1
|
Turnbull KLP, Jaworski B, Cubides Mateus DM, Coolman FL, LoCasale-Crouch J, Moon RY, Hauck FR, Kellams A, Colson ER. Maternal perspectives on COVID-19 kindergarten learning impacts: a qualitative study of families with low income. DISCOVER EDUCATION 2025; 4:34. [PMID: 39958435 PMCID: PMC11825573 DOI: 10.1007/s44217-025-00421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/18/2025]
Abstract
In this paper, we aim to understand maternal perspectives on: (1) COVID-19 pandemic learning impacts for kindergartners from low-income households; and (2) Factors that mitigated or exacerbated impacts on learning. We conducted a qualitative study with 22 mothers of low-income households in the United States who had kindergarten-age children. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, mothers reflected on their experiences during the 2020-21 school year. We used an iterative approach for developing and revising codes and themes emerging from the transcribed interview data until we reached thematic saturation. Many mothers noted negative learning impacts, but some noted positive impacts that they attributed to active parental engagement in their child's learning. Mothers described several family-level and school-level supports and barriers to their child's learning. Fewer mothers described supports and barriers pertaining to their social circle or their larger community. The most commonly reported supports included: economic and social supports that allowed the time and financial means to engage actively in their child's learning, mental health supports to strengthen family functioning, and regular, timely, and open home-school communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khara L. P. Turnbull
- School of Education and Human Development, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Brianna Jaworski
- School of Education and Human Development, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Deiby Mayaris Cubides Mateus
- School of Education and Human Development, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Frances L. Coolman
- School of Education and Human Development, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
- Present Affiliation College of Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch
- School of Education and Human Development, Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia, PO Box 800784, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
- Present Affiliation School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Rachel Y. Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Fern R. Hauck
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Ann Kellams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine Charlottesville, Charlottesville, VA USA
| | - Eve R. Colson
- Department of Pediatrics, WashU Medicine, St. Louis, MO USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Park JL, McArthur BA, Plamondon A, Hewitt JM, Racine N, McDonald S, Tough S, Madigan S. The course of children's mental health symptoms during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1-12. [PMID: 39247941 PMCID: PMC11496214 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724001491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increases in child mental health problems, but the persistence of these changes in the post-pandemic era remains uncertain. Additionally, it is unclear whether changes in mental health problems during the pandemic exceed the anticipated increases as children age. This study controls for the linear effect of age in 1399 children, investigating the course of child-reported anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms during and after the pandemic, and identifies risk and protective factors that predict these mental health trajectories. METHODS Children (51% male; ages 9-11 at the first timepoint) provided mental health ratings at three pandemic timepoints (July-August 2020; March-April 2021; November 2021-January 2022) and one post-pandemic timepoint (January-July 2023). Mothers reported pre-pandemic mental health (2017-2019) and socio-demographic factors. Children reported socio-demographic factors, risk (e.g. screen time, sleep), and resilience (e.g. optimism) factors during the first timepoint. RESULTS Average mental health symptoms increased over time, with more children exceeding clinical cut-offs for poor mental health at each subsequent pandemic timepoint. Growth curve modeling, adjusting for age-related effects, revealed a curvilinear course of mental health symptoms across all domains. Examination of risk and protective factors revealed that pre-existing mental health symptoms and optimism were associated with the course of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS After considering age effects, children's mental health follows a curvilinear pattern over time, suggesting an initial decline followed by a rising trend in symptoms post-COVID. These findings underscore the continued need for additional resources and timely, evidence-based mental health prevention and intervention for children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L. Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brae Anne McArthur
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - André Plamondon
- Département des fondements et pratiques en éducation, Université Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Jackson M.A. Hewitt
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Racine
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sheila McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dubois-Comtois K, Suffren S, Lemelin JP, St-Laurent D, Daunais MP, Milot T. A longitudinal study of child adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic: the protective role of the parent-child relationship in middle childhood. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:301-324. [PMID: 38860559 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2365192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
This longitudinal study assessed how parent-child relationship quality during the first COVID-19 lockdown was related to changes in internalizing, externalizing, and sleep problems during the first months of the pandemic: during lockdown, partial deconfinement, and total deconfinement. Participants included 167 children (9-12 year) and their parents recruited in the province of Quebec, Canada. Child behavior problems decreased between lockdown and the two deconfinement assessments, but more sleep and behavior problems were associated with lower levels of relationship quality (more conflict, less closeness, and more insecure attachment). Significant interaction effects showed that changes in externalizing and sleep problems varied as a function of parent-child relationship. Results support the critical importance of the parent-child relationship with regard to child adjustment in middle childhood in times of crisis such as a pandemic. They also highlight resilience in children aged 9 to 12, with a decrease in problems over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Dubois-Comtois
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- (CEIDEF), Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sabrina Suffren
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- (CEIDEF), Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Département de Psychologie, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pascal Lemelin
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, Canada
- Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Diane St-Laurent
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- (CEIDEF), Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Daunais
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- (CEIDEF), Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Ile-de-Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tristan Milot
- (CEIDEF), Centre d'études interdisciplinaires sur le développement de l'enfant et la famille, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre de recherche universitaire sur les jeunes et les familles (CRUJeF), Québec, Canada
