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Lee YR, Park SN, Lee MR, Nam E. Influencing factors of early childhood teachers' disaster preparedness. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249736. [PMID: 38089018 PMCID: PMC10713831 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249736] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of disasters and infectious diseases continues to persist in modern times. Children are a vulnerable group in disaster prevention and management due to their limited ability to cope on their own. Hence, the role and disaster preparedness capacity of early childhood teachers (ECTs) is vital for children's protection. Objectives This study aims to explore how ECTs can improve their personal resilience to adapt to and overcome disasters as part of early childhood education and care (ECEC). To this end, this study examined the effects of ECTs' self-efficacy, resilience, disaster awareness, COVID-19 stress, and work-related stress on their disaster preparedness. Results According to the outcomes of disaster preparedness of ECTs based on their general and job characteristics, full-time employees and principals scored significantly higher in work-related disaster preparedness (WrDP) compared to part-time workers and general and assistant teachers, respectively. Resilience and WrDP were identified as influencing factors of general disaster preparedness (GdP), with an explanatory power of 26.4%. GdP and self-efficacy were identified as influencing factors of WrDP, with an explanatory power of 25.7%. Discussion According to the findings, ECTs' self-efficacy and GdP must be improved, followed by developing strategies to strengthen their resilience and WrDP. Doing so would ensure the safety and disaster preparedness of ECTs and infants who have low self-care capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ran Lee
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Nam Park
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ran Lee
- Yaedasom Childcare Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Nam
- Seoul Women's College of Nursing, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Rodríguez-Rabassa M, Torres-Marrero E, López P, Muniz-Rodriguez K, Borges-Rodríguez M, Appleton AA, Avilés-Santa L, Alvarado-Domenech LI. Stressors and Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Vulnerable Hispanic Caregivers and Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1838. [PMID: 36767218 PMCID: PMC9914744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Psychological sequelae are important elements of the burden of disease among caregivers. Recognition of the impact of adversity and stress biomarkers is important to prevent mental health problems that affect rearing practices and child well-being. This cross-sectional study explored social determinants of health (SDoH)-mediated stressors during COVID-19 and risks for mental health problems among caregivers of children with prenatal Zika virus exposure. Twenty-five Hispanic caregivers completed surveys assessing SDoH vulnerabilities, COVID-exposures and impact, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, and provided a hair sample for cortisol concentration (HCC). Most caregivers had low education, household income < $15,000/year, and were unemployed. Stressors included disrupted child education and specialized services, and food insecurity. While most reported PTSD symptomatology, multivariate linear regression models adjusted for the caregiver's age, education, and the child's sex, revealed that caregivers with high symptomatology had significantly lower HCC than those with low symptomatology and those with food insecurity had significantly higher HCC than participants without food insecurity. The impact of COVID-19 on daily life was characterized on average between worse and better, suggesting variability in susceptibility and coping mechanisms, with the most resilient identifying community support and spirituality resources. SDoH-mediators provide opportunities to prevent adverse mental health outcomes for caregivers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Rodríguez-Rabassa
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR 00732, USA
- RCMI Center for Research Resources, Ponce Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR 00732, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Ponce Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR 00732, USA
| | - Estefanía Torres-Marrero
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR 00732, USA
| | - Pablo López
- RCMI Center for Research Resources, Ponce Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR 00732, USA
| | | | | | - Allison A. Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Larissa Avilés-Santa
- Division of Clinical and Health Services Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 6707 Democracy Blvd. Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Park J, Kim C, Son S. Disparities in food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic: A two-year analysis. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 131:104003. [PMID: 36168406 PMCID: PMC9500096 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
While the overall level of food insecurity in the United States has remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain individuals and regions have fared worse than others. This study examines state-level variables affecting individual- and household-level food insecurity during the recent two years of the pandemic beginning in 2020 by utilizing the Household Pulse Survey, a new nationally representative dataset developed by the United States Census Bureau. The results of this study suggest a set of statewide factors, such as pandemic-driven market conditions, COVID-19 prevalence, and the implementation of federal programs, are associated with the level of food insecurity that individuals have experienced during the pandemic over the past two years. The associations varied by household income levels, indicating a strong relationship between higher-income households and market conditions, as well as the importance of federal programs and state policies in alleviating food insecurity among lower-income households. The food insecurity indices also overlapped with different socioeconomic and health hardships caused by the pandemic, such as employment income loss, housing instability, and mental health problems. The findings of this study highlight state-level contexts, particularly the role of state governments, in responding to pandemic-related food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungHo Park
- Department of Housing & Interior Design (BK21 Four AgeTech-Service Convergence Major), College of Human Ecology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chaeri Kim
- Resource & Environmental Management, Action On Climate, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seulgi Son
- Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning, University of Michigan, 2000 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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.
