Feasibility study for a psychosocial intervention for children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil

Children's reactions to pandemics can be varied and depend on family and community support networks and state policies. This research project aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a psychosocial intervention program for children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Brazil. The study was carried out with 29 children aged between 8 and 12 years, of whom 19 were in the intervention group (GPx) and 10 in the waiting group (GPs). This was a research-intervention type investigation, and quantitative and qualitative measures were used to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention based on the following criteria: acceptance, demand, expansion, integration, adaptation, implementation, practicality and limited tests of effectiveness. To analyse the limited effectiveness tests, Linear Mixed Models (LMM) were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on GPx and GPs participants across pre-intervention, post-intervention and six month follow-up assessments. The Jacobson and Truax (JT) method was additionally applied to evaluate reliable and clinically significant change at the individual level. The other feasibility indicators were analysed based on field diary records and on an instrument to assess children's satisfaction at each meeting. The study identified preliminary and mixed evidence regarding the feasibility of the ConViver Program. Most feasibility indicators were met; however, limited efficacy results were mixed, with reductions in stress, negative affect, and depressive symptoms alongside an unexpected but clinically trivial increase in anxiety symptoms at post-intervention, which showed a declining trend at six-month follow-up. These findings support the feasibility of implementing the program in schools and social assistance centres, while highlighting the need for further investigation with more rigorous designs before conclusions about effectiveness can be drawn.