- Département de psychoéducation et de travail social, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han Q, Jocson R, Kunovski I, Raleva M, Juhari R, Okop K, Oppler A, Wilson K, Cirovic T, Sacolo Gwebu H, Alampay L, Eagling-Peche S, Calderon F, Vallance I, Muharam F, Chen Y, Lachman J. The bidirectional temporal relationship between parenting stress and child maltreatment: A cross-lagged study based on intervention and cohort data. J Affect Disord 2024; 354:302-308. [PMID: 38479502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parenting stress has long been proposed as a major risk factor for child maltreatment. However, there is a lack of evidence from existing studies on the temporal sequence to establish a causal relationship. This study aims to examine bidirectional temporal relationships between parenting stress and child maltreatment. METHODS Longitudinal data from two different sources were analysed: a pre-post study of an online parenting programme conducted across six countries - the ePLH Evaluation Study, and a prospective cohort study in the United States - LONGSCAN. Cross-lagged panel model on parenting stress and child maltreatment was used in each dataset. RESULTS Based on repeatedly measured data of 484 caregivers in the ePLH study across five time points (every two weeks), we found that parenting stress at an earlier time point predicted later child maltreatment (IRR = 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.10,1.18). In addition, the occurrence of child maltreatment was associated with higher subsequent short-term parenting stress (IRR = 1.04, 95 % CI: 1.01,1.08) and thus could form a vicious circle. In the LONGSCAN analysis with 772 caregivers who were followed up from child age of 6 to child age of 16, we also found parenting stress at an earlier time point predicted later child maltreatment (β = 0.11, 95 % CI: 0.01,0.20), but did not observe an association between child maltreatment and subsequent long-term parenting stress. LIMITATIONS Potential information bias on the measurements. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for a bidirectional temporal relationship between parenting stress and child maltreatment, which should be considered in parenting intervention programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marija Raleva
- St. Cyril and Methodius University Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jamie Lachman
- University of Oxford, UK; University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kern M, Glatz T, Mall MA, Seybold J, Kurth T, Mockenhaupt FP, Theuring S. Health-related quality of life and impact of socioeconomic status among primary and secondary school students after the third COVID-19 wave in Berlin, Germany. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302995. [PMID: 38722991 PMCID: PMC11081372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the earlier phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies in Germany and elsewhere found an overall reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among students. However, there is little evidence on later pandemic stages as well as socioeconomic influencing factors. We aimed to (1) describe HRQoL in a Berlin student cohort at two time points in mid-2021, and to (2) analyze the effects of household income and education. We assessed HRQoL of students from 24 randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Berlin, Germany, with the KIDSCREEN-10 index in June and September 2021. To adjust for non-response bias, inverse probability weighting was applied. The potential effects of both household income and education (lower vs. higher) were estimated in generalized linear mixed models, based on prior assumptions presented in directed acyclic graphs. Our cohort comprised 660 students aged 7-19 years. In June 2021, 11.3% [95% CI = 9.0% - 14.0%] reported low HRQoL, whereas in September 2021, this increased to 13.7% [95% CI = 11.1% - 16.5%], with adolescent girls more frequently reporting low HRQoL at both time points (20% [95% CI = 17.1% - 23.3%] and 29% [95% CI = 25.5% - 32.5%]) compared to boys and younger children. While there was no statistically significant total effect of lower household income on HRQoL, a negative effect of lower household education was statistically significant (β = -2.15, SE 0.95, 95% CI = -4.01 to -0.29, p = 0.024). In summary, students' HRQoL in mid-2021 was better than that documented in other studies conducted at pandemic onset using KIDSCREEN-10. Female adolescents reported low HRQoL more often, and lower household education significantly reduced children's HRQoL. Support strategies for psychosocial wellbeing should consider socioeconomically disadvantaged children as important target groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mascha Kern
- Institute of Public Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Toivo Glatz
- Institute of Public Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus A. Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Associated Partner, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Seybold
- Medical Directorate, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Kurth
- Institute of Public Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P. Mockenhaupt
- Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Theuring
- Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wolf K, Schmitz J. Scoping review: longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and adolescent mental health. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1257-1312. [PMID: 37081139 PMCID: PMC10119016 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02206-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures have massively changed the daily lives of billions of children and adolescents worldwide. To investigate the global longitudinal effects on various mental health outcomes over a period of 1.5 years, we conducted a scoping review in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We included the peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycInfo that were published between December 2019 and December 2021, followed a longitudinal or repeated cross-sectional design, and quantitatively assessed with clinical questionnaires the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic or a related stressor on mental health indicators in community samples of children and adolescents.The results of our qualitative analysis of 69 studies indicate a general trend of less psychological well-being and more mental health problems, such as heightened stress, and depressive and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic. Data suggest that both protection measure intensity and infection dynamics were positively associated with severity of the psychopathology. The most reported influencing factors were age, gender, socio-economic status, previous state of mental and physical health, self-regulation abilities, parental mental health, parenting quality, family functioning, social support, isolation and loneliness, health-related worries, and consistent routines and structure. Our results demonstrate that children and adolescents worldwide have experienced more mental health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They call for improved access to child and adolescent mental health care and prioritisation of child and adolescent welfare in political decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Wolf
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Wilhelm-Wundt-Institute for Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Julian Schmitz
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Wilhelm-Wundt-Institute for Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Essler S, Christner N, Paulus M. Short-term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child psychological well-being: a four-wave longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:909-922. [PMID: 37119393 PMCID: PMC10148581 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic further unfolds, it becomes a key theoretical and practical question to identify trajectories of child psychological well-being and to explore risk and resilience factors for developmental adjustment. The current study addressed this research gap by means of an ecological design: A (lockdown)-B (relaxation)-B (relaxation)-A (lockdown). We collected parental reports via online questionnaires over four measurement occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (non-probabilistic sample): from the first lockdown (T1-spring 2020, N = 1769) to the following period of relaxation (T2-summer 2020, n = 873; T3-fall 2020, n = 729) on to the second lockdown (T4-winter 2020/21, n = 748). Key measures at T1-T4 were child emotional and behavioral problems as well as hyperactivity, child emotional and family-related well-being, parental strain, and parent-child relationship quality. We found evidence for quadratic growth models. While child problem behaviors (b = 0.32, p < 0.001) and emotional well-being (b = - 0.33, p < 0.001) improved after the first lockdown during subsequent periods of relaxation before worsening again in the second lockdown, child family-related well-being steadily decreased over all four measurement points (T1-T2: p < 0.001; T2-T3: p = 0.045; T3-T4: p = 0.030). Importantly, parental stress emerged as a strong risk factor (ps < 0.11) and the parent-child relationship quality constituted a resilience factor (p = 0.049) for child psychological well-being. These findings have major implications for policies aiming to further child health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Essler
- Developmental Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 13, 80802, Munich, Germany.
