1
|
Rodriguez-Hernandez Y, Horney JA, Burke RV. A Family-Based Approach to Promoting Pediatric Mental Health Recovery in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Health Promot 2024:8901171241266610. [PMID: 39033414 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241266610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this scoping review is to identify strategies from existing literature, for school-based professionals to share with parents, that may be used on a family-level to help the recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric mental health. DATA SOURCE This scoping review consists of a comprehensive PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar database search. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA Studies published between 2020 and 2023 that were written in English, originated in the United States, and evaluated pediatric mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic were considered for inclusion in the scoping review. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS One researcher independently conducted the PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar literature search. Subsequently, results were reviewed independently by two additional researchers. RESULTS Title and abstract review were conducted for 2563 articles. After excluding studies not written in English, studies with international origin, and studies which were not relevant to this scoping review, 101 studies remained for full-text review. After full-text review, 32 studies (31.68%) were deemed relevant and concordant with the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. We identified five prominent themes: 1) maintaining daily life and routines, 2) the importance of physical activity and the pandemic's effect on student athletes' mental health, 3) the use of screen time, 4) the effect of parent and caregiver stress on their children's mental health, and 5) the effect of pandemic-related health disparities and racism on pediatric mental health. DISCUSSION This scoping review focused on interventions and practices which can be implemented at the family level to help children and adolescents recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulissa Rodriguez-Hernandez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Rita V Burke
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chao KY, Hsiao TY, Chiang SF, Cheng W. Impact of class cancellations on parents' and children' adaptation following an outbreak of the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan in April 2022. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1902. [PMID: 39014382 PMCID: PMC11251347 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18976-y] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact on Taiwanese parents and children following an outbreak of the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data were collected following class cancellations mandated by the Ministry of Education due to an outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in April 2022. A national parent organization developed self-report survey questionnaire, "Impact of the Pandemic-related School Closures/Class Cancellations" (IPRSCCC), assessed parents' perceived impact of school cancellations on their child/children' and on their adaptation. The online survey was available between May 4 and May 9, 2022, in 20 districts throughout Taiwan. RESULTS A total of 2126 parents representing 2592 children responded. Total scores on the IPRSCCC were significantly higher for parents of children whose classes were cancelled (n = 891) compared with parents whose children continued in-person classes (n = 1053). Parents perceived the class cancellations of the child/children disrupted daily routine, learning loss and impacted academic motivation. They also reported emotional stress and no time for rest, which were associated with parental burnout. However for these parents, there were no significant differences in scores between parents living in low and high socioeconomic areas. Only the subscale score for disrupted daily routine was significantly higher for fathers, and emotional stress was significantly higher for parents with two, or ≥ 3 children. When academic impacts were examined using national examination scores for 12th grade students, the percent of students with scores of ≤ 6 in English, Chinese, and mathematics was higher in 2022 than in 2020. CONCLUSIONS Higher IPRSCCC scores for parents of children whose classes were cancelled provides additional evidence of the impact of disruptions of in-person classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Examination scores confirmed class cancellations impacted academic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Yu Chao
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | | | - Sum-Fu Chiang
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Kee-Lung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, 268 Shin-Erh Road, Keelung, 201, Taiwan.
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Deh Yu College of Nursing and Health, Kee-Lung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ettman CK, Badillo-Goicoechea E, Stuart EA. Financial strain, schooling modality and mental health of US adults living with children during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024:jech-2023-221672. [PMID: 39019489 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-221672] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic upended contexts for families; relatively little work has studied the influence of rapidly changing contexts on the mental health of parents. We aimed to assess the relation between financial strain and schooling modality with the mental health of adults living with school-age children across the pandemic. METHODS Using a large, national sample from the COVID-19 Trends and Impact Surveys (N=1 485 072 responses from November 2020 through June 2022), we used weighted multiple logistic regression with interactions for school semester to estimate changes in the association of frequent feelings of depression and anxiety, respectively, with financial strain and schooling modality, controlling for demographics and state, across time. RESULTS In all time periods, financial strain was associated with reporting frequent feelings of depression and anxiety, respectively. The association grew over time (p<0.001) from adjusted OR (aOR) 2.25 (95% CI 2.19, 2.32)/aOR 2.63 (95% CI 2.54, 2.73) in Autumn 2020 to aOR 3.11 (95% CI 3.01, 3.22)/aOR 3.79 (95% CI 3.64, 3.95) in Spring 2022. Living with children in fully online versus in-person schooling was associated with frequent feelings of anxiety and depression symptoms in all time periods, and increased from aOR 1.08 (1.05, 1.11)/aOR 1.06 (1.02, 1.10) in Autumn 2020 to aOR 1.20 (1.10, 1.32)/aOR 1.28 (1.16, 1.42) in Spring 2022. CONCLUSION Associations between financial strain and online-only schooling with poor mental health increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies to support parents in the face of external stressors, such as economic instability and school closures, may improve overall population mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Ettman
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elena Badillo-Goicoechea
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Georg AK, Holl J, Taubner S, Volkert J. Mentalisation-based online intervention for psychologically distressed parents: protocol of a non-randomised feasibility trial of the Lighthouse Parenting Programme-Online (LPP-Online). BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078548. [PMID: 38969386 PMCID: PMC11227772 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078548] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Online-based interventions provide a low-threshold way to reach and support families. The mentalisation-based Lighthouse Parenting Programme is an established intervention aimed at preventing psychopathological development in children. The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility of an online adaptation of the Lighthouse Parenting Programme (LPP-Online), evaluating (a) recruitment capability, compliance, acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention; (b) the psychometric properties of and the acceptability regarding the adjunct psychological evaluation; and (c) the employed materials and resources. The study will also obtain a preliminary evaluation of participants' responses to the intervention. METHOD AND ANALYSIS In this monocentric, one-arm, non-randomised feasibility trial, n=30 psychologically distressed parents with children aged 0 to 14 years will participate in the LPP-Online for a duration of 8 weeks. The intervention consists of online group sessions and individual sessions, 38 smartphone-based ecological momentary interventions (EMI), and psychoeducational materials (website, booklet). At baseline (T0) and the end of the intervention (T1), parents complete self-report questionnaires as well as 7-day ecological momentary assessments (EMA) via smartphone. During the intervention, additional EMA are completed before and after the daily EMI. An interview regarding parents' subjective experience with the intervention will be conducted at T1. The feasibility of the intervention, the psychological evaluation and the resources will be examined using descriptive and qualitative analyses. The preliminary evaluation of the parents' response to the intervention will be conducted by analysing pre-post changes in questionnaire measures and the 7-day EMA as well as data of additional EMA completed before and after the daily EMI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval of the study has been obtained from the local ethics board (Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies, University of Heidelberg). Consent to participate will be obtained before starting the assessments. Results will be disseminated as publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at international conferences. REGISTRATION DETAILS German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00027423), OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/942YW).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Katharina Georg
- Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Holl
- Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Psychological Institute, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Svenja Taubner
- Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jana Volkert
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vogelbacher M, Schneider T. Parental stress and working situation during the COVID-19 shutdown - Effects on children's skill development. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2024; 60:100609. [PMID: 38554580 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2024.100609] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines whether parental emotional distress during the first pandemic-related school shutdown in 2020 in Germany affected the development of primary school students' mathematical skills and investigates changes in parents' working conditions as triggers of cascading stress processes. BACKGROUND The Family Stress Model (FSM) explains the mechanisms that mediate between families' structural conditions and children's developmental outcomes. Foundational works for this approach focus on historic events that instigate rapid structural changes which, in turn, undermine families' economic situation. The economic losses trigger stress processes. Research on the COVID-19 pandemic reports heightened levels of parental stress and negative impacts on children's cognitive and socioemotional development. This study examines the role of parental emotional distress during the COVID-19 shutdown on children's cognitive development. Expanding on the classical FSM, we hypothesize that changes in parents' working situation, rather than economic changes, may have triggered family stress processes during the shutdown, as federal support largely cushioned economic cutbacks in Germany. METHOD For the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), interviews were conducted with parents, and primary school students in Starting Cohort 1 were tested after the first shutdown in 2020. The database provides rich information from survey waves prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing a longitudinal analysis of a sample of 1512 primary school students with ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS Parents' emotional distress during the pandemic had a robust negative effect on students' mathematical skills, even when controlling for prior parenting stress. Changes in parents' working conditions also had an effect on children's test scores, and the negative effect of working from home on the test scores was mediated by parents' emotional distress. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic was a historic event which, at least in Germany, challenged the mental health of many parents and, in turn, impaired the skill development of primary school students. We introduce the role of changes in working conditions as triggers of such processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Vogelbacher
- Department 1 - Competencies, Personality, Learning Environments, Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, Wilhelmsplatz 3, 96047 Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Schneider
- Institute of Sociology, Leipzig University, Beethovenstraße 15, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Primbs R, Piechaczek CE, Iglhaut L, Grill P, Feldmann L, Schulte-Körne G, Greimel E. Evaluation of a Web-based Information Platform for Youths on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:861-871. [PMID: 36264410 PMCID: PMC9583065 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During the corona pandemic, youths were confronted with substantial challenges and in urgent need of information on how to prevent mental health problems. This experimental pre-post-follow-up study examined the efficacy and reception of an innovative website ( www.corona-und-du.info ) containing evidence-based information for youths on how to overcome psychological distress during the pandemic. 34 youths aged 11-18 years were presented domains of the website in the laboratory. Standardized questionnaires were applied to assess changes in knowledge, the reception of the website, and changes in behavioral intention to seek psychological help. For all content domains, we found a significant knowledge gain with large effect sizes from pre to post, and from pre to follow-up. The reception of the website was very positive, and participants indicated increased intention to seek psychological support when needed. The results constitute an important basis for future attempts to promote mental health information in youths in times of crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regine Primbs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Charlotte Elisabeth Piechaczek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Iglhaut
