1
|
Katz C, Jacobson M, Priolo Filho SR, Goldfarb D, Liu J, Zibetti MR, Varela N, Attrash Najjar A, Bérubé A, Collin-Vézina D, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, Munir A, Tiwari A, Wekerle C. Examining resilience among child protection professionals during COVID-19: A global comparison across 57 countries. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024:106659. [PMID: 38326165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic led to numerous challenges for child protection professionals (CPPs). However, limited research has investigated the interwoven concepts of coping, resilience, and mental distress among CPPs during COVID-19 on a global scale. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore CPPs' practice, resilience, and mental distress during COVID-19, the relationship between their resilience and mental distress, the global stability of the Multi-System Model of Resilience (MSMR), and how CPPs' resilience varied according to the Human Development Index (HDI). METHODS Data were collected from 420 CPPs in 57 countries across five continents between July and September 2021. Participants completed an online questionnaire on demographics, resilience, mental distress, coping, and perceptions of child protection during the pandemic in their native languages. The analyses compared the countries grouped according to HDI using means comparisons, correlations, and multiple linear regressions. A two-path analysis was also performed to identify variables associated with behavioral resilience engagement and mental distress. RESULTS The findings indicated that CPPs' perceptions of COVID-19's impact on child maltreatment varied in correlation with their country's HDI. There were also significant HDI-based differences regarding the perceived opportunity to engage in resilient behavior and its helpfulness. Years of professional experience, internal resilience, and external resilience were shown to be significant predictors of mental distress among CPPs during the pandemic, and resilience mediated how years of experience predicted mental distress. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasized the importance of experience and internal resilience for CPPs' psychological well-being. It also provides empirical evidence to support the MSMR theory on a global scale. Additionally, it demonstrates how the perceived changes in child maltreatment during COVID-19 may be associated with regional HDI. Lastly, the opportunities CPPs had to engage in resilient behavior and how much this helped them was associated with regional HDI, but not in the way originally predicted. Study results also hold implications for how practice and policy may be altered to help CPPs cope better during times of crisis and generally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Ma'ayan Jacobson
- Haruv Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Sidnei R Priolo Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | | | - Jenny Liu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.
| | | | | | - Afnan Attrash Najjar
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel.
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Kathryn Maguire-Jack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | | | - Akhtar Munir
- Department of Social Work, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- Augusta University, CJ2300 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912; USA.
| | - Christine Wekerle
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Katz C, Glucklich T, Attrash-Najjar A, Jacobson M, Cohen N, Varela N, Priolo-Filho SR, Bérubé A, Chang OD, Collin-Vézina D, Fouché A, Haffejee S, Katz I, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, O'Reilly M, Tiwari A, Truter E, de Andrade Vieira RV, Walker-Williams H, Zibetti MR, Werkele C. The global impact of COVID-19 on child protection professionals: A scoping review and thematic analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023:106347. [PMID: 37479549 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic triggered new risks for child maltreatment (CM) and exacerbated existing challenges for families and children, elevating the importance of child protection professionals (CPPs) while also adding barriers to their work. During the pandemic, many CPPs experienced increased workloads, a disrupted work environment, and personal pandemic-related hardships. However, the scope of how COVID-19 impacted CPPs globally, as well as their adopted coping strategies, have not been well explored. OBJECTIVE This study addresses these gaps in the research by conducting an international scoping review to explore and analyze these topics. METHOD The scoping review was performed in six languages: English, Hebrew, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, across 16 databases. Sixteen manuscripts were included in the final thematic analysis of this review. RESULTS Two main themes were identified: 1) the impact of COVID-19 on CPPs, and 2) the coping and adaptation strategies employed by CPPs during COVID-19. This review revealed and emphasized the importance of CPPs' resilience during COVID-19, underpinned by the theoretical framework of the social ecology of resilience. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the responsibility of social ecologies and organizational structures to create readiness for a rapid response in times of crisis as well as valuable evidence to inform how CPPs, children, and families may be better supported in the event of a future crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Talia Glucklich
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Afnan Attrash-Najjar
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ma'ayan Jacobson
- Haruv Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Chaim Levanon 30, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Sidnei Rinaldo Priolo-Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense - Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Brazil
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Olivia D Chang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouché
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES Research Entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Maguire-Jack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Academic College of Education, P.O. Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Michelle O'Reilly
- School of Media, Communication, and Sociology, University of Leicester and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES Research Entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | | | - Hayley Walker-Williams
- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark Campus, COMPRES Research Entity, Gauteng, South Africa.