- FOM University of Applied Sciences, Essen, Germany.
| | - Natalie Christner
- Developmental Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 13, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Paulus
- Developmental Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstr. 13, 80802, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shoychet G, Kimber M, Weiss J, Honest O, Prime H. Empirical support for a model of risk and resilience in children and families during COVID-19: A systematic review & narrative synthesis. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2464-2481. [PMID: 37563877 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. The COVID-19 Family Disruption Model (FDM) describes the cascading effects of pandemic-related social disruptions on child and family psychosocial functioning. The current systematic review assesses the empirical support for the model. METHODS. Study eligibility: 1) children between 2-18 years (and/or their caregivers); 2) a quantitative longitudinal design; 3) published findings during the first 2.5 years of COVID-19; 4) an assessment of caregiver and/or family functioning; 5) an assessment of child internalizing, externalizing, or positive adjustment; and 6) an examination of a COVID-19 FDM pathway. Following a search of PsycINFO and MEDLINE in August 2022, screening, full-text assessments, and data extraction were completed by two reviewers. Study quality was examined using an adapted NIH risk-of- bias tool. RESULTS. Findings from 47 studies were summarized using descriptive statistics, tables, and a narrative synthesis. There is emerging support for bidirectional pathways linking caregiver-child functioning and family-child functioning, particularly for child internalizing problems. Quality assessments indicated issues with attrition and power justification. DISCUSSION. We provide a critical summary of the empirical support for the model, highlighting themes related to family systems theory and risk/resilience. We outline future directions for research on child and family well-being during COVID-19. Systematic review registration. PROSPERO [CRD42022327191].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Shoychet
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Kimber
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Weiss
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Honest
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Prime
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee JB, Ross KM, Ntanda H, Fiest KM, Letourneau N, the APrON Study Team. Mothers' and Children's Mental Distress and Family Strain during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1725. [PMID: 38002816 PMCID: PMC10670161 DOI: 10.3390/children10111725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had a widespread impact on families with dependent children. To better understand the impact of the pandemic on families' health and relationships, we examined the association between mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain. METHODS Three waves of the COVID-19 Impact Survey were analyzed, collected from a subsample of mother-child pairs (n = 157) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal cohort in Alberta, Canada. Latent class analyses were performed to determine patterns and group memberships in mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to test associations between mothers' and children's mental distress and family strain trajectory classes. RESULTS Mothers with medium/high levels of mental distress were at increased odds of experiencing high family strain compared to those with low levels of distress (medium aOR = 3.90 [95% CI: 1.08-14.03]; high aOR = 4.57 [95% CI: 1.03-20.25]). The association between children's mental distress and family strain was not significant (aOR = 1.75 [95% CI: 0.56-5.20]). CONCLUSION Mothers' mental distress, but not children's, was associated with family strain during the pandemic. More distressed individuals experienced greater family strain over time, suggesting that this association may become a chronic problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janelle Boram Lee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.B.L.); (K.M.F.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 2X9, Canada;
| | - Kharah M. Ross
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Social Sciences, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3, Canada;
| | - Henry Ntanda
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 2X9, Canada;
| | - Kirsten M. Fiest
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.B.L.); (K.M.F.)