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Patricia Grill
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Feldmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Ellen Greimel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Nußbaumstr. 5, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simpson JN, Wright JL. Pandemic Planning, Response, and Recovery for Pediatricians: A Focus on Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:515-528. [PMID: 38754939 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.02.001] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
This article summarizes how pediatricians may be uniquely positioned to mitigate the long-term trajectory of COVID-19 on the health and wellness of pediatric patients especially with regard to screening for social determinants of health that are recognized drivers of disparate health outcomes. Health inequities, that is, disproportionately deleterious health outcomes that affect marginalized populations, have been a major source of vulnerability in past public health emergencies and natural disasters. Recommendations are provided for pediatricians to collaborate with disaster planning networks and lead strategies for public health communication and community engagement in pediatric pandemic and disaster planning, response, and recovery efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joelle N Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Emergency Medicine & Trauma Center, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
| | - Joseph L Wright
- Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, George Washington University School of Public Health, Washington DC 20052
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kubota K, Auxier J, Aslan F, Joronen K, Pakarinen A. Gamified Interventions for Promoting the Psychosocial Well-Being of School-Aged Children: A Scoping Review. Games Health J 2024. [PMID: 38757661 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamified health interventions can offer child-centered and tailored health-promoting strategies. Evidence suggests that its various mechanics foster engagement that can be utilized to promote health and well-being and influence health behavior. At present, psychosocial challenges among school-aged children are becoming a global predicament. We conducted a scoping review to explore the range and nature of evidence on gamified interventions for promoting the psychosocial well-being of school-aged children from the general population. We followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and extracted sources of evidence from five databases. Our review findings were summarized with basic numerical analysis and provided with narrative accounts based on a gamification taxonomy and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). We identified 12 gamified interventions and included 23 records that reported their development and evaluation. Theories on emotions, behaviors, social skills, and mental health were commonly applied frameworks. Narrative was found as the most commonly used gamification mechanic (11/12, 91.7%), followed by avatar and tasks (10/12, 83.3%), feedback system and level progression (9/12, 75%), points (7/12, 58.3%), badges (5/12, 41.7%), progress bar (4/12, 33.3%), and virtual goods, reminders, and time pressure (2/12, 16.7%). The included sources of evidence reported significant improvements in some of the measured psychosocial outcomes; however, studies on this domain for this particular target group are still considerably limited. Further research is needed to determine how the applied theories and gamification mechanics brought about the change in psychosocial outcomes, bridging the gap in current evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaile Kubota
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jennifer Auxier
- University of Applied Sciences Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Funda Aslan
- Department of Health Sciences, Çankırı Karatekin University, Cankiri, Turkey
| | - Katja Joronen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Pakarinen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nolvi S, Paavonen EJ, Korja R, Pelto J, Karukivi M, Tuulari JJ, Karlsson H, Karlsson L. Course of child social-emotional and sleep symptoms, parental distress and pandemic-related stressors during COVID-19. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:518-532. [PMID: 36794405 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001377] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Research on the longitudinal courses of child social-emotional symptoms and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic within societies would be of key value for promoting child well-being in global crises. We characterized the course of children's social-emotional and sleep symptoms before and throughout the pandemic in a Finnish longitudinal cohort of 1825 5- to 9-year-old children (46% girls) with four follow-up points during the pandemic from up to 695 participants (spring 2020-summer 2021). Second, we examined the role of parental distress and COVID-related stressful events in child symptoms. Child total and behavioral symptoms increased in spring 2020 but decreased thereafter and remained stable throughout the rest of the follow-up. Sleep symptoms decreased in spring 2020 and remained stable thereafter. Parental distress was linked with higher child social-emotional and sleep symptoms. The cross-sectional associations between COVID-related stressors and child symptoms were partially mediated by parental distress. The findings propose that children can be protected from the long-term adverse influences of the pandemic, and parental well-being likely plays a mediating role between pandemic-related stressors and child well-being. Further research focusing on the societal and resilience factors underlying family and child responses to the pandemic is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saara Nolvi
- Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku. Medisiina A (307), Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - E Juulia Paavonen
- Department of Public Health, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Pediatric Research Center, Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Korja
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Pelto
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine and Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine & Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- Turku Collegium for Science, Medicine and Technology; FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center & Department of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center & Department of Psychiatry & Center for Population Health Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study & Center for Population Health Research, Psychiatry, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ayran G, Çevik Özdemir HN. Caregiver and parent-child relationship during COVID-19: The mediator role of anxiety and life satisfaction. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13247. [PMID: 38558179 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13247] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM This research was conducted to evaluate the mediation effect of anxiety and life satisfaction on the relationship between Care burden and Parent Child Relationship in Turkish parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS The research was carried out with parents (221 women and 219 men) who have children between the ages of 6-18 living in Turkey. Data were collected in June-July 2021 using the demographic data form, "Care Burden Scale," "Pervasive Anxiety Disorder-7 Test," "Satisfaction with Life Scale," and "Parent Child Relationship Scale." Path analysis was used to analyse the relationships. In this study, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the path analysis. RESULTS It was found that the burden of care and anxiety of the parents and the parent-child conflict relationship were positively correlated and negatively correlated with the life satisfaction and parent-child closeness relationship (p < 0.05). Path model analyses revealed that the burden of care had a direct effect on anxiety and life satisfaction, and an indirect effect on the parent-child relationship, respectively. CONCLUSIONS It shows that parents' perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their mental health have implications for parent and child well-being, with stronger relationships for low-income families. Anxiety and life satisfaction had a mediating effect between care burden and parent-child relationship. Given the demonstrable impact of COVID-19 on the parent-child relationship, this study may guide the planning of coping strategies and programmes focused on mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gülsün Ayran
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Green R, Linga-Easwaran J, Goodman C, Taylor M, Fabiano GF, Miller SP, Williams TS. Positive parenting practices support children at neurological risk during COVID-19: a call for accessible parenting interventions. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1328476. [PMID: 38650902 PMCID: PMC11033430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1328476] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Children and youth with neurological and/or neurodevelopmental conditions were at high risk for behavioral and mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive and responsive parenting practices may be one way to prevent and manage potential difficulties in families. We aimed to identify whether positive parenting practices were associated with reduced behavioral concerns in children at neurological risk during the late stages and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we examined whether ongoing parental stress, anxiety, and depression impacted parenting practices during this time period. Families (N = 179) with children 4 to 15 years old (M = 7.11y, SD = 2.02) diagnosed with neurological (84.3%), neurodevelopmental (54.8%) or comorbid neurological and/or neurodevelopmental conditions (21.2%) were contacted to complete online questionnaires regarding demographics, parent stress, child behavior, COVID-19 conditions, and parenting practices. Multivariable linear regression (MLR) analyses examined the association between positive parenting practices and parenting competency measures with child behavioral outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates, including COVID-19 related stress. MLR were also run to determine whether parental mental health impacted parenting practices. More positive parenting practices predicted fewer child problem behaviors and lower intensity of problem behaviors. Similarly, a higher sense of satisfaction with parenting competence also predicted fewer child problem behaviors and lower intensity of problem behaviors. In addition, higher reported parental depression, anxiety, and stress significantly predicted fewer reported positive parenting practices. Findings points to the promising application of positive parenting interventions to support vulnerable families, as well as the need for parental mental health intervention to support parenting practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rivka Green
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janaksha Linga-Easwaran
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carly Goodman
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marin Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia F. Fabiano
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven P. Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tricia S. Williams
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sutherland-Foggio MS, Stanek CJ, Buff K, Nahata L, Foster-Akard T, Gerhardt CA, Skeens MA. The experiences of families of children with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:281-288. [PMID: 37559193 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges to physical and psychological well-being. Families with pediatric cancer patients were particularly vulnerable due to changes like children staying at home, hospital policy shifts, and caring for an immunocompromised child. Limited research exists on COVID-19's effects on these families. This study aimed to assess the pandemic's impact and identify psychosocial support gaps. METHODS Participants (N = 256) were parents of children with cancer recruited via Facebook in partnership with Momcology®, a community-based organization for pediatric cancer, between February and May 2021. Qualitative analyses used open-ended responses about the pandemic's impact on the family. RESULTS Analysis revealed 6 themes, with positive and negative sentiments: family changes (n = 169; 61% negative), social isolation (n = 154; 100% negative), emotional impact (n = 143; 89% negative), school changes (n = 126; 80% negative), health-care changes (n = 111; 96% negative), and physical health (n = 49; 73% negative). Family changes overarched all themes and included financial strains, at-home schooling, and family bonding. Parents highlighted social isolation and the emotional impact of pandemic-related changes. School changes forced parents to balance remote-work and childcare. Health-care changes limited resources and visitation. Parents reported their children were less active and slept less but had fewer illnesses. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Many common pandemic challenges were exacerbated by the stress of caring for a child with cancer. Parents struggled most with loss of social support and feelings of isolation. Careful consideration should be given to providing resources for parents of children with cancer and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm S Sutherland-Foggio
- The Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charis J Stanek
- The Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Leena Nahata
- The Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Micah A Skeens
