Predictors of COVID-19 Related Challenges Faced by Children in Dumuria, Khulna, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education, socio-economic stability, and psychological well-being worldwide. In Bangladesh, children living in rural areas experienced disproportionate adversities. The objective of this study is to identify the predictors of COVID-19 related challenges faced by children in Dumuria, Khulna. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 350 children aged 5-18 years selected through purposive sampling in Gutudia village, Dumuria Upazila, Khulna. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results: The age distribution revealed that the largest proportion 141 (40.3%) belonged to the 10-13 year group. Males comprised more than half of the study population, accounting for 54.3% (n=190) of the participants. After the pandemic 300 (85.7%) children returned to school, while 50 (14.3%) did not. Economic vulnerability appeared to play a critical role, as 144 (41.0%) of families reported a monthly income below 10,000 BDT. Mental health challenges were also prominent, with 220 (62.9%) participants reporting depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Early marriage was reported by 26 (7.4%) participants, more prevalent among females 20 (12.5%) than males 6 (3.2%) and this association was statistically significant (p<0.05). Parental migration for work was reported by 209 (59.7%) respondents, potentially contributing to weakened supervision, economic strain and increased psychosocial vulnerability. A strong association was found between monthly family income and restarting schooling (p<0.05). Children from low-income families (below 10,000 BDT) were significantly less likely to return to school, while those from families earning 21,000-40,000 BDT demonstrated the highest re-schooling rates 25 (86.2%). Conclusion: The pandemic severely affected rural children in terms of education, early marriage risk and mental well-being. Lower-income families and adolescents were disproportionately affected.   

Eastern Med Coll J. 2026; 11 (1): 31-35