Long-COVID research

The effects of the pandemic and the extended lockdown period have been felt by children and families globally. The mental and physical health impacts suffered by our community will have long-term effects that outlast the pandemic.

Our mental health research led by Professors Sharon Goldfeld, Vicki Anderson and Margie Danchin, focuses on understanding the impacts of COVID-19 and the needs of children and families post-pandemic.

The physical effects of COVID-19 on our children are being investigated using existing historical data from family cohorts. This work is being led by Professors David Burgner and Kirsten Perrett who are investigating the long-term cardiometabolic and immune effects of COVID-19 on these cohorts.

There are also a variety of indirect effects of the pandemic, such as the consequences of health inequities like access to services, which are being closely monitored by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI).

Research

LifeCourse COVID-19 response

Australia’s public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 have been incredibly successful in comparison to other countries, but they have not come without additional burdens.

Researchers are collaborating and conducting studies using existing groups involved in the LifeCourse program, to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental wellbeing, plus the risk of family violence, substance abuse, and the financial stability of children and their families in the community at large in Victoria.

This research helps to inform policy responses to address the impacts of the pandemic on Victorians. 

Wellbeing and the clinical, psychosocial and economic impacts of COVID-19

Professor Margie Danchin is investigating the immediate and long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families tested for COVID-19 at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). This includes describing how experiences at the hospital during COVID-19, such as interactions with staff in full personal protective equipment, have affected families.

The team is also examining the effects of public health prevention measures and financial impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of RCH families. The study aims to understand how families have understood and followed public health prevention measures, their knowledge of COVID-19 and their trust in the government during this time.

Combined with our existing group studies, new school-based surveys and online community polls are identifying the immediate, and potential medium and long-term societal, mental health and economic impacts on children and families that can help inform policy responses.

GenV, which aims to monitor the health and wellbeing of every child born in Victoria, is crucial to the success of this research.

Mental health resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic

Professors Vicki Anderson and Harriet Hiscock are undertaking in-depth mental health research to understand the impact of COVID-19, recovery processes and factors that enhance resilience in Victoria’s most vulnerable children and their families. Groups include children with chronic illnesses, existing mental health conditions, disabilities, intellectual disability and refugee children.

Understanding the legacy of COVID-19 infection

Many of the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children remain unknown, due to the newness of the virus.

Professors David Burgner and Kirsten Perrett are leading a study investigating the legacy of COVID-19 infection. This research aims to understand whether some children are more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to differences in their immune system and how long immunity to COVID-19 lasts in children. By using existing population-based groups at MCRI, they can compare their data to historical data and biological samples that were collected from these participants previously.

Associated campus papers 2020/2021

Long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: understanding and addressing the effects on our kids.

In this 2020 seminar, we heard from Professor Vicki Anderson, Dr Neil Coventry (Chief Psychiatrist for Victoria) and Dr Meredith O'Connor who described the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our children, specifically as they relate to mental health, drawing on both international and local evidence. This was followed by a panellist discussion and Q&A. In addition to the presenters, panellists included Professors Margie Danchin and Frank Oberklaid, who discussed the long-term social impacts of the pandemic, including the impact on schools and the stigma associated with COVID-19.

In this 2020 seminar, we heard from Professor Vicki Anderson, Dr Neil Coventry (Chief Psychiatrist for Victoria) and Dr Meredith O'Connor who described the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our children, specifically as they relate to...

In this 2020 seminar, we heard from Professor Vicki Anderson, Dr Neil Coventry (Chief Psychiatrist for Victoria) and Dr Meredith O'Connor who described the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our children, specifically as they relate to mental health, drawing on both international and local evidence. This was followed by a panellist discussion and Q&A. In addition to the presenters, panellists included Professors Margie Danchin and Frank Oberklaid, who discussed the long-term social impacts of the pandemic, including the impact on schools and the stigma associated with COVID-19.

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