- The Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sacchi C, Girardi P, Buri A, De Carli P, Simonelli A. The perinatal health secondary to pandemic: association between women's delivery concerns and infant's behavioral problems. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38493474 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2024.2330662] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic characterised a unique and vulnerable social, emotional, and health environment for pregnancy, with potential long-lasting risks to maternal and child health outcomes. In women who were pregnant at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated the association between pandemic-related concerns about pregnancy and delivery and both the parent's (i.e. maternal parenting stress) and the infant's (i.e. emotional-behavioral problems) outcomes 12 months after birth. METHODS A sample of 352 Italian pregnant women completed a web-based survey from 8 April to 4 May 2020 and a follow-up at 12 months after delivery. Maternal assessment in pregnancy covered prenatal measures for: pandemic-related concerns about pregnancy and childbirth, COVID-19 stressful events exposure, pandemic psychological stress, and mental-health symptoms (i.e. depression, anxiety). The 12 months' assessment covered post-partum measures of social support, parenting stress and maternal reports of infants' behavioral problems. RESULTS The results of the Quasi-Poisson regression models on the association between COVID-19 related influencing factors and parenting stress and infant's behavioral problems showed that the presence of higher pandemic-related concerns about pregnancy and childbirth scores was associated with greater total and internalising behavioral problems but not with parenting stress levels. CONCLUSION Perinatal mother-infant health has been sensitively threatened by pandemic consequences with maternal concerns about childbirth in pregnancy being associated with 12 months' children's behavioral outcomes. There is a need to invest in psychological support for perinatal women throughout the transition to parenthood to protect risk conditions before they get chronic or severe and influence offspring development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sacchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venezia, Italy
| | - Alice Buri
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro De Carli
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simonelli
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kowalski AJ, Wang Y, Armstrong B, Trude ACB, Hager E, Black MM. Preschoolers' Self-Regulation and Behavior Problems in the Midst of Caregiver Depression and Chaos. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e159-e167. [PMID: 38377549 PMCID: PMC11018503 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001244] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preschoolers' self-regulation is partially developed through home and child care routines. COVID-19-related child care closures increased caregiver depressive symptoms, household chaos, and children's behavior problems. This longitudinal study examined how preschoolers' prepandemic self-regulation was related to behavior problems early in the pandemic, including buffering against the adverse effects of caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos. METHODS A sample of 264 caregivers of preschoolers reported on their children's self-regulation (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version Inhibitory Self Control Index) before the pandemic and caregiver depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies), household chaos (Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale), and children's behavior problems (Behavior Rating Index for Children) during the pandemic. We used linear mixed models to examine predictors of children's behavior problems, including prepandemic self-regulation, and further examined moderation by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos. RESULTS Children were 64% non-Hispanic White and 24% non-Hispanic Black, with mean pandemic age 5.9 years. Prepandemic self-regulation significantly predicted early pandemic behavior problems (β = -0.38 [95% confidence interval, -0.69 to -0.07]). This association was moderated by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos; the protective association was maintained at high levels of caregiver depressive symptoms or household chaos, although the association diminished when these co-occurred. CONCLUSION The protective association between prepandemic self-regulation and subsequent behavior problems suggests longitudinal benefits of preschoolers' inhibitory and emotional control. Despite reduced protection associated with co-occurring caregiver and household challenges, self-regulation continued to demonstrate protection against subsequent behavior problems, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alysse J Kowalski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Bridget Armstrong
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | - Angela C B Trude
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York, NY
| | - Erin Hager
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Maureen M Black
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Skeens MA, Ralph JE, Olsavsky AL, Buff K, Shah N, Akard TF, Gerhardt CA. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of Children With Cancer. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:85-95. [PMID: 38008953 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231194592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Background/objectives: Little is known about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of children with cancer who may be more vulnerable to the pandemic's effects. We examined associations between COVID-19 exposure and impact on parent-proxy reported QoL in children with cancer, and potential moderation based on the child's cancer status (i.e., time since diagnosis, on/off treatment). Design/method: Parents of children with cancer were recruited February-April 2021 via Facebook and Momcology. Parents completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Scale and a child QoL measure. Controlling for parent age, income, child age, and child sex, we examined the indirect effect of COVID-19 impact on the association between COVID-19 exposure and parent-proxy reported child QoL, as well as the moderating role of cancer status. Results: Parents (N = 401) reported lower child QoL scores (M = 59.74) than prepandemic reports of children with cancer, t(735) = -6.98, p < .001. Mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect, 95% CI [-0.47, -0.13]: Higher COVID-19 exposure was associated with higher COVID-19 impact (a = 0.47, p < .001), which was related to lower QoL (b = -0.56, p < .001). The association between impact and QoL was stronger as time since diagnosis increased (95%CI [-0.08, -0.001]), yet treatment status did not moderate this path. Conclusions: Parents who report greater COVID-19 impact may also report lower QoL in their children with cancer, especially further from diagnosis. Nurses and clinicians should be aware of the pandemic's negative impact and screen for COVID-19 related distress. Additionally, results highlight the importance of long-term, family-centered care, regardless of whether children receive treatment or survivorship care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micah A Skeens
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jessica E Ralph
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anna L Olsavsky
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nilay Shah
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pires MT, Mourão S, Santos J. Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:563. [PMID: 38470674 PMCID: PMC10931488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Portuguese population are quite relevant and partially related to their repetitive and disruptive thinking about the disease. The successive periods of lockdown contributed to an additional burden on the family-work-life balance for parents. This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS), which was developed using a general sample from several regions of the country (n = 531) together with a specific sample of Portuguese parents (n = 109). The confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the PT-OCS includes a set of excellent psychometric properties concerning both the general sample (χ2(1) = 0.446, p = 0.504; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 1.0; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.003) and the parent group (χ2(2) = 1.816, p = 0.403; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.016; Bollen-Stine bootstrap p = 0.65). The scale shows very good reliability (0.84 < α/ω < 0.88). As expected, obsession with COVID-19 was highly correlated with COVID-19 anxiety, and women had higher PT-OCS scores. The findings suggest that the PT-OCS is a reliable and valid measure for both persistent and disruptive thinking about COVID-19 in different groups of the Portuguese population, with potential for studying future epidemic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Taveira Pires
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Susana Mourão
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
| | - José Santos
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
- Medicine Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hunduma G, Dessie Y, Geda B, Yadeta TA, Deyessa N. Prevalence and correlates of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3574. [PMID: 38347112 PMCID: PMC10861546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54145-2] [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: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescent's mental health issues are a major social burden and a significant public health issue, but they have not received enough attention in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems among in-school adolescents in the Harari region, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3227 in-school adolescents. Multistage sampling was used to select schools and eligible students to participate in the study. A guided, self-administered strength and difficulty questionnaire measured mental health problems. Data were double-entered, validated, and cleaned using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio between mental health problems and their correlates. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. The magnitudes of mental health problems among in-school adolescents by subscale was 24.17% (95% CI 22.72; 25.67) for internalizing and 11.93% (95% CI 10.85; 13.09) for externalizing problems. A high internalizing problem score was associated with females, rural residents, alcohol users, attending public schools, those bullied at school, and those in the lowest wealth index. Likewise, the likelihood of a high externalizing problem score was high among alcohol users, adolescents whose fathers are uneducated, rural, and bullied at school. The study suggests that mental health problems are prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ethiopia, especially internalizing problems. The study also identifies several risk factors associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, such as wealth index, school types, alcohol use, bullying, and rural residence. These factors may indicate the need for more mental health awareness and support programs for adolescents in Ethiopia. This highlights that schools and communities should prioritize mental health awareness and support programs for adolescents. These programs should be tailored to address the specific needs of the population, such as rural residents, those in the lowest wealth index, and those who have experienced bullying.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gari Hunduma
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Biftu Geda
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Madda Walabu University, Shashamene, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Negussie Deyessa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Anjum A, Mousum S, Ratan ZA, Salwa M, Khan MMH, Islam MT, Arafat SMY, Haque MA. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors in Bangladeshi adolescents during COVID-19. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1927. [PMID: 38390353 PMCID: PMC10883089 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1927] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying countermeasures significantly disrupt the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents. We aimed to estimate the status and associated factors related to HRQoL of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from the community population of Bangladesh. Methods This cross-sectional study followed two-stage sampling. From eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh, 2030 adolescents were enrolled. The KIDSCREEN-10 index was used to measure the HRQoL of adolescents. In addition to this, adolescents' data on sociodemographics, mental well-being, parenting style, insomnia, food insecurity, depression, anxiety and stress, resilient coping, screen-based activity, and anthropometry were taken for finding out the factors associated with HRQoL of adolescents. The hierarchical multilinear regression was performed to assess the association. Results More than 47% of adolescents were found to have moderate and high HRQoL, while 4.7% of adolescents experienced low HRQoL during data collection. Higher age (B: -0.671), having more siblings (B: -0.316), food insecurity (B: ‒2.010), depression (B: ‒0.321), anxiety (B: ‒0.362), and stress (B: ‒0.150) were found to have significantly negative associations with adolescents' HRQoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas, positive parenting (B: 0.409), inconsistent parenting discipline (B: 0.266), good mental health (B: 5.662), resilient coping (B: 0.306) were found to have significant positive relationships. Conclusions The findings from this study indicate that over 52% of the adolescents reported a moderate and lower level of HRQoL. In light of these results, it may be beneficial to prioritize interventions targeting psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afifa Anjum
- Department of Psychiatry University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
- Department of Public Health and Informatics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Sabrina Mousum
- Department of Public Health and Informatics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Zubair Ahmed Ratan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Khulna University of Engineering and Technology Khulna Bangladesh
