Fear and anxiety in girls aged 7 to 11 years old and related factors during the coronavirus pandemic

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in crises. The psychological consequences of COVID-19 in children must be considered. This study aimed to assess the fear and anxiety of COVID-19 in primary school girls. It is a descriptive correlational study to investigate schoolgirls' fear and anxiety of covid-19 in southeastern Iran. Data were collected using the fear of coronavirus questionnaire and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale. The mean score of fear and anxiety of corona disease was 11.49 +/- 6.59 and 17.67 +/- 10.87, respectively. The bivariate analysis showed a significant association between fear and anxiety of corona disease, a single child (p = .025 and p = .006), and a mother's level of education (p = .01). In other words, girls who were single child had a significantly higher level of fear and anxiety than other girls and the girls whose mothers had diploma had a higher level of fear and anxiety than girls whose mothers had Ph.D. Since fear and anxiety can be affected by factors such as culture, education level, and birth rate, it is recommended that this study be performed in other communities as well.

Automated summary

This study assessed the fear and anxiety of COVID-19 in primary school girls in southeastern Iran, finding significant associations between fear and anxiety levels, being a single child, and the mother's educational background. It suggests that fear and anxiety levels may be influenced by factors like family structure and education level.