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Bai X, Cai X, Zhou J, Yang W. COVID-19 infection, resilience, and depressive symptoms: the protective role of family functioning for aging Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38794850 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2356874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older adults are at an elevated risk of experiencing long COVID, with post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms being prevalent. However, the protective factors against this remain understudied. This study examined (a) the role of resilience in the association between COVID-19 infection and depressive symptoms in aging adults; (b) the moderating role of family functioning in the relationships between COVID-19 and resilience and between resilience and depressive symptoms; and (c) potential gender differences in the moderation. METHOD Data were drawn from the first wave of the Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society, a representative survey of Hong Kong adults aged 50 or above. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were conducted. RESULTS Approximately 35% of the participants had tested positive for COVID-19. Resilience significantly mediated the association between COVID-19 infection and post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms (p < 0.001). Family functioning was a significant moderator: the COVID-19-resilience association was stronger, and the resilience-depressive symptoms association was weaker among participants with higher family functioning. The moderating role of family functioning was more salient in women than in men. CONCLUSION Resilience can protect aging adults from post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms. Interventions for enhancing family functioning may promote the formation of resilience, especially among older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- GH338, Department of Applied Social Sciences, Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinxin Cai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiajia Zhou
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Institute of Gerontology, King's College London, London, UK
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Grech AM, Sharma S, Kizirian N, Gordon A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new parents enrolled in the 'BABY1000' birth cohort study in Sydney, Australia: A mixed-methods study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024; 48:100127. [PMID: 38354625 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100127] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic was, and continues to be, uniquely experienced by women in the perinatal period and their families. Whilst long-term impacts of the pandemic are unknown, exposures in pregnancy and early life have impacts across the life-course and future generations. The objective of this manuscript was to explore how the pregnancy, postpartum and parenting experiences of a subset of participants from the 'BABY1000' cohort in Sydney, Australia, were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore associations between these experiences and state anxiety. METHODS Mixed methods were used. Participants were requested to complete an online survey including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short form (STAI-6), followed by an invitation to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs). RESULTS From September to November 2021, 88 parents completed the survey (mean age 33.5 years, 60% born in Australia, 58% primiparous). Twenty-two parents participated in FGDs. Six themes were identified regarding the experience of parents: (1) Maternal support, (2) Family relationships, (3) Stress and mental health, (4) Healthcare, (5) Family lifestyle and routine, and (6) Long-term impacts. The mean STAI-6 score was 40 (SD 12.3), representing high anxiety. High anxiety was significantly associated with concern regarding COVID-19 and feeling overburdened and lonely. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health orders significantly impacted participants' pregnancy, postpartum and parenting experiences. Whilst these experiences included some unexpected positives, for many, these were outweighed by negative impacts on mental health, social support, health behaviours, and family relationships. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Ongoing longitudinal research is imperative to identify potential long-term effects of the pandemic across the life-course, better support families in the short and long-term, and plan for public health crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Marie Grech
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Sweekriti Sharma
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, Sydney, Australia; Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nathalie Kizirian
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrienne Gordon
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Sydney, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Lee BEC, Ling M, Boyd L, Olsson CA, Sheen J. Key predictors of psychological distress and wellbeing in Australian frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19 (Omicron wave). Front Psychol 2023; 14:1200839. [PMID: 37484084 PMCID: PMC10361570 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1200839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant challenges for frontline healthcare workers' (FHW), raising many mental health and wellbeing concerns for this cohort. To facilitate identification of risk and protective factors to inform treatment and interventions, this study investigated key predictors of psychological distress and subjective wellbeing in FHWs. Methods During the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2022), Victorian (Australia) doctors, nurses, allied health and non-medical staff from Emergency Departments, Intensive Care units, Aged Care, Hospital In The Home, and COVID Wards completed a cross-sectional survey consisting of the Kessler 6 item (Psychological Distress), Personal Wellbeing Index (Subjective Wellbeing), Coronavirus Health Impact Survey tool (COVID-19 related factors) and occupational factors. Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate unadjusted and adjusted associations. Relative weight analysis was used to compare and identify key predictors. Results Out of 167 participants, 18.1% screened positive for a probable mental illness and a further 15.3% screened positive for low wellbeing. Key risk factors for greater psychological distress included COVID infection worries, relationship stress and younger age. For both psychological distress and lower wellbeing, health status and supervisor support were key protective factors, while infection risks were key risk factors. Only positive changes in relationship quality was protective of lower wellbeing. Conclusion This study highlights the significance of social determinants and individual level factors alongside work related factors, in influencing FHWs' mental health and wellbeing during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that future interventions and supports should take a more holistic approach that considers work, social and individual level factors when supporting FHWs' mental health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian En Chyi Lee
