The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort adolescents

Abstract

Insights into the experiences of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic are crucial for understanding the extent of their impact and guiding future responses to similar challenging events. This study aims to describe the effects of the pandemic on different aspects of adolescents’ lives and examine how they varied according to socioeconomic, family, and individual characteristics. We used data from a subsample of the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort to investigate the reported impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents (N = 1,806; mean age = 17.41, range: 16.73-17.95). We investigated a range of issues and impacts caused by the pandemic and social distancing measures, considering their influence on various aspects of life. Additionally, we evaluated a spectrum of socioeconomic, family, and individual variables. Data were collected via in-person interviews from August to December 2021. Roughly 20% of adolescents have reported significant disruptions in their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of the pandemic were more pronounced among females, private school attendees, non-beneficiaries of the government cash transfer benefit (Brazil Assistance – Auxílio Brasil), and adolescents who reported having a regular or poor health status. Adolescents have shared a multitude of stressors and concerns directly linked to the pandemic, underscoring a notable trend of heightened impacts among female adolescents. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on various aspects of adolescents’ daily lives. Recognizing the perspectives of adolescents in this challenging period is crucial for effectively addressing their needs in the post-pandemic society.