SUMMARY

Introduction. In March 2020, social, preventive and mandatory isolation (ASPO) began in Argentina due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective. To explore the behaviors and habits of the adolescent population during ASPO and their degree of compliance.

Population and methods. Qualitative-quantitative cross-sectional study in Argentine adolescents between 12 and 20 years old. An anonymous semi-structured questionnaire was sent during epidemiological weeks 34 to 36.

Results. 1535 questionnaires were analyzed. The average age was 16 years, 72% female. Non-compliance with ASPO during the first 3 months was 27% vs. 59% during the last month. 73% reported a good to excellent family climate and 87% carried out educational activities. The average non-educational screen time was 6.8 hours per day. 70% said they did not use drugs in the last month. They described as positive: strengthening family ties (34%) and discovering or resuming activities (20%); and as negative: emotional discomfort (23%) and not seeing family or friends (21%).

Conclusions. Most of the adolescents maintained educational activities, spent a high time on screens without educational purposes and reported low drug use. ASPO compliance decreased over time. The main positive aspects were strengthening family ties and discovering or resuming activities, and the negative, emotional discomforts and not being able to see family or friends.