hotblack
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
Post-COVID-19 syndrome in children and young people: awareness among paediatric trainees in South Wales
Ahmed N, Vallabhaneni P
Abstract
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCS), commonly known as Long COVID, has been increasingly reported among children, particularly those of school age. Although many children eventually recover, the syndrome can have serious implications for their education, social development, and mental health. Early research suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infections in children were generally milder compared to adults; however, more recent evidence has shown that PCS can manifest in children even after mild COVID-19 cases. Despite this, research into PCS in children has lagged behind studies focused on adult populations, creating a gap in the understanding and management of this condition in paediatric care.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of PCS among paediatric trainees in South Wales, specifically their understanding of the condition’s definition, aetiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management strategies.
Methods
A structured questionnaire comprising 10 questions was developed and administered to 27 paediatric trainees in South Wales, from ST1-ST3 (n=11) to ST4-ST8 (n=16). The survey aimed to evaluate their knowledge of PCS in paediatric populations, including clinical features, risk factors, and available management strategies.
Results
The findings revealed that none of the trainees were aware of any local rehabilitation or support services available for children with Long COVID. In terms of specific knowledge, 74% of trainees correctly identified that PCS is less common in children than in adults. A majority (96%) correctly noted that the impact of prior COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination on the development of PCS in children remains unclear. However, only 7% were aware of the wide range of PCS prevalence reported in children, varying from 0.52% to 66%, according to various studies.
Regarding aetiology, 33% of trainees correctly answered that Vitamin D deficiency is not considered a causative factor in PCS. Only 4% of trainees correctly identified the median age of children with PCS (13 years), compared to those with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (15 years). Furthermore, just 7% of trainees were aware of anecdotal reports indicating that many children may experience some symptom improvement within two months, although severely affected children may remain unwell. In terms of assessing psychosocial history, 41% correctly identified the ISARIC questionnaire as the recommended tool. Additionally, 96% recognized that optimizing sleep, activity, diet, and emotional well-being should be prioritized when managing PCS in children. A significant portion (85%) correctly emphasized the importance of balancing activity and rest, advising children to maintain consistent activity levels, even on both good and bad days.
Moreover, 81% of trainees correctly identified increasing dietary salt as an important management strategy for children experiencing autonomic dysfunction associated with PCS. The results indicate varied levels of knowledge among trainees, with notable gaps in understanding the epidemiology and management of PCS.
Conclusion
The study suggests that paediatric trainees in South Wales exhibit limited awareness of rehabilitation and support services for children with Long COVID. While trainees demonstrated an adequate understanding of basic PCS facts, including symptomatology and prevalence, there were significant deficiencies in their knowledge regarding PCS epidemiology, risk factors, and comprehensive management strategies. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives and resources to better equip paediatric healthcare professionals in addressing the challenges posed by Long COVID in children.
Link (Archives of Disease in Childhood)
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2025-rcpch.475
Ahmed N, Vallabhaneni P
Abstract
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCS), commonly known as Long COVID, has been increasingly reported among children, particularly those of school age. Although many children eventually recover, the syndrome can have serious implications for their education, social development, and mental health. Early research suggested that SARS-CoV-2 infections in children were generally milder compared to adults; however, more recent evidence has shown that PCS can manifest in children even after mild COVID-19 cases. Despite this, research into PCS in children has lagged behind studies focused on adult populations, creating a gap in the understanding and management of this condition in paediatric care.
Objective
This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of PCS among paediatric trainees in South Wales, specifically their understanding of the condition’s definition, aetiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, and management strategies.
Methods
A structured questionnaire comprising 10 questions was developed and administered to 27 paediatric trainees in South Wales, from ST1-ST3 (n=11) to ST4-ST8 (n=16). The survey aimed to evaluate their knowledge of PCS in paediatric populations, including clinical features, risk factors, and available management strategies.
Results
The findings revealed that none of the trainees were aware of any local rehabilitation or support services available for children with Long COVID. In terms of specific knowledge, 74% of trainees correctly identified that PCS is less common in children than in adults. A majority (96%) correctly noted that the impact of prior COVID-19 infection and/or vaccination on the development of PCS in children remains unclear. However, only 7% were aware of the wide range of PCS prevalence reported in children, varying from 0.52% to 66%, according to various studies.
Regarding aetiology, 33% of trainees correctly answered that Vitamin D deficiency is not considered a causative factor in PCS. Only 4% of trainees correctly identified the median age of children with PCS (13 years), compared to those with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (15 years). Furthermore, just 7% of trainees were aware of anecdotal reports indicating that many children may experience some symptom improvement within two months, although severely affected children may remain unwell. In terms of assessing psychosocial history, 41% correctly identified the ISARIC questionnaire as the recommended tool. Additionally, 96% recognized that optimizing sleep, activity, diet, and emotional well-being should be prioritized when managing PCS in children. A significant portion (85%) correctly emphasized the importance of balancing activity and rest, advising children to maintain consistent activity levels, even on both good and bad days.
Moreover, 81% of trainees correctly identified increasing dietary salt as an important management strategy for children experiencing autonomic dysfunction associated with PCS. The results indicate varied levels of knowledge among trainees, with notable gaps in understanding the epidemiology and management of PCS.
Conclusion
The study suggests that paediatric trainees in South Wales exhibit limited awareness of rehabilitation and support services for children with Long COVID. While trainees demonstrated an adequate understanding of basic PCS facts, including symptomatology and prevalence, there were significant deficiencies in their knowledge regarding PCS epidemiology, risk factors, and comprehensive management strategies. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives and resources to better equip paediatric healthcare professionals in addressing the challenges posed by Long COVID in children.
Link (Archives of Disease in Childhood)
https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2025-rcpch.475
