[Orphanhood due to COVID-19 in Argentina during 2020-2021].

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on society, particularly on children and adolescents, who have faced serious social, educational, and health consequences due to the loss of their primary caregivers.

Materials and methods: Female fertility rates were analyzed, and estimates of male fertility were made to calculate the number of children under 18 years old by age group. Demographic and mortality information from COVID-19 infection was used to calculate the resulting orphanhood in Argentina during the period 2020-2021, considering the loss of one or both parents or the main caregiver grandparent.

Results: A total of 25161 Argentine children and adolescents lost one of their primary caregivers due to COVID-19 during the pandemic. Of these, 22729 were orphaned by mother or father during the analyzed period. The majority of cases (79.5%) were related to the father's death. Specific age groups with higher incidence of orphanhood were identified. The loss of caregiver grandparents was also significant, affecting 2432 children and adolescents.

Discussion: The findings underscore the need for specific policies and programs to address the comprehensive needs of children and adolescents affected by orphanhood during the pandemic. Potential long-term impacts on the physical, mental, educational, and socioeconomic health of these children and adolescents are highlighted.