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.B.L.); (K.M.F.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T3B 2X9, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
von Suchodoletz A, Bélanger J, Bryan C, Ali R, Al Nuaimi SR. COVID-19's shadow on families: A structural equation model of parental stress, family relationships, and child wellbeing. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292292. [PMID: 37824497 PMCID: PMC10569562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study seeks to contribute to developmental science in emergencies by investigating associations between COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors, parents' stress, family relationships, and child wellbeing. In doing so, we build on recent research that generalizes the assumptions of the Family Stress Model beyond direct economic stressors of households to macro-contextual stressors that operate at the societal level. In the case of our study, these stressors relate to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as health risks and confinement-related stresses. Participants were 783 parents of young children (75% female, Mage = 34.61 years) residing in the United Arab Emirates. They completed an online survey in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, measuring how the pandemic impacted their lives and the lives of their child (Mage = 47.54 months). A subsample of parents (n = 96) completed the survey for two children. Structural equation modeling showed that pandemic-related stressors contributed to higher stress among parents which, in turn, resulted in lower parent-reported child wellbeing at various times during the pandemic. Family relationships mediated the association between parents' stress and child wellbeing. The present study contributes to our understanding on how large-scale disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors gets inside the family, the strength and direction of associations (concurrently and over time), and the timing of mechanisms that impact family processes. The results highlight the need to support families with young children in managing disruptions due to emergencies, such as a global public health crisis, and to determine ways of preventing longstanding consequences on family structures and children's lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antje von Suchodoletz
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- New York University Global TIES for Children Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jocelyn Bélanger
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- New York University Global TIES for Children Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Christopher Bryan
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahma Ali
- New York University Global TIES for Children Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sheikha R. Al Nuaimi
- Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kristen A, Salari R, Moretti M, Osman F. Attachment and trauma-informed programme to support forcibly displaced parents of youth in Sweden: feasibility and preliminary outcomes of the eConnect Online programme. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072368. [PMID: 37550024 PMCID: PMC10407377 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility, acceptability and the impact of an online parenting programme for forcibly displaced parents of adolescents. DESIGN The study was a single-arm feasibility study using pre-intervention post-intervention and follow-up assessments. SETTING Participants were recruited from municipality-based activities for refugee parents in a small city in the south of Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Participants were forcibly displaced parents (n=23; 47.8% maternal figures) of youth (n=23; 8-17 years old; 26.1% female) from Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia participating in an online parenting programme (eConnect). INTERVENTION eConnect is an attachment-based and trauma-informed parenting intervention and was delivered over the course of 10 weekly sessions. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Feasibility was assessed by programme enrolment, attendance, completion and acceptability of the online platform and cultural fit of the programme. Primary outcome measures were programme impact on youth mental health problems. Secondary outcome measures were programme impact on family functioning and parent-child attachment insecurity. RESULTS The eConnect programme was highly feasible in terms of overall enrolment (100%), attendance (89.6%) and retention rates (100%). The online platform was acceptable, with mixed feedback primarily related to the access and usage of technology. Cultural fit of the programme was acceptable. Youth mental health problems (η 2=0.29) and family functioning significantly improved (η 2=0.18) over the course of the programme. Unexpectedly, parent reports of youth attachment insecurity significantly worsened (η 2=0.16). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the online delivery of Connect was a promising way to reduce barriers to service access and improve mental health problems and family functioning among forcibly displaced parents and their children during COVID-19. Future research is needed to explore the acceptability and impact of this programme post-COVID-19, and to develop culturally tailored and psychometrically sound measures for parent and youth reports of attachment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kristen
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raziye Salari
- Child Health and Parenting, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala Universitet Institutionen for folkhalso- och vardvetenskap, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marlene Moretti
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fatumo Osman
- School of Health and Welfare, Hogskolan Dalarna, Falun, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
何 海, 余 敏, 宁 曼, 崔 晓, 贾 丽, 李 若, 万 宇. [The role of mother-child relationship in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2023; 25:394-400. [PMID: 37073845 PMCID: PMC10120346 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2210053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the moderating effect of mother-child relationship in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. METHODS Using a stratified cluster sampling method, 2 049 preschool children were surveyed from November to December 2021, who sampled from 12 kindergartens in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. The emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children were assessed with the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of maternal parenting stress and mother-child relationship with children's emotional and behavioral problems. The PROCESS Macro was used to analyze the moderating effect of conflicted and dependent mother-child relationships in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in these preschool children. RESULTS Among these preschool children, maternal parenting stress was positively correlated with the scores of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001); intimate mother-child relationships were negatively correlated with the scores of conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001); conflicted and dependent mother-child relationships were positively correlated with the scores of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems subscales and total difficulty scores (P<0.001). After controlling for relevant confounding factors, conflicted mother-child relationship (β=0.05, P=0.001) and dependent mother-child relationship (β=0.04, P=0.012) were found to have a moderating effect on the association between maternal parenting stress and total difficulty scores in these preschool children. CONCLUSIONS Negative mother-child relationships play a moderating role in the association between maternal parenting stress and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. Prevention of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children should focus on reducing maternal parenting stress and improving negative mother-child relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - 丽媛 贾