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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
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Kong C, Yasmin F. Impact of Parenting Style on Early Childhood Learning: Mediating Role of Parental Self-Efficacy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:928629. [PMID: 35874335 PMCID: PMC9302433 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.928629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study examined the impact of parental style on early childhood learning, as well as the role of parental self-efficacy (PSE) as a mediating factor. In the domains of education and psychology, it is increasingly recognized that parents have a considerable impact on their children's learning and development. Purposive sampling was used and data was gathered over 3 months from school children's parents. Hypotheses were tested using smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM v3.2.8) software. The findings of the present study reveal that an authoritative parenting style is positively associated with learning outcomes among Chinese students. Moreover, the mediating role of parental self-efficacy has been tested and proved to be a potential mediator between parental style and children's learning outcomes. High PSE is linked to parents' adoption of a variety of optimum parenting practices throughout childhood, including maternal sensitivity and responsiveness to children's needs, warm and affectionate parental behavior, and monitoring. Hence, low PSE has been linked to coercive or harsh parenting as well as a proclivity to give up easily when faced with parental difficulties. In China, further study is needed on the relationship between parenting style, parental self-efficacy, and learning outcome. Future parenting programs could also focus on raising parents' understanding of the need for both parents' involvement in expressive activities and mentoring. This could help them boost their parenting self-efficacy even more. Lastly, the implications for parents, children, and teachers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuibin Kong
- Department of Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Fakhra Yasmin
- School of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Global Trends in the Research on Early Childhood Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis. EDUCATION SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/educsci12050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and preschools worldwide have been suspended, causing many challenges for students, parents, and teachers. Through home-schooling, preschool children struggle to accept new (online) learning modes. Teachers need to acquire digital skills quickly to deliver online teaching, while parents need to take on the role of a tutor at home to facilitate their children’s learning. This study aims to gauge the global trends in the research on early childhood education (ECE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly considering the need for a swift response to the impact of the pandemic. We employed the bibliometric approach to studying ECE studies during the pandemic by identifying the countries of most-cited publications, most-cited categories of studies, and research methodologies used in the eligible studies (N = 507). Analysis reveals that technology integration in ECE has grown fast to timely facilitate online teaching and resolve varied challenges such as parental stress, a lack of resources, and the quality of education in this field. Based on the bibliometric approach, we highlighted research focusing on key themes such as online learning and teaching, physical activity, stress and mental health, and families in early childhood. This study offers a global perspective on ECE research during the pandemic and provides researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with future directions.
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Johnson AD, Martin A, Partika A, Phillips DA, Castle S. Chaos during the COVID-19 outbreak: Predictors of household chaos among low-income families during a pandemic. FAMILY RELATIONS 2022; 71:18-28. [PMID: 34898781 PMCID: PMC8653318 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore whether household chaos measured during the COVID-19 pandemic is predicted by prepandemic parental and household characteristics. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered children's home environments and routines due to stay-at-home orders, school closures, and economic shocks. These disruptions have been especially challenging for low-income families who have limited resources and have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Household chaos, which captures routines, organization, stability, noise, and crowding in the home, is a documented threat to parent functioning and positive child development. The pandemic has likely exacerbated household chaos, especially for low-income families. METHOD Data come from a larger, ongoing study of low-income children and their parents in Tulsa, Oklahoma; this analysis relies on data from the subset of low-income parents who responded to surveys when their children were in kindergarten (in 2018-2019) and during the pandemic, when their children were in first grade (n = 335). We use multivariate ordinary least squares regression models to test whether household chaos measured during the pandemic is predicted by prepandemic parental and household characteristics. RESULTS Prepandemic parental depression and household chaos were significantly predictive of chaos during the pandemic, even after accounting for household demographics. IMPLICATIONS The current study highlights pandemic-induced elevations in parental distress and household chaos among low-income families. Results will provide valuable direction to policymakers, educators, and parents on how best to offset negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family functioning and child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. Johnson
- Department of PsychologyGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | | | - Anne Partika
- Department of PsychologyGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Deborah A. Phillips
- Department of PsychologyGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Sherri Castle
- Early Childhood Education InstituteUniversity of OklahomaTulsaOklahomaUSA
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Vargová L, Mikulášková G, Fedáková D, Lačný M, Babjáková J, Šlosáriková M, Babinčák P, Ropovik I, Adamkovič M. Slovak parents' mental health and socioeconomic changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:934293. [PMID: 36061269 PMCID: PMC9433575 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.934293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The changes in people's mental health have become one of the hot topics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents have been said to be among the most vulnerable groups in terms of the imposed anti-pandemic measures. The present paper analyzes the trends in mental health indicators in a sample of Slovak parents (N = 363) who participated in four waves of data collection over a year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental health indicators were represented by general levels of depression and anxiety as well as COVID-related stress and anxiety. While there were only minor changes in depression and anxiety, the dynamic in COVID-related stress and especially anxiety was more noteworthy. Besides some exceptions, the results hold even after controlling for the socioeconomic situation. The gender differences in the mental health trends were found to be negligible. Overall, we observed no substantial deterioration in the mental health indicators across the four waves of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Vargová
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Mikulášková
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia.,Instytut Psychologii, Wyższa Szkoła Humanitas, Humanitas University, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Denisa Fedáková
- Institute of Social Sciences of the Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Lačný
- Faculty of Arts, Institute of Political Science, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Babjáková
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Martina Šlosáriková
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Peter Babinčák
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Ivan Ropovik
- Department of Preschool and Elementary Education and Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia.,Faculty of Education, Institute for Research and Development of Education, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Matúš Adamkovič
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov, Prešov, Slovakia.,Institute of Social Sciences of the Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Faculty of Education, Institute for Research and Development of Education, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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