Health-Related Quality of Life and psychological distress of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva

Dumont, R.; Richard, V.; Baysson, H.; Lorthe, E.; Piumatti, G.; Schrempft, S.; Wisniak, A.; Barbe, R.; Posfay Barbe, K.; Guessous, I.; Stringhini, S.

Purpose Our objective was to assess adolescent's Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and psychological distress, from their own and their parents' perspective, and to examine associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Geneva, Switzerland. Methods A random sample of adolescents, aged 14-17 years, and their families was invited to a serosurvey in November and December 2020. Adolescents' HRQoL was evaluated using the validated adolescent-reported KIDSCREEN-10 and parent-reported KINDLR scales. Psychological distress was assessed with self-reported sadness and loneliness, and using the KINDLR emotional well-being scale. Risk factors for adolescents' low HRQoL and psychological distress were identified using generalized estimating equations and both adolescents' and their parents' perceptions were compared. Results Among 240 adolescents, 11% had a low HRQoL, 35% reported sadness and 23% reported loneliness. Based on parents' perception, 12% of the adolescents had a low HRQoL and 16% a low emotional well-being. Being a girl (aOR=3.29; 95%CI: 1.64-6.57), increased time on social media (aOR=2.05; 95%CI: 1.08-3.88), parents' average to poor mood (aOR=2.81; 95%CI: 1.21-6.56) and average to poor household financial situation (aOR=2.30; 95%CI: 1.00-5.29) were associated with an increased risk of sadness. Mismatches between adolescents' and their parents' perception of HRQoL were more likely for girls (aOR=2.88; 95%CI: 1.54-5.41) and in households with lower family well-being (aOR=0.91; 95%CI: 0.86-0.96). Conclusion A meaningful proportion of adolescents experienced low well-being during the second wave of COVID-19. Adolescents living in underprivileged or distressed families seemed particularly affected. Monitoring is necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of the pandemic on adolescents.