- 安徽医科大学公共卫生学院儿少卫生与妇幼保健学系/出生人口健康教育部重点实验室/ 人口健康与优生安徽省重点实验室,安徽合肥230032
| | - 若瑜 李
- 安徽医科大学公共卫生学院儿少卫生与妇幼保健学系/出生人口健康教育部重点实验室/ 人口健康与优生安徽省重点实验室,安徽合肥230032
| | - 宇辉 万
- 安徽医科大学公共卫生学院儿少卫生与妇幼保健学系/出生人口健康教育部重点实验室/ 人口健康与优生安徽省重点实验室,安徽合肥230032
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stracke M, Heinzl M, Müller AD, Gilbert K, Thorup AAE, Paul JL, Christiansen H. Mental Health Is a Family Affair-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Associations between Mental Health Problems in Parents and Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4485. [PMID: 36901492 PMCID: PMC10001622 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
As a multidimensional and universal stressor, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults worldwide. In particular, families faced numerous restrictions and challenges. From the literature, it is well known that parental mental health problems and child mental health outcomes are associated. Hence, this review aims to summarize the current research on the associations of parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science (all databases) and identified 431 records, of which 83 articles with data of over 80,000 families were included in 38 meta-analyses. A total of 25 meta-analyses resulted in significant small to medium associations between parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes (r = 0.19 to 0.46, p < 0.05). The largest effects were observed for the associations of parenting stress and child mental health outcomes. A dysfunctional parent-child interaction has been identified as a key mechanism for the transmission of mental disorders. Thus, specific parenting interventions are needed to foster healthy parent-child interactions, to promote the mental health of families, and to reduce the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Stracke
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Heinzl
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dorothee Müller
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristin Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Amalie Elgaard Thorup
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean Lillian Paul
- Mental Health Research Program, The Village, Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xie EB, Freeman M, Penner-Goeke L, Reynolds K, Lebel C, Giesbrecht GF, Rioux C, MacKinnon A, Sauer-Zavala S, Roos LE, Tomfohr-Madsen L. Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM): an open-pilot and feasibility study of a digital mental health and parenting intervention for mothers of infants. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:27. [PMID: 36800982 PMCID: PMC9938356 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mental health concerns and parenting stress in the first few years following childbirth are common and pose significant risks to maternal and child well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increases in maternal depression and anxiety and has presented unique parenting stressors. Although early intervention is crucial, there are significant barriers to accessing care. METHODS To inform a larger randomized controlled trial, the current open-pilot trial investigated initial evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a newly developed online group therapy and app-based mental health and parenting program (BEAM) for mothers of infants. Forty-six mothers 18 years or older with clinically elevated depression scores, with an infant aged 6-17 months old, and who lived in Manitoba or Alberta were enrolled in the 10-week program (starting in July 2021) and completed self-report surveys. RESULTS The majority of participants engaged in each of the program components at least once and participants indicated relatively high levels of app satisfaction, ease of use, and usefulness. However, there was a high level of attrition (46%). Paired-sample t-tests indicated significant pre- to post-intervention change in maternal depression, anxiety, and parenting stress, and in child internalizing, but not externalizing symptoms. Effect sizes were in the medium to high range, with the largest effect size observed for depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = .93). DISCUSSION This study shows moderate levels of feasibility and strong preliminary efficacy of the BEAM program. Limitations to program design and delivery are being addressed for testing in adequately powered follow-up trials of the BEAM program for mothers of infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04772677 . Registered on February 26 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Bailin Xie
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Makayla Freeman
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lara Penner-Goeke
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kristin Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Charlie Rioux
- Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Anna MacKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prokupek L, Cohen F, Oppermann E, Anders Y. Families with young children during the COVID-19 pandemic-The importance of family type, perceived partnership roles, parental stress, and social support for changes in the home learning environment during lockdown. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1119950. [PMID: 36824302 PMCID: PMC9941160 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1119950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Beginning in March 2020, the lockdown precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many challenges, especially for families with young children. Many children had little or no access to institutional education. Therefore, they were even more dependent on their parents providing them with home learning activities (HLA) to support their development. We examined the adaptability of families with regard to changes in parents' provision of HLA in traditional two-parent families, single parent families, and large families compared to before the lockdown. We focused on family resources, such as a supportive distribution of roles within the partnership, or social support, as predicting factors of adaptability in N = 8,513 families with children aged 18-69 months. In addition, we considered parental stress as a further influencing factor. The cross-sectional data depicts families from a nationwide online survey, which we conducted during spring 2020 in Germany. We found that (a) all three family types offered their children more learning activities at home, albeit with slight differences between the families. However, (b) we identified differences in the factors influencing families' adaptability: Across all family types, we found slight to medium negative relations between adaptability and parental stress. The relations were most evident in large families. Furthermore, social support exhibits somewhat positive relations to the adaptability of large families. For adaptability in single-parent families, gender differences were initially evident. Among single fathers, the change in parental HLA was stronger than among single mothers. However, this relation disappeared when we took parental stress and social support into account. For traditional two-parent families and single parents, our analyses revealed (c) barely significant relations between the investigated predictors and changes in HLA during lockdown. Overall, our study confirms that high stress limits the adaptability of providing HLA in families and that social support mitigates negative relations between stress and the provision of HLA, especially in large families. In order to develop effective and needs-based family support programs, it is therefore important to help parents cope with stress and provide them with low-threshold social support. The extent to which these services need to be adapted to different family types must be surveyed in more depth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Prokupek