- School of Health & Society, Faculty of The Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities University of Wollongong Wollongong New South Wales Australia
| | - Marium Salwa
- Department of Public Health and Informatics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Md Maruf H Khan
- Department of Public Health and Informatics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Tanvir Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - S M Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry Enam Medical College and Hospital Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - M Atiqul Haque
- Department of Public Health and Informatics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rodman AM, Rosen ML, Kasparek SW, Mayes M, Lengua L, Meltzoff AN, McLaughlin KA. Social experiences and youth psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:366-378. [PMID: 36503551 PMCID: PMC10258229 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders resulted in a stark reduction in daily social interactions for children and adolescents. Given that peer relationships are especially important during this developmental stage, it is crucial to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social behavior and risk for psychopathology in children and adolescents. In a longitudinal sample (N=224) of children (7-10y) and adolescents (13-15y) assessed at three strategic time points (before the pandemic, during the initial stay-at-home order period, and six months later after the initial stay-at-home order period was lifted), we examine whether certain social factors protect against increases in stress-related psychopathology during the pandemic, controlling for pre-pandemic symptoms. Youth who reported less in-person and digital socialization, greater social isolation, and less social support had worsened psychopathology during the pandemic. Greater social isolation and decreased digital socialization during the pandemic were associated with greater risk for psychopathology after experiencing pandemic-related stressors. In addition, children, but not adolescents, who maintained some in-person socialization were less likely to develop internalizing symptoms following exposure to pandemic-related stressors. We identify social factors that promote well-being and resilience in youth during this societal event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Makeda Mayes
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington-Seattle
| | - Liliana Lengua
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington-Seattle
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mushtaque I, Rizwan M, Abbas M, Khan AA, Fatima SM, Jaffri QA, Mushtaq R, Hussain S, Shabbir SW, Naz R, Muneer K. Inter-Parental Conflict's Persistent Effects on Adolescent Psychological Distress, Adjustment Issues, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Lockdown. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024; 88:919-935. [PMID: 34870523 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211054316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The current study sought to ascertain the impact of inter-parent conflicts on teenage psychological distress, social and academic adjustment and examine the suicide ideation during the COVID-19. The results found to be alarming as 22% of the individuals displayed suicidal tendencies, with 9% having attempted suicide once, 4.6% having tried suicide twice, and 11% stating that they were likely to do so again. Therefore, the media and the government might host awareness programs and counseling initiatives to promote mental health and prevent suicidal behavior. Moreover, parents may be educated on community level, about the effect of inter-parental arguments on the mental health of their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Mushtaque
- Department of Sociology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Layyah, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- School of Education Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mazhar Abbas
- Department of Surgery, District Head Quarter Hospital Bhakkar, Bhakkar, Pakistan
| | - Azhar Abbas Khan
- College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Layyah, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Manal Fatima
- Riphah Institute of Clinical & Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Syed Waqas Shabbir
- Department of Sociology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rozina Naz
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Southern Punjab Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Kainat Muneer
- Department of Psychology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Njoroge WFM, Tieu T, Eckardt D, Himes M, Alexandre C, Hall W, Wisniewski K, Popoola A, Holloway K, Rodriguez Y, Kornfield S, Momplaisir F, Wang X, Gur R, Waller R. The impact of the pandemic on mothers and children, with a focus on syndemic effects on black families: the "Prenatal to Preschool" study protocol. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1281666. [PMID: 38260788 PMCID: PMC10801187 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1281666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Racism, a known social determinant of health, affects the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women and their children. Convincing evidence highlights the urgent need to better identify the mechanisms and the ways in which young children's development and mental health are adversely impacted by their mothers' experiences of racism. With the additional stressor of the COVID-19 pandemic, the criticality of improving knowledge of these domains has never been starker. The proposed project will address these questions and move the field forward to create targeted, culturally informed preventative interventions, thus achieving mental health equity for all children and families. Methods This prospective research is a cohort study that will longitudinally observe the outcomes of a cohort of mothers and their children recruited during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data will be parent/caregiver questionnaires assessing mental health, racism, support, and resilience at multiple time points with the first beginning at 24 months, clinical interviews with mothers, electronic medical records of mothers, and videotaped dyadic interactions at child age 24 and 48 months. A subset of Black participants will be asked to participate in qualitative interviews at child age 36 months. Results Analyze will be performed within and across Black and Non-Latino/a/e/x white (NLW) groups, and comparing mothers and fathers/secondary caregivers. Descriptive and multivariate analyzes will be run to better characterize how young children's development and mental health may be adversely impacted by their caregiver's experiences of racism. Discussion This prospective longitudinal mixed-methods study evaluates the simultaneous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism on mothers and their developing children to characterize cross-racial differences, providing insight into risk and resilience factors in early development and the peripartum period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanjikũ F. M. Njoroge
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tiffany Tieu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Devlin Eckardt
- Clinical Research Support Office, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan Himes
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christina Alexandre
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Waynitra Hall
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kate Wisniewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ayomide Popoola
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kayla Holloway
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuheiry Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sara Kornfield
- Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Florence Momplaisir
- Perelman School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xi Wang
- PolicyLab, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Raquel Gur
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Lifespan Brain Institute (LiBI), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Moore S, Timpe Z, Rasberry CN, Hertz M, Verlenden J, Spencer P, Murray C, Lee S, Barrios LC, Tripathi T, McConnell L, Iachan R, Pampati S. Disparities in the Implementation of School-Based Mental Health Supports Among K-12 Public Schools. Psychiatr Serv 2024; 75:17-24. [PMID: 37312505 PMCID: PMC10719411 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220558] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors sought to explore the availability of mental health supports within public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic by using survey data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. K-12 public schools collected in October-November 2021. METHODS The prevalence of 11 school-based mental health supports was examined within the sample (N=437 schools). Chi-square tests and adjusted logistic regression models were used to identify associations between school-level characteristics and mental health supports. School characteristics included level (elementary, middle, or high school), locale (city, town, suburb, or rural area), poverty level, having a full-time school nurse, and having a school-based health center. RESULTS Universal mental health programs were more prevalent than more individualized and group-based supports (e.g., therapy groups); however, prevalence of certain mental health supports was low among schools (e.g., only 53% implemented schoolwide trauma-informed practices). Schools having middle to high levels of poverty or located in rural areas or towns and elementary schools and schools without a health infrastructure were less likely to implement mental health supports, even after analyses were adjusted for school-level characteristics. For example, compared with low-poverty schools, mid-poverty schools had lower odds of implementing prosocial skills training for students (adjusted OR [AOR]=0.49, 95% CI=0.27-0.88) and providing confidential mental health screening (AOR=0.42, 95% CI=0.22-0.79). CONCLUSIONS Implementation levels of school-based mental health supports leave substantial room for improvement, and numerous disparities existed by school characteristics. Higher-poverty areas, schools in rural areas or towns, and elementary schools and schools without a health infrastructure may require assistance in ensuring equitable access to mental health supports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamia Moore
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Zach Timpe
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Catherine N Rasberry
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Marci Hertz
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Jorge Verlenden
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Patricia Spencer
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Colleen Murray
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Sarah Lee
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Lisa C Barrios
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Tasneem Tripathi
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Luke McConnell
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Ronaldo Iachan
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| | - Sanjana Pampati
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Atlanta (Moore, Spencer); Health, Economics, Environment, and Development Division, ICF, Atlanta (Timpe, Murray, Tripathi, McConnell, Iachan); Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta (Rasberry, Hertz, Verlenden, Barrios, Pampati); Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta (Lee)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu H, Ma S, Feng L, Gao J, Wu B, Xia W, Xie P, Sun L, Chen M, Qin Q, Ding X, Qu G, Sun Y. Longitudinal association of nighttime sleep duration with emotional and behavioral problems among rural preschool children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:267-277. [PMID: 36781466 PMCID: PMC9925221 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the association between nighttime sleep duration and emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) among rural preschool children. This longitudinal study including 1595 preschool children aged 3-6 years from 26 kindergartens in four counties was conducted in Anhui Province rural areas. Cross-lagged panel models and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the bidirectional association between nighttime sleep duration and EBPs and further explore the predictive effect of nighttime sleep duration on EBPs. Compared to baseline, preschool children at follow-up had significantly more nighttime sleep duration (10.01 ± 0.68 vs. 10.15 ± 0.69) and lower EBPs (total difficulties: 15.8% vs. 11.2%; prosocial behavior problems: 12.4% vs. 7.0%). Results of cross-lagged panel models indicated that nighttime sleep duration was a predictor for EBPs, but not vice versa. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that each 1-h increase in nighttime sleep duration at T1 was associated with a 0.77-fold reduction in the risk of total difficulties at T2 (the most adjusted OR = 0.774, 95% CI 0.607-0.988, P = 0.040), but not with the prosocial behavior. Interestingly, the predictive effect of nighttime sleep duration at T1 on EBPs at T2 was only found in girls, children aged 3 years and children with lower maternal education. The decreased nighttime sleep duration may predict future EBPs, especially in girls, younger preschool children and children with lower maternal education. Extending sleep duration may improve EBPs in preschool children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shaodi Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Linya Feng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Birong Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weihang Xia
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Fuyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuyang, 236030, Anhui, China
| | - Mingchun Chen
- Changfeng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changfeng, 231100, Anhui, China
| | - Qirong Qin
- Maanshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maanshan, 243000, Anhui, China
| | - Xiuxiu Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yehuan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, China.
- Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Suarez GL, Boone MH, Burt SA, Shewark EA, Mitchell C, Guzman P, Lopez-Duran NL, Klump KL, Monk CS, Hyde LW. Parent Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01642-6. [PMID: 38141151 PMCID: PMC11234901 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01642-6] [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] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Although extant cross-sectional data suggest that parents have experienced numerous challenges (e.g., homeschooling, caregiver burden) and mental health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic, longitudinal data are needed to confirm mental health changes relative to pre-pandemic levels and identify which specific pandemic-related changes most highly predict mental health during the pandemic. In two longitudinal subsamples (N = 299 and N = 175), we assessed change in anxiety, depression, and stress before and during the pandemic and whether the accumulation of pandemic-related changes predicted observed mental health changes. On average, parents reported increased depression and anxiety, but no significant changes in reported stress. Moreover, increased interpersonal conflict, difficulty managing work and caregiving responsibilities, and increased economic challenges were the types of pandemic-related changes that most strongly predicted worse mental health, highlighting that juggling caregiving responsibilities and economic concerns, along with the pandemic's impact on interpersonal family relationships are key predictors of worsening parental mental illness symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela L Suarez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Montana H Boone
- Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Colter Mitchell
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Paula Guzman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Christopher S Monk
- Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luke W Hyde
- Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rebbe R, Reddy J, Huang JS, Kuelbs CL, Putnam-Hornstein E. Counts and child protection reports of diagnosed child maltreatment before and after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 146:106450. [PMID: 37708644 PMCID: PMC10872595 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms for reporting child maltreatment (CM) were affected by changes in service provision immediately following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To examine changes in counts and CPS reporting of CM medical encounters before and after the onset of COVID-19. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING All emergency department and inpatient medical encounters with at least one CM diagnosis during the study period at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, the largest pediatric hospital in California between 2016 and November 2021. METHODS Using linked medical record and CPS administrative data, interrupted time series models tested for changes in monthly counts and percentages of CM medical encounters reported to CPS with the onset of COVID-19. Logistic regression tested for the likelihood of a CPS report being associated with a CM encounter. RESULTS CM medical encounters totaled 2528, including 793 after the onset of COVID-19. Interrupted time series models indicated with the onset of the pandemic, the counts of CM encounters increased 18 % (RR: 1.18, 95 % CI 1.03-1.34) and the percentages reported to CPS increased 10 % (RR: 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.17). CM encounters that occurred after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had increased odds of a CPS report (fully adjusted model: OR: 1.08; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.12). CONCLUSIONS This study found increases in monthly counts and a higher percentage of CM medical encounters with CPS reports after the pandemic onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, 325 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Julia Reddy
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Jeannie S Huang
- Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; University of California, San Diego Department of Pediatrics, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Cynthia L Kuelbs
- Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA; University of California, San Diego Department of Pediatrics, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Emily Putnam-Hornstein
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, 325 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Children's Data Network, University of Southern California, 669 W 34th St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brock RL, Calkins FC, Hamburger ER, Kumar SA, Laifer LM, Phillips E, Ramsdell EL. Learning from adversity: What the COVID-19 pandemic can teach us about family resiliency. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:1574-1591. [PMID: 36585769 PMCID: PMC9880619 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12849] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to characterize the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on families with preschool age children and to identify pre-pandemic factors that explained unique family experiences. We leveraged an ongoing longitudinal study of relatively well-resourced community families who had reported on family functioning prior to the pandemic and completed surveys 6 months after pandemic onset. Both parents of dual parenting households endorsed significant hardships as a direct result of the pandemic (e.g., disrupted family routines, challenges at work); however, families also reported aspects of flourishing (i.e., experiencing positive outcomes in response to adversity) such as spending more time together as a family. Families were prone to greater hardships and fewer opportunities for growth to the extent that parents were lower in psychological resources (i.e., greater stress and internalizing symptoms, poor well-being) and were not on the same page as a couple (i.e., interparental discord, low quality coparenting) prior to pandemic onset. Finally, greater pandemic hardships predicted poorer parental mental health, greater family dysfunction, and elevated child psychopathology, controlling for pre-pandemic levels. Parents who reported more family flourishing from the pandemic had a stronger interparental relationship. Results are intended to inform theories of family stress and family interventions that can be tailored to promote resiliency (i.e., adaptation to challenging life events) and prevent dysfunction when families face rapid change and adjustment and high degrees of uncertainty and stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Brock
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| | | | | | - Shaina A. Kumar
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| | - Lauren M. Laifer
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| | - Eric Phillips
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| | - Erin L. Ramsdell
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNEUSA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Guedria A, Slama H, Fredj MB, Miladi S, Kefi HE, Gatti S, Oumaya A. Assessing parents' and children's psychological well-being and its associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown in a Tunisian-North African population. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2280. [PMID: 37978377 PMCID: PMC10657148 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17206-1] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly emerging Coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world yielding in significant changes in almost every aspect of daily life. While primary research of the epidemic COVID-19 has focused on the psychological impact on the general population and health professionals, no survey of the pandemic-resulting containment on parents and their children has been yet addressed in the Tunisian-North African population. This study aimed to assess the psychological profile of parents and youth in Tunisia during a period of COVID 19 lockdown, and to identify associated factors to parental anxiety symptoms. METHODS This is an analytical cross-sectional study composed of a total of 538 adults including 464 mothers and 74 fathers. Parents of children aged less than 18 years completed an online survey (Google Forms) on the Psychological Impact of Confinement which includes the Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA), and the infantile trait-anxiety scale. The survey was initiated in May 2020 on a population of the Tunisian-North African citizens and lasted for more than 6 weeks. RESULTS The median GAD-7 score was 11 corresponding to a moderate anxiety with 27.8% reporting severe anxiety. The median PBA score was 31 corresponding to a moderate risk of burnout, with 19.5% being affected. The children's anxiety scores were associated with their parents' anxiety ratings with 24% of the children reported signs of moderate anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic affected parental and their children' psychological behavior due to a direct social isolation and distancing. Pediatricians need to be alerted on this issue and future measures are essential to avoid parental emotional burnout and anxiety disorder in similar situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Guedria
- University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hela Slama
- University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Ben Fredj
- University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Hospital, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
- Department of Community Medicine, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Shayma Miladi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamdi El Kefi
- Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Syrine Gatti
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abdelaziz Oumaya
- Military Hospital of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
El Dahr Y, Perquier F, Moloney M, Woo G, Dobrin-De Grace R, Carvalho D, Addario N, Cameron EE, Roos LE, Szatmari P, Aitken M. Feasibility of Using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) to Collect Daily Experiences of Parent-Child Dyads: Ecological Momentary Assessment Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e42916. [PMID: 37943593 PMCID: PMC10667976 DOI: 10.2196/42916] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive longitudinal data collection, including ecological momentary assessment (EMA), has the potential to reduce recall biases, collect more ecologically valid data, and increase our understanding of dynamic associations between variables. EMA is typically administered using an application that is downloaded on participants' devices, which presents cost and privacy concerns that may limit its use. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), a web-based survey application freely available to nonprofit organizations, may allow researchers to overcome these barriers; however, at present, little guidance is available to researchers regarding the setup of EMA in REDCap, especially for those who are new to using REDCap or lack advanced programming expertise. OBJECTIVE We provide an example of a simplified EMA setup in REDCap. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. We provide information on survey completion and user behavior in a sample of parents and children recruited across Canada. METHODS We recruited 66 parents and their children (aged 9-13 years old) from an existing longitudinal cohort study to participate in a study on risk and protective factors for children's mental health. Parents received survey prompts (morning and evening) by email or SMS text message for 14 days, twice daily. Each survey prompt contained 2 sections, one for parents and one for children to complete. RESULTS The completion rates were good (mean 82%, SD 8%) and significantly higher on weekdays than weekends and in dyads with girls than dyads with boys. Children were available to respond to their own survey questions most of the time (in 1134/1498, 75.7% of surveys submitted). The number of assessments submitted was significantly higher, and response times were significantly faster among participants who selected SMS text message survey notifications compared to email survey notifications. The average response time was 47.0 minutes after the initial survey notification, and the use of reminder messages increased survey completion. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the feasibility of using REDCap for EMA studies with parents and children. REDCap also has features that can accommodate EMA studies by recruiting participants across multiple time zones and providing different survey delivery methods. Offering the option of SMS text message survey notifications and reminders may be an important way to increase completion rates and the timeliness of responses. REDCap is a potentially useful tool for researchers wishing to implement EMA in settings in which cost or privacy are current barriers. Researchers should weigh these benefits with the potential limitations of REDCap and this design, including staff time to set up, monitor, and clean the data outputs of the project.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yola El Dahr
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Florence Perquier
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madison Moloney
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guyyunge Woo
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roksana Dobrin-De Grace
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniela Carvalho
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Addario
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily E Cameron
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children's Hospital Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madison Aitken
- Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Glenn T, Cousino MK, Wernovsky G, Schuchardt EL. Resilient Hearts: Measuring Resiliency in Young People With Congenital Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029847. [PMID: 37889178 PMCID: PMC10727399 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a life-long disease with long-term consequences on physical and mental health. Patients with CHD face multifaceted physical and psychosocial challenges. Resilience is an important factor that can be protective and positively impact mental health. We studied resiliency and its associated factors in teenagers and young adults with and without CHD using a social media-delivered survey. Resilience was measured using the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, a validated metric with a historical mean of 80.4/100 in the general adult population. Methods and Results Individuals with and without CHD, aged 10 to 25 years, were prospectively recruited on social media to complete an online survey. The survey was completed from January to February 2022. Respondents provided information on their demographics and CHD details (where applicable) and completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. As a group, participants with CHD had higher resilience scores compared with same-aged healthy individuals (65.3±16.1 versus 55.4±13.8; P<0.001). For both cohorts, sex, race, and age were not associated with differences in resilience score. For individuals with CHD, lower resilience was associated with more hospital admissions, lack of exercise, presence of a mental health diagnosis, and no participation in support groups or disease-specific camps. Conclusions Young people with CHD had higher resilience than individuals without CHD in our sample. We identified several factors, both modifiable and nonmodifiable, that are associated with higher resilience. Awareness of resiliency and its contributors in the population with CHD may assist medical teams in improving patient physical and psychological well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Glenn
- Congenital Heart Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Cardiac SurgeryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
- Rady Children’s Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California San Diego School of MedicineSan DiegoCA
| | - Melissa K. Cousino
- Congenital Heart Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Cardiac SurgeryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMI
| | - Gil Wernovsky
- Cardiac Critical Care and Pediatric CardiologyChildren’s National Hospital and George Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDC
| | - Eleanor L. Schuchardt
- Rady Children’s Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Department of PediatricsUniversity of California San Diego School of MedicineSan DiegoCA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kong Y, Shaver LG, Shi F, Yang L, Zhang W, Wei X, Zhang E, Ozbek S, Effiong A, Wang PP. Knowledge, psychological impacts, and protective behaviours during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese residents in Canada with dependent school-age children: a cross-sectional online study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2140. [PMID: 37915047 PMCID: PMC10621311 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16923-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge, protective behaviours, and psychological impact of COVID-19 on Chinese residents in Canada, as the emotional and behavioural impacts of the pandemic have not been intensively studied amongst these populations. It was important to determine whether having dependent school-age children (DSAC) aged 16 or under was associated with adverse psychological impacts amongst the Chinese residents living in the country. METHODS In April 2020, 757 eligible participants were recruited through a snowball sampling to complete an online survey related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological, behavioural, and sociodemographic variables were collected and first analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to further confirm the observed significant associations in bivariate analyses for selected psychological outcome variables. RESULTS Seven hundred forty-two participants who responded to the "dependent school-age children" question were included in the analysis. Most of them identified as females (65.8%) and 77.2% included receiving a university degree or higher. There were no significant differences in COVID-19 knowledge between those living with or without DSAC. However, participants with DSAC were more likely to perceive themselves as being at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 (p = .023); therefore, having a higher chance of adopting protective behaviours (e.g., hand washing, sanitizing frequently or disinfecting work and living spaces (p < .05), elevated risks of depression (p = .007), and stress (p = .010), compared to those without DSAC. CONCLUSIONS Predominantly, the Chinese residents in Canada with dependent school-age children were more likely to report the negative psychological impacts of the pandemic. These findings warrant further investigations that may contribute to informing key stakeholders about the identification and implementation of policies and interventions to support the needs of parents with young children, during and after the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Kong
- Division of Community Health & Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | | | - Fuyan Shi
- Division of Community Health & Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lixia Yang
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Markham, Canada
| | - Weiguo Zhang
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Xiaoling Wei
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eleen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Sara Ozbek
- Division of Community Health & Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Andem Effiong
- Division of Community Health & Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Peizhong Peter Wang
- Division of Community Health & Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6, Canada.
- Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Markham, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rebbe R, Reddy J, Kuelbs CL, Huang JS, Putnam-Hornstein E. The Impact of COVID-19 on Infant Maltreatment Emergency Department and Inpatient Medical Encounters. J Pediatr 2023; 262:113582. [PMID: 37353150 PMCID: PMC10284615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113582] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the counts of infant maltreatment-related medical encounters at a large medical system during a 21-month span of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Retrospective data for this study came from all inpatient and emergency department medical encounters for infants from January 1, 2016, through November 30, 2021, at a single children's hospital system in California. Distributions of medical encounters were tabulated and plotted over time. Interrupted time series models were used to evaluate changes in child maltreatment medical encounters. RESULTS Medical encounters for infants with child maltreatment diagnoses increased following the onset of COVID-19. Monthly counts of encounters with indicated maltreatment trended upward following the start of the pandemic. Interrupted time series models showed that the count of maltreatment encounters increased 64% with the onset of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS We found an increase in infant maltreatment medical encounters during a 21-month period following the onset of COVID-19. These findings suggest that the pandemic may have adversely affected the safety of infants and ongoing work is needed to understand better the pandemic impacts on child maltreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rebbe
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Julia Reddy
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cynthia L Kuelbs
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA; Department of Pediatrics, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jeannie S Huang
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA; Department of Pediatrics, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Beech A, Edelman A, Yatziv T, Rutherford HJV, Joormann J, Gadassi-Polack R. Cortisol reactivity to a laboratory stressor predicts increases in depressive symptoms in perinatal and nulliparous women during population-level stress. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:33-41. [PMID: 37499916 PMCID: PMC10529046 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.093] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests a link between stress and depression, especially in high-risk groups. The perinatal period is known as a time of increased risk for depression and pregnancy has been associated with alterations in cortisol levels; however, limited research has assessed cortisol reactivity during pregnancy. Finally, no studies have yet examined whether cortisol reactivity predicts later depressive symptoms during a population-level stressor, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The current study examined whether cortisol reactivity in perinatal and nulliparous women a year before the onset of COVID-19 predicted increases in depressive symptoms during the initial stage of the pandemic. Participants were 68 women (33 pregnant, Mage = 30.6; 35 nulliparous, Mage = 28.4) who, approximately a year before COVID-19, responded to a depressive symptoms questionnaire and completed a psychosocial stress test, during which they provided salivary cortisol samples. Shortly after the onset of pandemic-related closures (April 2020; postpartum for previously pregnant participants), participants completed follow-up questionnaires assessing current depressive symptoms. RESULTS Analyses showed that cortisol reactivity at baseline predicted increases in depressive symptoms at follow-up. Perinatal and nulliparous women did not differ in this association. LIMITATIONS The present study was limited by a moderate sample size and heterogeneity in terms of gestational week, restricting inferences about specific stages of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that cortisol reactivity to a laboratory stressor is a biomarker of risk for increased depressive symptoms during ecological stress in women. Biomarkers like these increase our understanding of depression risk and may help to identify individuals in need of interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Beech
- Tufts University, United States of America; Harvard University, United States of America.
| | | | - Tal Yatziv
- Yale Child Study Center at Yale University, United States of America
| | | | | | - Reuma Gadassi-Polack
- Yale University, United States of America; Tel Aviv-Yaffo Academic College, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dou N, Kowalski AJ, Lane H, Hatton R, Black MM, Hager ER. Perceptions of Parental Support for Physical Activity and Healthy Eating among School-age Children During COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVE LIVING 2023; 3:76-99. [PMID: 38077293 PMCID: PMC10699858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Family routines play a key role in promoting child health behaviors. This study 1) describes changes in children's perceptions of physical activity (PA) and healthy eating family routines across three time points: pre-pandemic (2017-2020), early pandemic (2020), and mid-pandemic (2021); and 2) explores how sex, age, and pandemic-related economic stressors relate to changes. Children's perceptions of family routines were assessed using four subscales adapted from the Comprehensive Home Environment Survey: PA-policies, Diet-policies, Diet-rules, and PA-Diet-role-model. Linear mixed models assessed changes in perceptions and associated factors (child age and sex; caregiver(s) job loss during pandemic). Children (N=277) were aged 9.3-15.5y at pandemic onset (March 2020), dichotomized by median age (12.1y) as younger and older. Children's perceptions of PA-policies (pre-pandemic mean=15.4) and Diet-policies (pre-pandemic mean=26.3) increased significantly from pre- to early (b=1.2 and 2.3, respectively) and mid-pandemic (b=1.0 and 1.2, respectively). Diet-rules (pre-pandemic mean=10.8) decreased significantly from pre- to early (b=-1.1) and mid-pandemic (b=-2.0), with no PA-Diet-role-model changes. Younger children had a greater increase in perceived PA-policies and Diet-policies across the pandemic. Females (59.9%) had a greater decrease in perceived Diet-rules across the pandemic and less increase in Diet-policies and PA-Diet-role-model from pre- to early pandemic. Children whose caregiver(s) lost employment (51.8%) perceived a greater increase in PA-policies. Overall, children reported increased parental policies to support PA and healthy eating and decreased parental rules for diet during the pandemic. Future research is needed to understand how changes in family routines relate to PA and healthy eating behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Dou
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Alysse J. Kowalski
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Hannah Lane
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Ross Hatton
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| | - Maureen M. Black
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
| | - Erin R. Hager
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA 21205
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mitra R, Campbell JE, Vanderloo LM, Faulkner G, Tremblay MS, Rhodes RE, Stone MR, Moore SA. Child and youth physical activity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: The changing role of the neighbourhood built and social environments. Health Place 2023; 84:103127. [PMID: 37751631 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103127] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
We explored associations between neighbourhood environments and children and youths' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during three different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021, using three nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. In wave 2, higher dwelling density was associated with lower odds of a child achieving higher-level MVPA, however, the odds were higher in neighbourhoods with higher density that also had better access to parks. With regard to the social environment, ethnic concentration (wave 3) and greater deprivation (waves 1 and 3) were associated with lower odds of a child achieving higher-level MVPA. Results indicate that built and social environments were differently associated with MVPA levels depending on pandemic restrictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raktim Mitra
- School of Urban and Regional Planning, Toronto Metropolitan University, 105 Bond Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5B 1Y3, Canada.
