Behavioural and Emotional Symptoms Did not Increase During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Swedish Preschool Children

Aim This study investigated whether behavioural and emotional problems among 3‐year‐olds increased during the COVID‐19 epidemic in Sweden, a country that kept preschools open during the whole pandemic. Methods This was a cross‐sectional study including 71 917 children in the Stockholm region whose parents had completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) prior to a routine well‐baby clinic visit at age 3 years during 2018–2023. Multivariate linear regression was used to compare change in SDQ measures over time, and to compare change for children who attended preschool with children in home care in a difference in differences approach. Results Mean and high scores on total as well as specific SDQ scales remained the same before, during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic for the children who attended preschool. For the children in home care the mean total estimate increased by 6.0% during the pandemic, compared with children attending preschool, with the highest increase for emotional symptoms, 14%, but gradually returned to the pre‐ COVID‐19 level when the pandemic measures were lifted. Conclusions These results suggest a beneficial effect of the Swedish COVID‐19 policy on behavioural and emotional symptoms of preschool children, with particular importance of keeping preschools open.