Emergency Department visits

Martins, Inês Aires; Queirós, Joana Carvalho; Lira, Sónia; Ribeiro, Maria do Céu

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.16/3805

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Authors

Martins, Inês Aires

Queirós, Joana Carvalho

Lira, Sónia

Ribeiro, Maria do Céu

Abstract(s)

Introduction: Adolescence is a unique period of physical and emotional growth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries decided to close schools, with yet unclear consequences for mental health. Stressful life events may affect adolescents’ quality of life and precipitate psychiatric emergencies. This study aimed to compare the reasons for Emergency Department (ED) visits among adolescents before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the relief of social distancing measures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including individuals aged 13-18 years admitted to the ED of a Portuguese level II hospital between January and June 2019 (Group 1) and January and June 2022 (Group 2). Data were collected from electronic medical records. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.Results: A total of 5135 adolescents were included in the two groups, with no demographic differences between them. Infectious diseases were the most common diagnosis overall. Group 2 showed a significant increase in mental health conditions such as anxiety (odds ratio [OR] 1.354) and feeding or eating disorders (OR 12.380), and its population was generally younger, especially in the feeding or eating disorders and intentional self-harm subgroups. No differences were found between groups regarding preexisting mental health conditions, except for intentional self-harm due to exposure to harmful substance effects, which were significantly more common in Group 2 (OR 4.267).Conclusions: Although acute infectious diseases remain the most common cause of ED admissions, this study showed a significant increase in ED visits for mental health disorders, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical to adolescent health.