| | - Julie E Campbell
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Leigh M Vanderloo
- ParticipACTION, 77 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada; School of Occupational Therapy, Western University, London, ON, N6G 1H1, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, 6081 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Mark S Tremblay
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Ryan E Rhodes
- Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3N4, Canada
| | - Michelle R Stone
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada; Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, PO Box 150000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sarah A Moore
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada; Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, PO Box 150000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Finegold KE, Knight JA, Hung RJ, Ssewanyana D, Wong J, Bertoni K, Adel Khani N, Watson H, Levitan RD, Jenkins JM, Matthews SG, Wade M. Cognitive and Emotional Well-Being of Preschool Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2343814. [PMID: 37971740 PMCID: PMC10654793 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.43814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The association between COVID-19 social disruption and young children's development is largely unknown. Objective To examine associations of pandemic exposure with neurocognitive and socioemotional development at 24 and 54 months of age. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study evaluated associations between pandemic exposure vs nonexposure and developmental outcomes with covariate adjustment using data from the Ontario Birth Study collected between February 2018 and June 2022. Eligible participants were children aged 24 and 54 months. Data were analyzed from June to November 2022. Exposure COVID-19 pandemic exposure defined as assessment after March 11, 2020. Main Outcome and Measures Neurodevelopmental assessment using the ASQ-3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition) and MCHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) at 24 months of age, and neurocognitive and socioemotional assessment using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox at 54 months of age. Results A total of 718 children at age 24 months (mean [SD] age, 25.6 [1.7] months; 342 female [47.6%]; 461 White [64.2%]) and 703 at age 54 months (mean [SD] age, 55.4 [2.6] months; 331 female [47.1%]; 487 White [69.3%]) were included. At 24 months of age, 460 participants (232 female [50.4%]) were assessed during the pandemic (March 17, 2020, to May 17, 2022) and 258 (110 female [42.6%]) were assessed prepandemic (April 17, 2018, to March 10, 2020). At 54 months of age, 286 participants (129 female [45.1%]) were assessed from March 14, 2020, to June 6, 2022, and 417 (202 female [48.4%]) were assessed from February 8, 2018, to March 10, 2020. At 24 months of age, pandemic-exposed children had reduced risk of problem-solving difficulties using cutoff scores (odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18-0.62; P = .005) and higher problem-solving (B, 3.93; 95% CI, 2.48 to 5.38; P < .001) compared with nonexposed children. In contrast, pandemic-exposed children had greater risk for personal-social difficulties using cutoff scores (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.09-2.56; P = .02) and continuous scores (B, -1.70; 95% CI, -3.21 to -0.20; P = .02) compared with nonexposed children. At 54 months of age, pandemic-exposed children had higher receptive vocabulary (B, 3.16; 95% CI, 0.13 to 6.19; P = .04), visual memory (B, 5.95; 95% CI, 1.11 to 10.79; P = .02), and overall cognitive performance (B, 3.89; 95% CI, 0.73 to 7.04; P = .02) compared with nonexposed children, with no differences in socioemotional development. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study found both positive and negative associations between pandemic exposure and preschool children's cognitive and emotional well-being within a relatively socioeconomically advantaged sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Finegold
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia A. Knight
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rayjean J. Hung
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derrick Ssewanyana
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jody Wong
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kashtin Bertoni
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadya Adel Khani
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harmoni Watson
- Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert D. Levitan
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer M. Jenkins
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G. Matthews
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Thomson KC, Jenkins E, Gill R, Hastings KG, Richardson CG, Gagné Petteni M, McAuliffe C, Gadermann AM. Parent psychological distress and parent-child relationships two years into the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a Canadian cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292670. [PMID: 37847679 PMCID: PMC10581480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have not been felt equally within populations. Parents with children living at home were early on identified as a population at heightened mental health risk, with concerns about the potential long-term impacts of the pandemic on parents' mental health, family functioning, and children's well-being. This study investigates impacts of the pandemic on parents' psychological distress, contextual sources of distress, and associations with family functioning nearly two years into the pandemic. METHODS AND FINDINGS Data were drawn from a national cross-sectional survey of adults living in Canada in November and December 2021 that was representative by age, gender, household income, and region. Parents with children < 18 years old living at home (N = 553) reported their experiences of psychological distress, pandemic-related stressors, coping mechanisms, and family functioning (changes in parent-child interactions, children's anxiety). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression analyses examined sociodemographic inequities in parents' levels of psychological distress, sources and mitigating mechanisms of distress, and associations between psychological distress and family functioning. Nearly two years into the pandemic, parents with children at home reported nearly double pre-pandemic population estimates of moderate to severe psychological distress. Psychological distress was more frequently reported among parents with pre-existing mental health conditions, disabilities, and financial stressors. Parents with greater psychological distress reported increases in negative parent-child interactions due to the pandemic and higher anxiety among their children. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies sustained negative impacts of the pandemic on parents' mental health and family functioning in Canada nearly two years into the pandemic, despite high vaccine uptake and declining infection rates. Disparities in financial stress, social support structures, and pre-existing mental health were identified as underlying sources of psychological distress. These results highlight that meaningful responses to promote mental health among parents and families must address social and structural inequities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C. Thomson
- Children’s Health Policy Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Randip Gill
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Katherine G. Hastings
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chris G. Richardson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Monique Gagné Petteni
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Corey McAuliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anne M. Gadermann
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang MT, Henry DA, Scanlon CL, Del Toro J, Voltin SE. Adolescent Psychosocial Adjustment during COVID-19: An Intensive Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023; 52:633-648. [PMID: 35007446 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2021.2007487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE COVID-19 has presented threats to adolescents' psychosocial well-being, especially for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This longitudinal study aimed to identify which social (i.e., family conflict, parental social support, peer social support), emotional (i.e., COVID-19 health-related stress), and physical (i.e., sleep quality, food security) factors influence adolescents' same- and next-day affect and misconduct and whether these factors functioned differently by adolescents' economic status. METHOD Daily-diary approaches were used to collect 12,033 assessments over 29 days from a nationwide sample of American adolescents (n =546; Mage = 15.0; 40% male; 43% Black, 37% White, 10% Latinx, 8% Asian American, and 3% Native American; 61% low-income) at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Peer support, parent support, and sleep quality operated as promotive factors, whereas parent-child conflict and COVID-19 health-related stress operated as risk factors. Although these links were consistent for adolescents irrespective of economic status, low-income adolescents experienced more conflict with parents, more COVID-19 health-related stress, less peer support, and lower sleep quality than higher-income adolescents. Food insecurity was connected to decreased same- and next-day negative affect for low-income adolescents only. Low-income adolescents also displayed greater negative affect in response to increased daily health-related stress relative to higher-income adolescents. CONCLUSION These results highlight the role of proximal processes in shaping adolescent adjustment and delineate key factors influencing youth psychosocial well-being in the context of COVID-19. By understanding adolescents' responses to stressors at the onset of the pandemic, practitioners and healthcare providers can make evidence-based decisions regarding clinical treatment and intervention planning for youth most at risk for developmental maladjustment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Te Wang
- Learning Research & Development Center, Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Daphne A Henry
- Department of Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology, Boston College
| | - Christina L Scanlon
- Learning Research & Development Center, Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Juan Del Toro
- Learning Research & Development Center, Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Sarah E Voltin
- Learning Research & Development Center, Department of Psychology, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ismail H, Phan YH, Chandriah K, Arman MR, Mokhtar NN, Hamdan SA, Yew SQ. Insights into frontline healthcare workers' mental health amidst COVID-19 - Sources of workplace worries and coping strategies. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20258. [PMID: 37809997 PMCID: PMC10560014 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20258] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study was aimed to measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as to evaluate the associations of these mental disorders with sociodemographic factors, workplace worries, and coping strategies among frontline HCWs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sociodemographic data questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21, sources of workplace worries questionnaire, and Brief-COPE inventory were randomly distributed to frontline HCWs who worked at the medical, emergency, and anaesthesiology departments. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multivariable linear regression analysis. Results A total of 137 frontline HCWs responded to the questionnaires. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 69.3%, 77.4%, and 57.7%, respectively. None of the sociodemographic characteristics was associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression was associated to all sources of workplace worries, except "fear of getting infected" (p = 0.089), while anxiety and stress were associated with all sources of workplace worries. Humour (β = 0.821), self-blame (β = 0.686), denial (β = 0.676), substance use (β = 0.835), and behavioural disengagement (β = 0.583) were positively correlated to depression. However, active coping (β = -0.648) and acceptance (β = -0.602) were negatively correlated to depression. On the other hand, active coping (β = 0.913), planning (β = 0.879), acceptance (β = 0.831), religion (β = 0.704), and self-distraction (β = 0.929) were positively correlated to stress. Only substance use (β = -0.417) was negatively correlated to stress. All coping strategies did not correlate to anxiety. Conclusion The high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress is attributed by the various sources of workplace worries and the inappropriate coping strategies among the frontline HCWs. Measures that minimise workplace worries and inappropriate coping strategies must be implemented promptly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halim Ismail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yong-Hong Phan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kausalyaa Chandriah
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Ridzwan Arman
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Nabihah Mokhtar
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aishah Hamdan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheng Qian Yew
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Maximova K, Wu X, Khan MK, Dabravolskaj J, Sim S, Mandour B, Pabayo R, Veugelers PJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing of elementary school children in northern Canada. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101454. [PMID: 37334330 PMCID: PMC10260266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected children's lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing, and concerns have been raised that COVID-19 has also increased health inequalities. No study to date has quantified the impact of COVID-19 on health inequalities among children. We compared pre-pandemic vs. post-lockdown inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing among children living in rural and remote northern communities. Methods We surveyed 473 grade 4-6 students (9-12 years of age) from 11 schools in rural and remote communities in northern Canada in 2018 (pre-pandemic), and 443 grade 4-6 students from the same schools in 2020 (post-lockdown). The surveys included questions on sedentary behaviours, physical activity, dietary intake, and mental health and wellbeing. We measured inequality in these behaviors using the Gini coefficient, a unitless measure ranging from 0 to 1 with a higher value indicating greater inequality. We used temporal changes (2020 vs. 2018) in Gini coefficients to assess the impact of COVID-19 on inequalities in lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing separately among girls and boys. Results Inequalities in all examined lifestyle behaviours increased between 2018 and 2020. Inequalities in watching TV, playing video games, and using a cell phone increased among girls, while inequalities in playing video games, using computers and tablets, and consumption of sugar, salt, saturated fat and total fat increased among boys. Changes in inequalities in mental health and wellbeing were small and not statistically significant. Conclusion The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in lifestyle behaviours among children living in rural and remote northern communities. If not addressed, these differences may translate into exacerbated inequalities in future health. The findings further suggest that school health programs can help mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on lifestyle behaviours and mental health and wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Maximova