| | | | - Christine Werkele
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Priolo Filho SR, Chae H, Bhakta A, Moura BR, Correia BB, Santos JDS, Sieben TL, Goldfarb D. A qualitative analysis of child protection professionals' challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 143:106229. [PMID: 37271117 PMCID: PMC10160522 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Child Protection Professionals (CPPs) play a key role in providing insights into the child protection system and how it can best support children's right to personal security, particularly during trying times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative research provides one potential tool to tap into this knowledge and awareness. This research thus expanded earlier qualitative work on CPPs' perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on their work, including potential struggles and barriers, into the context of a developing country. METHODS A total of 309 CPPs from all five regions in Brazil answered demographics, pandemic-related resilient behaviors, and open-ended questions regarding their profession during the pandemic. RESULTS Data went through a three-step process of analysis: (1) pre-analysis; (2) category creation; and (3) coding of responses. Five categories emerged from the analysis: the Pandemic's Impact on CPPs' Work; the Impact of the Pandemic on CPP-Involved Families; Occupational Concerns during the Pandemic; Politics and the Pandemic; and Vulnerability due to the Pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our qualitative analyses showed the pandemic resulted in increased challenges for CPPs across several fronts within their workplace. Although each of these categories is discussed separately, they all influenced one another. This highlights the need to continue efforts to support CPPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sidnei R Priolo Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | - Hana Chae
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America.
| | - Ayesha Bhakta
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America.
| | - Bárbara Renata Moura
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Bianca Borges Correia
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jackeline da Silva Santos
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Thaisy Luana Sieben
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Deborah Goldfarb
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marmor A, Cohen N, Katz C. Child Maltreatment During COVID-19: Key Conclusions and Future Directions Based on a Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:760-775. [PMID: 34488521 PMCID: PMC10011920 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211043818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-ranging impact. As societies struggled to minimize infection, questions arose regarding the consequences for children. Initial research reported the urgent need for child protective services worldwide to adapt existing policies and practices to protect children from maltreatment during this time, which is the rationale for the current systematic literature review. This review examined studies published in peer-reviewed journals from March 2020 to October 2020 on child maltreatment (CM) in the context of COVID-19. Twenty-five manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were predominantly from the United States, with three international studies. The majority of the studies included CM reports during COVID-19 based on official data. The results clearly demonstrated an increased risk for children alongside a worrisome international decrease in CM reports. Only two studies addressed interventions during the pandemic. The current review highlights that, along with the obligation of scholars to advance the protection of children during COVID-19, there is much that is unknown. Future studies should examine the impact of the pandemic on children and their surrounding systems as well as child protective services' responses, which face enormous challenges during a pandemic. An additional conclusion is that, since children were not identified as a health risk group during the pandemic, their protection rights may have been jeopardized. Furthermore, the variance identified in the policies of different countries pinpoints the urgent need to establish an international protocol for protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19, a protocol that will hopefully be a basis for policymakers worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitai Marmor
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Goldfarb D, Zibetti MR, Liu JJW, Priolo Filho SR, Aznar-Blefari C. Resilience during times of enduring challenge: Brazilian Child Protection Professionals' resilience and psychological distress one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105925. [PMID: 36288674 PMCID: PMC9595416 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Child Protection Professionals (CPPs) was widespread. Evidence regarding how those professionals dealt with the pandemic adversities and consequences for their wellbeing are scarce. OBJECTIVE We sought to analyze whether predictors of resilience had changed one year into the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Specifically, we explored the resiliency of CPPs as the stress of the pandemic evolved from an acute stressor to a more chronic and persistent stressor. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 263 CPPs from the five regions of Brazil engaged in this study. Participants had a mean age of 40 years and, on average, 13 years of experience in their field. METHODS CPPs were recruited between March and April of 2021 via professional social media outlets to complete an online survey. CPPs answered questions regarding their perceptions of their work conditions, psychological distress, and resilience. Survey questions were adopted from a prior survey distributed in 2020. RESULTS We replicated findings from our earlier study in the pandemic: A model of CPPs' resilient behaviors showed good indices of fit even one year into the pandemic. Despite this, paths related to individual importance for personal resilient behavior were not significant in this model. Unmet resilient needs significantly predicted general psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS CPPs revealed some changing resiliency needs as the pandemic progressed. Results revealed that meeting resilience-related needs is key to decreasing the psychological distress of this population. This work adds to the literature on the understudied topic of CPPs' psychological distress and resilience during international challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenny J W Liu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada.
