Mental health of adolescents in COVID-19 social distancing and lockdowns: A scoping review

Background: COVID-19 pandemic led to a series of social distancing and lockdowns, which have influenced mental health of adolescents.

Objectives: This scoping review aims to describe the mental health situation of adolescents in COVID-19 social distancing and lockdowns and summarize some associated factors.

Method: We conducted a search strategy by combining terms about 1) COVID-19 social distancing and lockdowns, 2) adolescents, and 3) mental health. Search strategy was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Sciencedirect. Original research articles written in English with the outcome of interest was the mental health situation of adolescents during COVID-19 social distancing/lockdowns were selected. Data from selected studies were extracted and summarized into themes and topics.

Results: A total of 45 original research articles written in English with the outcome of interest were selected. Data from selected studies were extracted and summarized into themes and topics. Depression and anxiety were the most common mental health issues of adolescents in social distancing and lockdowns. Factors commonly associated with adolescents’ mental health outcomes include gender, age, relationship with family and friends, school, screen time, physical activity, perceived fear and distress, and socio-economic characteristics.

Conclusion: This review shows that COVID-19 social distancing and lockdowns have detrimental effects on mental health of adolescents. There is pressing needs for timely prevention and mitigation of the negative impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing on mental health of this population.

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