- Chair of Early Childhood Education, Institute for Educational Science University, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Luisa Prokupek, ✉
| | - Franziska Cohen
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Institute for Educational Science, University of Education Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elisa Oppermann
- Chair of Early Childhood Education, Institute for Educational Science University, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Anders
- Chair of Early Childhood Education, Institute for Educational Science University, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schlack R, Neuperdt L, Junker S, Eicher S, Hölling H, Thom J, Ravens-Sieberer U, Beyer AK. Changes in mental health in the German child and adolescent population during the COVID-19 pandemic - Results of a rapid review. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2023; 8:2-72. [PMID: 36818693 PMCID: PMC9936565 DOI: 10.25646/10761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background This rapid review examines changes in the mental health of the German child and adolescent population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The basis are 39 publications, which were identified by means of systematic literature search (until 19.11.2021) and manual search. The databases of the included publications were systematized with regard to their representativeness for the general population, and the indicators used were categorized with regard to the depicted constructs and their reliability. Results The large majority of the studies took place at the beginning of the pandemic until the summer plateau 2020. Representative studies mainly reported high levels of pandemic-related stress, increases in mental health problems, and negative impacts on the quality of life. Non-representative studies showed mixed results. Vulnerable groups could only be identified to a limited extent. Both routine and care-related data showed declines in the outpatient and inpatient service utilisation during the various waves of the pandemic followed by catch-up effects. Children and adolescents turned out to be more vulnerable during the pandemic compared to adults, but their stress levels varied with the waves of the pandemic and the related containment measures. Conclusions A future forward-looking crisis and pandemic management requires a close-knit and continuous surveillance of the mental health of children as well as an improved identification of risk groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schlack
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring,Corresponding author Dr Robert Schlack, Robert Koch Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, General-Pape-Str. 62–66, 12101 Berlin, Germany, E-mail:
| | - Laura Neuperdt
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Stephan Junker
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Sophie Eicher
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Heike Hölling
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Julia Thom
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| | - Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, research devision ‘Child Public Health’
| | - Ann-Kristin Beyer
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gervais C, Côté I, Lampron-deSouza S, Barrette F, Tourigny S, Pierce T, Lafantaisie V. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Quality of Life: Experiences Contributing to and Harming the Well-Being of Canadian Children and Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON CHILD MALTREATMENT : RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE 2022; 6:1-23. [PMID: 36531795 PMCID: PMC9734348 DOI: 10.1007/s42448-022-00141-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic's restrictive measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and the wearing of masks transformed young people's daily lives and brought up major concerns regarding children's and adolescents' well-being. This longitudinal mixed study aims to identify how different experiences contributed to children's and adolescents' well-being through different stages of the pandemic. The sample comprises 149 Canadian youth from Quebec who shared their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and adolescents were met virtually for semi-directed interviews about their well-being at three measurement time (T1: May 2020 lockdown, T2: July 2020 progressive reopening, and T3: beginning of the second wave). At T3, they also completed a questionnaire measuring their quality of life. Our findings indicated that 22% reported a low level of well-being (N: 32), 66% a normal level of well-being (N: 90), and 18% a high level of well-being (N: 27). The comparative thematic analysis of the discourse of these three groups allows us to identify experiences that are favorable and unfavorable to the well-being of young people and to distinguish two configurations of interactions between children and their environment over the first year of the pandemic, namely that of young people who report a high level of well-being and that of those who report a worrying level of well-being. Results highlight the importance of activities, relationships, support, and representations of children and adolescents for their well-being in the pandemic context. Interventions and social measures to better support their well-being are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gervais
- Nursing Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 5 Rue Saint-Joseph, Saint-Jérôme, Québec J7Z 0B7 Canada
| | - Isabel Côté
- Social Work Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Boulevard Alexandre-Taché, C.P. 1250, Succursale Hull, Gatineau, Québec J8X 3X7 Canada
| | - Sophie Lampron-deSouza
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, 90 Av, Vincent-d’Indy, Montréal, Québec H2V 2S9 Canada
| | - Flavy Barrette
- Social Work Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 283 Boulevard Alexandre-Taché, C.P. 1250, Succursale Hull, Gatineau, Québec J8X 3X7 Canada
| | - Sarah Tourigny
- Psychoeducation and Psychology Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 5 Rue Saint-Joseph, Saint-Jérôme, Québec J7Z 0B7 Canada
| | - Tamarha Pierce
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, 2325, Rue Des Bibliothèques, Québec, G1V 0A6 Canada
| | - Vicky Lafantaisie
- Psychoeducation and Psychology Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, 5 Rue Saint-Joseph, Saint-Jérôme, Québec J7Z 0B7 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bjørknes R, Skogen JC, Nærde A, Sandal GM, Haug E, Mæland S, Fadnes LT, Lehmann S. Parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A one-year follow-up. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276190. [PMID: 36472999 PMCID: PMC9725124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This two-wave longitudinal study aimed at increasing knowledge about levels of parental stressors and rewards among mothers and fathers of children aged 1-18 during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and infection-control measures have caused changes to family life. Managing homeschooling or caring for younger children while working from home may have posed significant strain on parental stress, negatively impacting the quality of parent-child relationships and parents' sensitivity to their children's needs. METHOD We employed data collected in April 2020 and April 2021 from the longitudinal population-based survey in Bergen/Norway (Bergen in ChangE-study). 7424 parents participated (58.6% mothers and 41.5% fathers). RESULTS The overall levels of parental stressors and rewards did not change significantly. Over the two time points, the factors associated with decreased parental stressors were being male, aged 40-49 years, having a relatively high income, and reporting initial difficulties with closed kindergartens or schools. For parents aged 18-29 years, the level of parental stressors increased. CONCLUSION The study suggests that the overall levels of parental stress remained unchanged during the first year of the pandemic. Even so, the study also uncovered that younger parents represented a vulnerable subgroup. IMPLICATIONS To prevent detrimental consequences in the wake of the pandemic, it could be important to increase awareness and competence among professional staff in kindergartens, primary schools, and child health clinics targeting young parents and their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Bjørknes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Nærde
