Features of the Psychoemotional State of Younger Schoolchildren in the Period of Acute Respiratory Viral Infection Convalescence

BACKGROUND: High incidence of acute respiratory viral infections In primary school children, associated with a combination of factors such as critical age periods and lifestyle changes with a redistribution of psychophysical loads, requires a more detailed study of the psycho-emotional state of children during the period of convalescence after acute respiratory viral infection.

AIM: To asses the psychoemotional state of primary school-age children within six months after acute respiratory viral infections, taking into account its severity and form.

METHODS: 430 children of 7–9 years of age enrolled in schools in Lugansk were examined. 246 children had a history of acute respiratory viral infections (main group) and 184 children had of acute respiratory viral infections (comparison group). The observation period lasted from September 2023 to February 2024. The analysis of the psychoemotional well-being of children in the first half of the year after acute respiratory viral infections was carried out. Children neurosis questionnaire (V.V. Sednev et al., 1997), analysis of medical documentation (form No. 025/u-04, No. 112/u), methodology of E.M. Alexandrovskaya, St. Grombakh were used.

RESULTS: A decrease in concentration and increased anxiety were revealed when children returned to school after acute respiratory viral infection. The maximum values were recorded within two weeks, and 59,76% of the children needed psychological counseling. As time passed, the symptoms subsided, but remained present in comparison with children without acute respiratory viral infections. In the main group, high asthenia scores were found, 2,3 times higher than in the control (p < 0,001). Тhe asthenovegetative syndrome on the nosological form of acute respiratory viral infections was revealed, with maximum prevalence in influenza and infectious mononucleosis (p < 0,05).

CONCLUSION: Disorders in the psycho-emotional sphere after acute respiratory viral infections in children were observed for 2 to 6 months. The asthenovegetative syndrome persisted for a long time, the degree of which depended on the etiology and severity of the course of acute respiratory viral infections. The data obtained should be taken into account in the educational process and psychological and pedagogical support of children in educational institutions.