Led by Prof. Basema Saddik at the Research Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (RIMHS), the Clinical Epidemiology Group conducted a study that sheds light on the psychological effects of COVID-19 on both adults and children in the UAE. The study provided crucial preliminary information to local authorities to develop targeted well-being programs for children. Notably, the research also uncovered a significant association between parental and child anxiety. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clinical Epidemiology Group conducted a study on anxiety levels among adults and children in the UAE, which was published in the esteemed journal BMC Psychiatry in 2021.

The study identified potential risk and protective factors for well-being during the pandemic, revealing that a staggering 24.6% of children experienced emotional problems. Notably, emotional problems were more frequently reported for children in lower and higher secondary education, while parents with severe anxiety were seven times more likely to report emotional problems in their children. The study also found that discussing COVID-19 and educating children about personal protective measures were associated with increased emotional problems in children.

This research revealed the potential impact of COVID-19 on the emotional well-being of children and provided critical preliminary information to the Ministry of Health, Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), and the Ministry of Education, which subsequently implemented targeted well-being programs for children.

Article: Saddik, B., Hussein, A., Albanna, A., Elbarazi, I., Al-Shujairi, A., Temsah, M.H., Saheb Sharif-Askari, F.S., Stip, E., Hamid, Q., & Halwani, R. (2021). The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults and children in the United Arab Emirates: A nationwide cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1), 224.