CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT DURING PANDEMICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted children’s lives globally, affecting developmental, mental, and physical health. Understanding the scope and mechanisms of these impacts is critical for guiding policy and intervention strategies.

Objectives:
To synthesize empirical evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s health and development, with attention to developmental delays, mental health outcomes, physical well-being, healthcare access, and disparities among vulnerable populations.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies published in English from 2020–2025 were included if they examined health or developmental outcomes among individuals aged 0–18 years during the pandemic. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Studies were appraised for quality and analyzed using narrative synthesis due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes.

Results:
Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Evidence indicated increased prevalence of anxiety and depression, developmental delays—particularly in language and motor domains—and declines in physical activity. Vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, experienced disproportionate harm. Healthcare service utilization decreased, while integrated mental health services in pediatric care settings showed potential for mitigation. Some resilience factors emerged, but these were unevenly distributed.

Conclusions:
The pandemic has had lasting, multidimensional impacts on child health and development, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable. Integrated, equity-oriented interventions and long-term monitoring are essential to mitigate ongoing and future harms.