| | - Sidnei R Priolo Filho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa, Prevenção e Intervenção em Psicologia Forense, Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Katz I, Priolo-Filho S, Katz C, Andresen S, Bérubé A, Cohen N, Connell CM, Collin-Vézina D, Fallon B, Fouche A, Fujiwara T, Haffejee S, Korbin JE, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, Munoz P, Tarabulsy GM, Tiwari A, Truter E, Varela N, Wekerle C, Yamaoka Y. One year into COVID-19: What have we learned about child maltreatment reports and child protective service responses? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105473. [PMID: 34996621 PMCID: PMC8760954 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A year has passed since COVID-19 began disrupting systems. Although children are not considered a risk population for the virus, there is accumulating knowledge regarding children's escalating risk for maltreatment during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE The current study is part of a larger initiative using an international platform to examine child maltreatment (CM) reports and child protective service (CPS) responses in various countries. The first data collection, which included a comparison between eight countries after the pandemic's first wave (March-June 2020), illustrated a worrisome picture regarding children's wellbeing. The current study presents the second wave of data across 12 regions via population data (Australia [New South Wales], Brazil, United States [California, Pennsylvania], Colombia, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Canada [Ontario, Quebec], South Africa). METHOD Regional information was gathered, including demographics, economic situation, and CPS responses to COVID-19. A descriptive analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the phenomenon. RESULTS Across all of the countries, COVID-19 had a substantial negative impact on the operation of CPSs and the children and families they serve by disrupting in-person services. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, new reports of CM varied across the regions.1 In some, the impact of COVID-19 on CPS was low to moderate, while in others, more significant changes created multiple challenges for CPS services. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 created a barrier for CPS to access and protect children. The dramatic variance between the regions demonstrated how social, economic and structural contexts impact both CM reports and CPS responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Sidnei Priolo-Filho
- The Graduate Program of Psychology, the Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Rua Sydnei Antonio Rangel Santos 238, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Sabine Andresen
- Social Pedagogy & Family Research Department, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Education, Institute for Social Pedagogy and Adult Education, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6, D-60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psycho-education and psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Christian M Connell
- Pennsylvania State University, 217 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Barbara Fallon
- The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, the University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouche
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates; Department of Child Protection Social Work, North-West University, South Africa.
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa.