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew Ling
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Neami National, Preston, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Craig A. Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Sheen
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Dungan M, Lincoln M, Aichele S, Clark ELM, Harvey A, Hoyer L, Jiao Y, Joslin S, Russell F, Biringen Z. Mother-Child and Father-Child Emotional Availability during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1044. [PMID: 37371275 DOI: 10.3390/children10061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
While the body of literature on COVID-19's impacts on family life is rapidly expanding, most studies are based entirely on self-report data, leaving a critical gap in observational studies of parent-child interactions. The goal of this study was to evaluate parent-child relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic using the observational emotional availability (EA) construct. Parents (n = 43) were assessed using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), the Flourishing Scale (FLS), and the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) questionnaires. The subcategories of the EPII were used to develop an EPII negative and an EPII positive for each parent. EA (sensitivity, structuring, nonhostility, nonintrusiveness, child responsiveness, and child involvement) was coded from filmed parent-child interactions. Separate hierarchical multiple regressions (HMRs) were run to evaluate each of the variables of interest (EPII and FLS) as predictive of EA. Child age (M = 6, SD = 4.68) and ACEs were added in subsequent steps for EPII negative and positive if the initial step was significant. For mothers (n = 25), results demonstrated EPII negative as a significant predictor of EA with child age and ACEs adding only small amount of variance to the prediction. The same HMR process was repeated for flourishing, with the covariate child age alone. For fathers (n = 18), flourishing was a significant predictor of EA and child age added only a small amount of variance to the prediction. Results indicate that experiencing high COVID-19-related stressors is associated with lower EA for mothers, but not fathers. Having high levels of flourishing during the pandemic was predictive of higher EA for fathers, but not mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Dungan
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Michael Lincoln
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Stephen Aichele
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Emma L M Clark
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Ashley Harvey
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Lillian Hoyer
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Yuqin Jiao
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Steffany Joslin
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Frances Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Zeynep Biringen
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
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Federica G, Renata T, Marzilli E. Parental Postnatal Depression in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Its Effects on the Parent-Child Relationship and the Child's Developmental Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2018. [PMID: 36767385 PMCID: PMC9915850 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The international literature has shown that maternal and paternal postnatal depression (PND) is one of the most common mental illnesses in the perinatal period, with significant consequences for parent-infant relationships and infant development. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the rates of prevalence of PND, exacerbating the mental health risk for new families. This systematic review aims to examine the effect of maternal and paternal PND on parent-infant relationships and children's development in the first 36 months after childbirth during the COVID-19 outbreak. Eligible studies were identified using the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Of the 1252 studies considered, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that maternal PND significantly affected the quality of the early mother-infant relationship and the infant's motor, self-regulation, and socio-emotional development. In addition, the detrimental impact of maternal PND on the quality of early mother-infant relationships seems to become stronger as COVID-19 concerns increase. No studies included fathers. These findings strengthened the importance of planning targeted prevention and treatment strategies to prevent PND and its short- and long-term consequences, especially in the case of stressful and traumatic events. They also suggested the urgent need for further exploration of fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genova Federica
- Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tambelli Renata
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical & Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Barry A, Elliott M, Loewen S, Alfieri J, Bowes D, Croke J, Debenham B, Keyes M, Papadakos J, Quartey NK, Stuckless T, Lajkosv K, Weiss J, Giuliani M. The Impact of Parent and Family Caregiver Roles Among Canadian Radiation Oncologists. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 116:280-289. [PMID: 36563908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Working parents, and a rising number of adults delivering care for aging relatives, experience numerous challenges in their personal, family, professional, and financial lives owing to multiple responsibilities. This study describes the experiences of Canadian radiation oncologist (RO) parents and family caregivers, reporting challenges that may exist in providing family care with clinical and academic work commitments. METHODS AND MATERIALS Canadian ROs, via RO heads of departments in cancer centers across Canada, and physician members of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey between November 2021 and January 2022. The survey focused on demographics, experiences of pregnancy and leave, parenting and adult caregiving responsibilities, and self-care. RESULTS A total of 103 staff ROs (38%) completed the survey and 78 (75.7%) identified as having a parental (76 [89.7%]) and/or other family caregiver (8 [10.3%]) role; 41% were female and 59% were male, with no difference between genders in the number of children (median, 2; interquartile range, 1-3; P = .17). More female respondents took parental leave for their first child compared with male respondents (mean, 29 vs 6 weeks; P < .001). Of male respondents who started caring for their first child during residency, 27% took parental leave, compared with 77% who started caring for their first child as a staff member (P = .003). The majority of respondents described "always/usually" having collegial support for each pregnancy and parental leave. Both genders described parental responsibilities as negatively affecting attendance at conferences (male, 65%; female, 77%; P = .31) and early or late work-related meetings (male, 76%; female, 79%; P = 1.0). More female respondents described parental responsibilities as negatively affecting their career (50% vs 29%; P = .085). Of female respondents, 52% (vs 26% of male respondents; P = .044) identified a physician mentor or positive role model around parenting issues. CONCLUSIONS Parental and other family caregiving responsibilities are not gender unique in Canadian ROs, but competing work and family roles may affect genders differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Barry
