CABIN FEVER AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON CHILDREN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Social isolation during COVID-19 Pandemic is implemented by limiting people activities outside, closing schools, playground, and recreation facilities. Social isolation has a psychological impact on children, especially for mental health aspects. The purpose of this study was to determine the symptoms level of cabin fever as a psychological impact on children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a cross-sectional design on parents who have kindergarten and elementary school-age children taken at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia in May 2020.  The questionnaire was recruited using a google form containing demographic data and cabin fever questionnaire that validated before. This study was followed by 765 subjects with average age of children 7.79 ± 2,289 years old. From the cabin fever questionnaire, the proportion of children who stated that they were bored was 89.5%, feeling dissatisfied at home was 89.9%, experiencing emotional changes was 75%, and 59.1% have mood irritability, with varying degrees. Children who experience frustration are 57.5% have anxiety, 46.4%, and 61.2% have difficulty completing tasks from school.  the children that stated they were lonely was 90.8% and 91.2% wanted to get out of their daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of children who experience symptoms of cabin fever is high, with varying levels of symptoms. We conclude that further research is needed to determine the factors that influence the symptoms of cabin fever and anticipatory action in determining social isolation policies to improve children's mental health.