| | - Jill E Korbin
- Department of anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
| | - Katie Maguire-Jack
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Educational college of education, P.O.Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Pablo Munoz
- Nacional Universidad de Colombia, Building 205 - Of. 117, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
| | - George M Tarabulsy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck 1030, avenue des Sciences-Humaines Suite 3456, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- Child Protection Social Work, North-West University. Building 9A, Office G17.6, Vanderbijlpark Campus, South Africa.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of social and human sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Christine Wekerle
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Yui Yamaoka
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nyberg A, Rajaleid K, Demmelmaier I. The Work Environment during Coronavirus Epidemics and Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Studies Using Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed-Methods Designs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116783. [PMID: 35682365 PMCID: PMC9180570 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to provide an overview of how work environment and occupational health are affected, and describe interventions designed to improve the work environment during epidemics and pandemics. The guidelines on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed. The databases Cinahl, Medline, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched for population: working population; exposure: coronavirus epidemic or pandemic; and outcome: work environment, in articles published until October 2020. Quality assessment was based on a modified version of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). After deduplication 3711 articles remained, of which 530 were selected for full-text screening and 119 for quality assessment. After the exclusion of studies that were low quality, 95 remained, of which 85 focused on healthcare personnel and 10 on employees in other industries; 73 used quantitative methods and 22 used qualitative or mixed methods; the majority were based on cross-sectional data. Healthcare staff experienced increased job demands, poor leadership, and lack of resources (personal protective equipment, personnel, and competence). High demands and work with infected patients were associated with negative mental health outcomes. There was a lack of studies assessing interventions, studies from industries other than healthcare, and studies of high quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nyberg
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 564, SE-751 22 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-8-708-234318
| | - Kristiina Rajaleid
- Stress Research Institute, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Ingrid Demmelmaier
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 564, SE-751 22 Uppsala, Sweden;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Araujo C, Siqueira M, Amaral L. Resilience of Brazilian health-care professionals during the pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITY AND SERVICE SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijqss-08-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
Health-care professionals are caring for patients in unprecedented circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with scarce resources, higher demand and uncertain outcomes. In this context, the purpose of this study is to explore the views of health-care professionals regarding their work conditions and perceived impacts of the pandemic on their health, as well as the role of resilience and improvisation in face of the new challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory and qualitative study carried out semi-structured interviews with eleven health-care professionals from three Brazilian states that have been working in intensive care settings during the pandemic.
Findings
The pandemic has posed a great personal and professional burden on the professionals, impacting their physical and mental health. It also has required them greater resilience and improvisation capabilities to adequately perform work-related activities.
Practical implications
In addition to individual-level attitudes, the results suggest that aspects in the government, society, personal relationships and providers domains influence the effects of the pandemic on the health-care professionals and how they cope with the ongoing crisis. Such a multifactorial approach should therefore be considered by health managers.
Originality/value
With no similar effort identified, this study emphasizes the relevance of discussing the pandemic burden on frontline professionals and intends to be useful for health practitioners, managers, academics and policymakers.
Collapse
|
9
|
Whitt-Woosley A, Sprang G, Eslinger J. Foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of caregiver and professional experiences. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 124:105444. [PMID: 34972016 PMCID: PMC8669913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to facilitate better understanding of how different groups have been impacted by COVID-19, especially those in already strained service systems such as foster care. These inquiries will support further response, recovery and preparedness efforts. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study addressed how professionals and caregivers in foster care described being affected by COVID-19 in order to support future research and planning for foster care systems in this pandemic context. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of foster parents and foster care professionals (N = 357) from a mostly rural, southeastern state in the U.S. participated in the study. METHODS Qualitative analysis was conducted of 357 open-ended responses regarding the impact of COVID-19 from a survey distributed in August 2020. RESULTS The coding process resulted in the identification of 15 distinct themes: Isolation & Loss of Social Support, Work Changes/Stressors, School Issues, Childcare Issues, No Impact/Positive Changes, Financial Problems, Fear of Contagion, Negative Child Welfare Impacts, Mental Health Problems/Stress, Loss of Faith/Trust & Societal Frustrations, Health & Mental Healthcare Access Issues, PPE & Testing Issues, Grief & Loss, and Marital Problems. Secondary impacts rather than direct physiologic effects of the virus were primarily reported. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the various challenges facing foster care systems, and how the pandemic context is exacerbating many of these issues. Further research is needed to ensure the implementation of adequately complex and nuanced responses that target needs and avoid creating further problems for foster care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Whitt-Woosley
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America.
| | - Ginny Sprang
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Jessica Eslinger
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
“You cannot pour from an empty cup!”: child well-being service providers’ and policymakers’ professional supervision, coping and well-being during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-08-2021-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present findings from 440 responses regarding the experiences of supervision, coping and well-being of 83 service providers and policymakers from eight countries working to support children’s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A smartphone survey hosted on a custom-built app was used. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The data were gathered in the last quarter of 2020.