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Mary Elliott
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaun Loewen
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joanna Alfieri
- Division of Radiation Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - David Bowes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brock Debenham
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mira Keyes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Agency Vancouver Centre, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janet Papadakos
- Cancer Health Literacy Research Centre, Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naa Kwarley Quartey
- Cancer Health Literacy Research Centre, Cancer Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teri Stuckless
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosv
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meredith Giuliani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Kennedy M, Bright T, Graham S, Heris C, Bennetts SK, Fiolet R, Davis E, Jones KA, Mohamed J, Atkinson C, Chamberlain C. "You Can't Replace That Feeling of Connection to Culture and Country": Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents' Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16724. [PMID: 36554604 PMCID: PMC9779697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This Aboriginal-led study explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents' experiences of COVID-19. 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents were interviewed between October 2020 and March 2022. Participants were recruited through community networks and partner health services in South Australia, Victoria, and Northern Territory, Australia. Participants were predominantly female (89%) and based in Victoria (47%) or South Australia (45%). Inductive thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) Changes to daily living; (2) Impact on social and emotional wellbeing; and (3) Disconnection from family, community, and culture. COVID-19 impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Disruption to cultural practice, and disconnection from country, family, and community was detrimental to wellbeing. These impacts aggravated pre-existing inequalities and may continue to have greater impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and communities due to intergenerational trauma, stemming from colonisation, violence and dispossession and ongoing systemic racism. We advocate for the development of a framework that ensures an equitable approach to future public health responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kennedy
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Rankin Park, Newcastle, NSW 2287, Australia
| | - Tess Bright
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Simon Graham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Christina Heris
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Shannon K. Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
- Intergenerational Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Renee Fiolet
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Elise Davis
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kimberley A. Jones
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | | | | | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Intergenerational Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
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Schaffer GE, Kilanowski L, Lee BEC. A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 on United States' Frontline Health Care Workers and the Perceived Impact on Their Family Members. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10483. [PMID: 36078199 PMCID: PMC9517839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although previous research has documented the mental and physical health impacts that COVID-19 had on frontline health workers in the United States, little is known about how the pandemic affected their families. This study sought to explore the impact COVID-19 had on the individual functioning of frontline health care workers in the USA and the perceived impact it had on their family members during the initial nine months of the pandemic. More specifically, this study sought to explore if and how family roles, routines, rules, and social-emotional well-being changed as a result of COVID-19. Twenty-eight frontline health care workers across the United States who were parents to at least one child residing in the home under 24 were interviewed. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. From the analysis, four major themes emerged with regard to the changes and perceived impact to family functioning, family experiences of new hygiene practices, and stigma related to being a health care practitioner or having a family member working in health care, and psychological distress. The results of this study can be used by mental health clinicians to inform policy, develop practice guidelines, and help identify and target interventions for health care workers and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Edward Schaffer
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, College of Education, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY 14109, USA
| | - Lisa Kilanowski
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Brian En Chyi Lee
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
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"Did You Bring It Home with You?" A Qualitative Investigation of the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Victorian Frontline Healthcare Workers and Their Families. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084897. [PMID: 35457765 PMCID: PMC9027899 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Concerns regarding the physical and mental health impacts of frontline healthcare roles during the COVID-19 pandemic have been well documented, but the impacts on family functioning remain unclear. This study provides a unique contribution to the literature by considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers and their families. Thirty-nine frontline healthcare workers from Victoria, Australia, who were parents to at least one child under 18 were interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five superordinate and 14 subordinate themes were identified. Themes included more family time during lockdowns, but at a cost; changes in family responsibilities and routines; managing increased demands; healthcare workers hypervigilance and fear of bringing COVID-19 home to their family members; ways in which families worked to “get through it”. While efforts have been made by many healthcare organisations to support their workers during this challenging time, the changes in family functioning observed by participants suggest that more could be done for this vulnerable cohort, particularly with respect to family support.
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