Coronavirus Pandemic - #STAYHOME: How Are You Holding Up? Questions And Tips For 11-18 Year Olds To Make It Better

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents have to cope with several challenges and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of those incongruent with the typical developmental tasks of adolescent age. Some adolescent might be particularly vulnerable in this situation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed: 1) to collect data on the mental health and quality of life of adolescents during/after the pandemic; 2. to improve adolescents’ mental health by providing an online prevention program that addresses their actual needs; 3. to accelerate the development of culturally adapted prevention programs by involving an international team, and 4. to contribute to adequate preparation for any similar situation in the future. METHODS: Participants aged 11-18 years and their parents/caregivers were recruited online. Data has been collected regularly in a follow-up study by Inventar zur Erfassung der Lebensqualitat and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The baseline data collection was in March 2020 at first restrictions of the COVID pandemic in Europe RESULTS: In the baseline data 428 adolescents (29.7% boys;70.3% girls) were included. Adolescents reported significantly lower quality of life during the pandemic (F (1,557) = 29.11; p <0.001; R2 = 0.048). There was no significant difference in quality of life according to whether the adolescents live in a household with their siblings ( F (2, 356) = 0.785 p = 0.457; η2 = 0.004), and whether the adolescents have symptoms of hyperactivity (ß = 0.105; p = 0.295). CONCLUSIONS: Prevention based on the results of this study is expected to contribute to maintaining adolescents’ mental health during and after the COVID pandemic. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.