Findings
While most respondents described the supervision they received as “useful” – both personally and professionally – and reported several characteristics of effective supervision practices, concerns about not receiving optimal support were also voiced. Respondents shared a range of stress management and other self-care practices they used but also revealed their difficulties optimally managing the stresses and anxieties during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some respondents shared they were feeling helpless, unmotivated and unproductive. Yet, overall, responses were imbued with messages about hope, perseverance and self-compassion.
Originality/value
Using a bespoke smartphone app, rich and intimate insights were generated in real time from a wide range of professionals across high- and low- and middle-income countries – indicating the need to better support their well-being and service delivery.
Collapse
|
11
|
Davidson JC, Karadzhov D, Wilson G. Practitioners' and Policymakers' Successes, Challenges, Innovations, and Learning in Promoting Children's Well-being During COVID-19: Protocol for a Multinational Smartphone App Survey. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e31013. [PMID: 34323850 PMCID: PMC8323762 DOI: 10.2196/31013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of COVID-19 abruptly thrust the health and safety of children and families into greater risk around the world. As regional and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, communities, families, and children grapple with the immediate public health impact of COVID-19, the rights and well-being of children, especially those who are already marginalized, have been overlooked. Those working with children have likely encountered unprecedented challenges and responded in innovative ways in efforts to address the needs and rights of all children. Objective This paper presents a protocol for a large-scale, multinational study using a new smartphone app to capture the real-time experiences and perspectives of practitioners and policymakers supporting children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe in relation to a children’s human rights 4P framework of protection, provision, prevention, and participation. Methods This protocol describes a mixed methods survey utilizing a custom-built iOS and Android smartphone app called the COVID 4P Log for Children’s Wellbeing, which was developed in close consultation with 17 international key partner organizations. Practitioners and policymakers working with and for children’s well-being across 29 countries and 5 continents were invited to download the app and respond to questions over the course of 8 weeks. The anticipated large amount of qualitative and quantitative response data will be analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics, and word frequencies. Results Formal data collection took place from October 2020 until March 2021. Data analysis was completed in July 2021. Conclusions The findings will directly inform the understanding of the ways in which COVID-19 has impacted practitioners’, managers’, and policymakers’ efforts to support children’s well-being in their practices, services, and policies, respectively. Innovative and ambitious in its scope and use of smartphone technology, this project also aims to inform and inspire future multinational research using app-based methodologies—the demand for which is likely to continue to dramatically rise in the COVID-19 era. Mitigating the risks of longitudinal remote data collection will help maximize the acceptability of the app, respondents’ sustained engagement, and data quality. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/31013
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Davidson
- Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures, School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitar Karadzhov
- Institute for Inspiring Children's Futures, School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Wilson
- Digital Health & Wellness Group, Department of Computer & Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Protection of Children in Difficulty in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su13010279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the resilience of the Chinese child protection system in responding to the special needs of children in difficulty under the specific circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study applied qualitative document analysis of child protection administrative documents, in-depth interviews with 13 child protection professionals, and an in-depth case study of 14 children living in difficulty, complemented by relevant information available in the media. The results indicate that there are good policies in China’s child protection services but the organizational and functional fragmentation complicates implementation, suggesting a need for the development of bottom-up practices. The essential conclusion supported by these results is that the child protection system should be regarded and developed as a systematic project combining the legal, policymaking, and professional systems of child welfare services as well as governmental and non-governmental forces. As the COVID-19 pandemic has raised awareness of the need to develop the field of child protection holistically as an integrated system in terms of social sustainability in China, an international literature-based comparison indicates that the pandemic has also raised similar political awareness in other countries.
Collapse
|
13
|
Katz C, Fallon B. Protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104753. [PMID: 32981712 PMCID: PMC7500875 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | | |
Collapse
|