- The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ellen Haug
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Mæland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Research Unit for General Practice in Bergen, The Norwegian Research Centre, NORCE, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T. Fadnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Prime H, Wade M, Browne DT. Pandemic-Related Disruption and Positive Adaptation: Profiles of Family Function at the Onset of the Pandemic. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2022; 3:321-333. [PMID: 36117857 PMCID: PMC9471027 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-022-00077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The onset of the pandemic brought heightened stress to parents due to disruptions to family life, in addition to processes of positive family adaptation, including greater closeness, more time spent together, and shared problem-solving. Delineating how early pandemic-related family stress and positive adaptation simultaneously operate is important for understanding risk and resilience. We use a person-oriented approach to identify subgroups of caregivers based on patterns of stress and positive adaptation in the first months of the pandemic. Data come from a multi-national study of 549 caregivers (68% female) of 1098 children (younger child: M = 9.62, SD = 3.21; older child: M = 11.80, SD = 3.32). In May 2020, caregivers reported on stress (income, family, and pandemic-specific) and positive adaptation using previously validated scales, and covariates indexing family vulnerabilities (i.e., caregiver adverse childhood experiences, caregiver and child mental health) and psychosocial resources (caregiver social support, positive coping, religiosity/spirituality, and benevolent childhood experiences, and pre-pandemic socioeconomic resources). A latent profile analysis was conducted using the four indicators. Profiles were examined in relation to covariates using BCH procedures. A 4-profile solution was selected, characterized by Low Disruption (n = 296), Multi-Domain Disruption (n = 36), Income Disruption (n = 111), and Family Disruption (n = 106) groups. Positive adaptation minimally differentiated profiles. Participants in the Low Disruption group reported more resources and fewer vulnerabilities than other groups. Those in the Multi-Domain Disruption group reported the fewest resources and the most vulnerabilities. Early in the pandemic, a minority group of individuals in this sample carried a disproportionate burden of pandemic-related stress. Potential consequences to family functioning and implications for systemic family prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Prime
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shoychet G, Browne DT, Wade M, Prime H. Assessing positive adaptation during a global crisis: The development and validation of the family positive adaptation during COVID-19 scale. Front Psychol 2022; 13:886504. [PMID: 36118478 PMCID: PMC9476998 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the psychosocial functioning of children and families. It is important to consider adversity in relation to processes of positive adaptation. To date, there are no empirically validated multi-item scales measuring COVID-related positive adaptation within families. The aim of the current study was to develop and validate a new measure: the Family Positive Adaptation during COVID-19 Scale (Family PACS). The sample included 372 female and 158 male caregivers (73% White-European/North American; median 2019 income = $50,000 to $74,999 USD) of children ages 5-18 years old from the United Kingdom (76%), the United States (19%), Canada (4%), and Australia (1%), who completed measures in May 2020. Participants responded to a 14-item survey indexing a range of perceived coping and adaptation behaviors at the beginning of the pandemic. An exploratory factor analysis yielded an optimal one-factor solution comprised of seven items related to family cohesion, flexibility, routines, and meaning-making (loadings from 0.44 to 0.67). Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated measurement invariance across female and male caregivers, demonstrating that the factor structure, loadings, and thresholds did not vary by caregiver sex. There was evidence for concurrent validity with significant bivariate correlations between the Family PACS scores and measures of caregiver positive coping, parenting practices, couple satisfaction, and family functioning (correlations from 0.10 to 0.23), but not negatively-valenced constructs. Findings inform our conceptualization of how families have adapted to adverse pandemic-related conditions. Further, we provide preliminary support for the Family PACS as a practical tool for evaluating positive family adaptation during this global crisis, with implications for future widespread crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Wade
- Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Prime
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mordeno IG, Gallemit IMJS, Bangcola BFB, Busaco JJJL, Tuto RT, Hall BJ. Parental migration status moderates the link between parent-child relationship and children's well-being through psychological distress. Psych J 2022; 11:922-935. [PMID: 35842842 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effects of parental migration on the well-being of left-behind children (LBC) are varied. Several studies demonstrated that parental migration reduces children's psychological health but other research showed contradictory results. This study sought to clarify this issue by examining the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of parental migration status in the association between the parent-child relationship and children's psychological distress. A total of 743 LBC and 688 non-LBC self-reported their parent-child relationship, psychological distress, and well-being. Findings showed that psychological distress mediated the association between parent-child relationship and children's well-being. This denotes that greater parent-child relationship results into lowered levels of psychological distress, and in turn, increases children's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Moreover, the link between parent-child relationship and psychological distress was found to be contingent to parental migration status. Specifically, the negative association between parent-child relationship and psychological distress was especially strong among LBC in contrast to non- LBC. This implies that children with higher quality relationships with their parents tend to exhibit decreased severity of psychological distress symptoms, especially in children whose parents are working overseas. These results underscore the dynamic role of parent-child relationship in the well-being of LBC, and suggest ways to develop intervention programs that include cultivating skills in managing psychological distress and improving the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of LBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imelu G Mordeno
- Department of Professional Education, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - I Marie Joy S Gallemit
- School of Graduate Studies, College of Education, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Bea Fatima B Bangcola
- Department of Psychology, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Jinky Joy Jessica L Busaco
- Department of Psychology, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Reignajean T Tuto
- Department of Psychology, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
| | - Brian J Hall
