Mental health, quality of life and mental health service use after the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a cross-sectional nationwide study among German children and adolescents.

Authors

Hannah Elisabeth Köhler, Anna-Lina Rauschenbach, Kristin Rodney-Wolf, Judith Bauch, Franziska Greiner-Döchert, Henrik Saalbach, Eva Baumann, Julian Schmitz

Published in

BMC public health. Jun 19, 2026. Epub Jun 19, 2026.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly those from low-income families and adolescent girls. The long-term effects remain unclear. This study assessed the mental health measured by emotional and behavioural problems and quality of life (QoL) among German children and adolescents, emphasising socio-economic status and gender differences. The help-seeking behaviour among families of children with mental health problems was also examined.
A nationwide representative online survey was conducted in April/May 2024. N = 1,530 children and adolescents (ages 8-17) and their parents participated. The self- and parent-report survey assessed behavioural and emotional problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire). QoL (KIDSCREEN-10 Index) was rated in self-report. Parents reported on past help-seeking behaviour within and outside of school via items constructed for the present study.
Behavioural and emotional problems (21.1% in self-report, 22.4% in parental report) and low QoL (27.3%) were higher than pre-pandemic levels. Children from low-income families were particularly affected. Of all parents, 23.7% reported a need for help due to their child's mental health issues in the last 12 months, with 28.4% of these parents not seeking professional support. Among those who sought help, most contacted multiple services, with teachers, psychotherapists and general practitioners being the most frequently contacted services. Families who secured a therapy placement waited an average of 12 weeks for an initial appointment and 18 weeks to begin therapy.
Behavioural and emotional problems as well as low QoL seem to stabilise at a rate higher than the pre-pandemic baseline, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring, adjustment to the mental health system and further research on correlates and causes of this stabilisation.

PMID:
42321719
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 20 Jun 2026.

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