Prevalence of Dysexecutive Symptoms in High School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 24;19(23):15641. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192315641.

Abstract

This is an observational cross-sectional study designed to ascertain the prevalence and severity of dysexecutive symptoms in high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The validated Spanish version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) was used. A total of 2396 participants aged 14-22 years were included. Our sample yielded a mean DEX scale score of 28.14 ± 17.42. By the DEX classification, 889 (37.1%) students achieved optimal scores, 384 (16%) reported mild dysexecutive symptoms, 316 (13.2%) reported moderate dysexecutive symptoms, and 807 (33.7%) reported strong dysexecutive symptoms. We found a significant difference between those with and those without employed mothers, with the former scoring higher (p = 0.004), the same as those with both parents employed (p = 0.004). Adolescents face emotional susceptibility and changes in their family, social, and educational environment related to isolation, resulting in altered emotional responses and social interaction.

Keywords: cognitive development; emotional response; isolation; neuropsychology; psychometrics.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Pandemics*
  • Prevalence
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.