- Center for Global Health Equity, New York University Shanghai, Pudong New District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Blum M, Ribner A. Parents’ expressed emotions and children’s executive functions. J Exp Child Psychol 2022; 219:105403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2022.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
23
|
Plötner M, Moldt K, In-Albon T, Schmitz J. Einfluss der COVID-19-Pandemie auf die ambulante psychotherapeutische Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen. DIE PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2022. [PMCID: PMC9243913 DOI: 10.1007/s00278-022-00604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Seit Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie mehren sich Befunde zu ihrem negativen Einfluss auf die psychische Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Bisher ist jedoch wenig darüber bekannt, ob und wie sich dies auf die psychotherapeutische Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen niederschlägt. Ziel der Arbeit Die psychische Situation von Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie ihre psychotherapeutische Versorgung seit Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie sollen aus Sicht von Kinder- und JugendlichenpsychotherapeutInnen (KJP) erfasst werden. Material und Methoden Es wurden 324 KJP aus Deutschland in einer Online-Umfrage gebeten, die letzten 6 Monate mit einem 6‑monatigen Zeitraum vor 2 Jahren zu vergleichen. Fünf- und 7‑stufige Likert-Skalen, Fragen mit Mehr- und Einfachauswahl sowie numerische und ein freies Antwortformat wurden verwendet. Ergebnisse Seit Pandemiebeginn haben sich die Wartezeiten nahezu verdoppelt. Es werden mehr Behandlungsstunden angeboten, v. a. mehr Erstgespräche durchgeführt. Therapieverlängerungen kommen häufiger, -abbrüche seltener vor. Bei der Hälfte der PatientInnen ist eine pandemieassoziierte Symptomverschlechterung aufgetreten. Alle erfragten psychischen Störungen treten z. T. deutlich häufiger auf (v. a. Depressionen, Angststörungen, Medienabhängigkeit, Schlaf‑, Anpassungs‑, Zwangs- und Essstörungen). Es erfolgen mehr Telefon- und Videositzungen als vor der Pandemie. Die Zusammenarbeit mit Eltern hat sich verstärkt, die mit dem interdisziplinären Netzwerk verringert. Diskussion Die Pandemie hat einen deutlichen Einfluss auf die psychische Verfassung und die psychotherapeutische Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland. Eine Anpassung des Versorgungssystems an den gestiegenen Bedarf wird vorgeschlagen, um mögliche Folgeschäden der Pandemie zu begrenzen. Zusatzmaterial online Die Online-Version dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00278-022-00604-y) enthält die detaillierten Fragen des Fragebogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Plötner
- Abteilung Klinische Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie, Universität Leipzig, Neumarkt 9–19, 04109 Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Katja Moldt
- Abteilung Klinische Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie, Universität Leipzig, Neumarkt 9–19, 04109 Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Tina In-Albon
- Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Universität Koblenz-Landau, Campus Landau, Landau, Deutschland
| | - Julian Schmitz
- Abteilung Klinische Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie, Universität Leipzig, Neumarkt 9–19, 04109 Leipzig, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lehmann S, Haug E, Bjørknes R, Mjeldheim Sandal G, T. Fadnes L, Skogen JC. Quality of life among young people in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:1061-1071. [PMID: 35732752 PMCID: PMC9216295 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to examine health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among a general sample of young people in Norway aged 11-19 years. More specifically, we examine: (1) Change over 2 time-points in five health-related quality of life dimensions, (2) Whether sociodemographic- and COVID-19-related factors contributed to change in these five dimensions, (3) Whether parental stress and socioeconomic status at T1 interacted with change in health-related quality of life across T1 and T2. Data collection lasted from April 27th to May 11th, 2020 (T1), and from December 16th, 2020, to January 10th, 2021 (T2). Youth aged 11-19 years (N = 2997) completed the KIDSCREEN-27, COVID-19 related and sociodemographic items. Parents (N = 744) of youth aged 15 years and younger completed the parental stress scale and sociodemographic items. Physical and psychological wellbeing declined significantly from March to December 2020. Subscale scores for social support and peers increased. Controlling for a broad number of sociodemographic and COVID-19-related factors did not make an overall impact on the estimates. Those worried about infection, older aged, girls, and youth born outside Norway had a steeper decline in health-related quality of life subdimensions from T1 to T2. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we warrant special attention to the recovery of youth's physical and psychological wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ellen Haug
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway ,grid.458561.b0000 0004 0611 5642NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Bjørknes
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T. Fadnes
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412835.90000 0004 0627 2891Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway ,grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Geweniger A, Haddad A, Barth M, Högl H, Mund A, Insan S, Langer T. Mental health of children with and without special healthcare needs and of their caregivers during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2022; 6:e001509. [PMID: 36053611 PMCID: PMC9247324 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe mental health outcomes and measures of pandemic burden of children with and without special healthcare needs, and their caregivers following the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. DESIGN This is the second of a sequential series of cross-sectional online surveys conducted among caregivers of children ≤18 years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, administrated between 2 April 2021 and 31 July 2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Child and parental mental health were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and WHO-5 Well-being index. Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN) were identified using the CSHCN-Screener. Descriptive statistics, linear and hierarchical logistic regression modelling assessed associations between parent-reported child mental health problems and measures of pandemic burden, disease complexity, caregiver mental well-being and socioeconomic status. RESULTS 521 participants were included in the final sample. There was a high prevalence of parent-reported mental health problems in n=302 (66.7%) children, particularly in CSHCN. Among caregivers, n=372 (72.5%) screened positive for depression. Logistic regression modelling showed a strong association of child mental health problems and disease complexity, parental mental well-being, increase in family conflict and inadequate social support. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies CSHCN as a particularly vulnerable group in terms of mental health outcomes. Psychosocial factors were important predictors of parent-reported child mental health problems. Policy measures should consider the importance of social support systems for vulnerable children and their families, and aim to provide accessible mental health support for caregivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Geweniger
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disease, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anneke Haddad
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Barth
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Shrabon Insan
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disease, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Langer
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disease, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|