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1T8, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Xiuyun Wu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Mohammed K.A. Khan
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Julia Dabravolskaj
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Shannon Sim
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Boshra Mandour
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Roman Pabayo
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| | - Paul J. Veugelers
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-50E University Terrace, 8303 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1K4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Barnes C, Halpern-Meekin S, Hoiting J. "I Used to Get WIC… But Then I Stopped": How WIC Participants Perceive the Value and Burdens of Maintaining Benefits. THE RUSSELL SAGE FOUNDATION JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES : RSF 2023; 9:32-55. [PMID: 38486832 PMCID: PMC10939995 DOI: 10.7758/rsf.2023.9.5.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
This study examines how individuals assess administrative burdens and how these views change over time within the context of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides food to pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under age five. Using interview data from the Baby's First Years: Mothers' Voices study (n. = 80), we demonstrate how the circumstances of family life, shifiing food needs and preferences, and the receipt of other resources shape how mothers perceive the costs and benefits of program participation. We find that mothers' perceptions of WIC's costs and benefits vary over time and contribute to program participation trajectories, so many eligible people do not participate; need alone does not drive participation decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Barnes
- Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, United States
| | - Sarah Halpern-Meekin
- School of Human Ecology and the La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Jill Hoiting
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Gervais C, Côté I, Pierce T, Vallée-Ouimet S, de Montigny F. Family Functioning and the Pandemic: How Do Parental Perceived Social Support and Mental Health Contribute to Family Health? Can J Nurs Res 2023; 55:365-376. [PMID: 37203175 PMCID: PMC10200807 DOI: 10.1177/08445621231175757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine measures implemented have profoundly impacted parents and families. The stress and uncertainty generated by the COVID-19 virus, as well as the disruption of routines and social relationships, have weakened both individual and family health and functioning. OBJECTIVE The present research is part of a larger study that aims to understand, with a family systems theory, the longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on school-aged children, adolescents, and their parents. More specifically, this paper aims to investigate parents' experience of the first months of the pandemic as a predictor of perceived social support, parental ill-being (aggregate score of well-established poor psychological functioning indicators), parental satisfaction, and family functioning. METHOD During the first lockdown (April-May 2020), 203 parents of school-aged children living in Quebec completed an online questionnaire. RESULTS Path analysis indicates that the impact of COVID-19 and health preoccupation due to COVID-19 are both positively associated with individual parental ill-being, which in turn detracts from family functioning and parental satisfaction. Furthermore, perceptions about positive effects of the pandemic are negatively associated with parental ill-being, and positively with perceived social support, which in turn significantly contributes to family functioning and parental satisfaction. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the importance of adopting a systemic perspective to best understand the effects of the pandemic and the social and health measures on individuals, families, and systems, as well as to better support parents and family health through periods of uncertainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Gervais
- Nursing Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, QuébecCanada
| | - Isabel Côté
- Social Work Department, Université du Québec en OutaouaisGatineau, Canada
| | - Tamarha Pierce
- School of Psychology, Université Laval,2325
rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Francine de Montigny
- Nursing Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Saint-Jérôme, QuébecCanada
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yu W, Guo Z, Tian J, Li P, Wang P, Chen H, Zcm D, Li M, Ge Y, Liu X. Parental Anxiety, Practices, and Parent-Child Relationships among Families with Young Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1388. [PMID: 37628388 PMCID: PMC10453797 DOI: 10.3390/children10081388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the ambiguous characteristics and influencing factors of parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships among families with young children during a sudden COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China. An online survey was conducted from 1 June to 10 November 2022, with 477 valid responses. Parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships were evaluated. During this lockdown, 72.6% caregivers felt anxious about parenting to different degrees, with only a small proportion experiencing extreme anxiety. Parental anxiety was mainly influenced by whether the caregivers faced parenting issues and external parenting difficulties. The frequency of two-parent-child activities of reading books or looking at picture books with their children and telling stories to them significantly increased. Caregivers' occupations of either professional or technical personnel and working from home were the most significant influencing factors. Mother-child relationships were relatively good. In conclusion, parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships were relatively good and stable among families with young children during this lockdown. In the context of public health emergencies like COVID-19, more parenting support and knowledge should be provided to caregivers from professionals in CHCs or hospitals to decrease parental anxiety and improve parent-child relationships. Full advantage should be taken of working from home to promote parent-child activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Yu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Zhichao Guo
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Yuepu Town Community Health Service Center of Baoshan District, Shanghai 200941, China
| | - Jiahe Tian
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Panpan Li
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center of Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Hong Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Dan Zcm
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Meina Li
- Department of Military Medical Services, College of Military Health Service, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou 310013, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
McDougal L, Majnoonian A, Stone G, Fielding-Miller R. Determinants of parent-reported child mental health status in San Diego public schools during the height of the COVID-19 omicron outbreak: A serial cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288628. [PMID: 37494385 PMCID: PMC10370770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive debate on the effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures in school settings, little evidence exists on trends in school children's mental health over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this paper was to identify factors affecting parent reports of school children's mental health during COVID-19 Omicron variant outbreak in a cohort of high-risk, socially vulnerable children attending public elementary schools. We analyzed four waves of cross-sectional, online-administered surveys completed by parents of children attending public elementary schools in San Diego between November 2021 and March of 2022. Children (n = 684) ranged in age from 2-17 years. We used multilevel linear mixed effects models to assess determinants of parent-reported child mental health status. The outcome was child mental health, as reported by the parent. Parents consistently rated their children's mental health as very good, though parents who experienced recent COVID-related challenges and who had older children reported lower levels of mental health in their children. Children's mental health was generally considered to be very good, as judged by their parents during a period of constant in-school masking and the Omicron variant outbreak. Structural support mechanisms aimed at mitigating COVID-related challenges for adults may offer benefit to children's mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lotus McDougal
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Araz Majnoonian
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Gabriela Stone
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Fielding-Miller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Salaguinto T, Guzman Y, Lowry SJ, Liljenquist K, LaFontaine R, Ortiz JE, Szilagyi PG, Fiscella K, Weaver MR, Coker TR. Can a Clinic-Based Community Health Worker Intervention Buffer the Negative Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Health and Well-Being of Low-Income Families during Early Childhood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6407. [PMID: 37510639 PMCID: PMC10379322 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
We examined changes in self-reported mental health, physical health, and emotional support among low-income parents with children ages 0-2 years old from pre-pandemic to pandemic periods and compared changes in parental health among parents who did versus did not have access to a clinic-based community health worker intervention supporting parents at early childhood preventive care visits. We utilized longitudinal parent survey data from pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 time periods from both the intervention and control arms of an existing cohort of parents enrolled in a 10-clinic cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT). At enrollment (pre-pandemic) and 12-month follow-up (pandemic), participants reported on mental health, physical health, and emotional support using PROMIS measures (n = 401). During the pre-pandemic portion, control and intervention group parents had similar mean T-scores for mental health, physical health, and emotional support. At follow-up, mean T-scores for mental health, physical health, and emotional support decreased across both control and intervention groups, but intervention group parents had smaller declines in mental health T-scores (p = 0.005). Our findings indicate that low-income parents with young children suffered significant declines in mental and physical health and emotional support during the pandemic and that the decline in mental health may have been buffered by the community health worker intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Salaguinto
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Yasmin Guzman
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Sarah J. Lowry
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Kendra Liljenquist
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rachel LaFontaine
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Janette E. Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peter G. Szilagyi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kevin Fiscella
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14611, USA
| | - Marcia R. Weaver
- Departments of Health Metrics Sciences & Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Tumaini R. Coker
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle Children’s, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Premo EM, Magnuson KA, Lorenzo NE, Fox NA, Noble KG. Mental health and sleep quality of low-income mothers of one-year-olds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:572-586. [PMID: 37439103 PMCID: PMC10403317 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social restrictions created an unprecedented context for families raising young children. Although studies have documented detrimental effects of the pandemic on maternal well-being, less is known about how the pandemic specifically impacted low-income mothers. We examined depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among low-income mothers of one-year-olds during the early months of the pandemic using data from the Baby's First Years study. Focusing on the control group (n = 547), we compared mothers interviewed before March 14th, 2020 (n = 342) to mothers interviewed between March 14th and June 30th, 2020 (n = 205) to determine whether the pandemic was associated with differences in mental health and sleep quality. Mothers were recruited from four cities in the United States, and most of the sample identified as Hispanic (42.2%) or Black, non-Hispanic (38.6%). We found that mothers interviewed during the pandemic reported better mental health and sleep quality. While we cannot speak to longer-term impacts of the pandemic, it is possible low-income mothers experienced relief from daily stressors during the initial shelter-in-place orders, which may have led to improvements in well-being. These results have implications for understanding how complex life stressors influence mental health and sleep quality among low-income mothers raising young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Premo
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Katherine A. Magnuson
- Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicole E. Lorenzo
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathan A. Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences and Human Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
McNamara CL, Kotzias V, Bambra C, Labonté R, Stuckler D. Have COVID-19 Stimulus Packages Mitigated the Negative Health Impacts of Pandemic-Related Job Losses? A Systematic Review of Global Evidence from the First Year of the Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:311-322. [PMID: 37272269 PMCID: PMC10243096 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231176374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Social protection can buffer the negative impacts of unemployment on health. Have stimulus packages introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic mitigated potential harms to health from unemployment? We performed a systematic review of the health effects of job loss during the first year of the pandemic. We searched three electronic databases and identified 49 studies for inclusion. Three United States-based studies found that stimulus programs mitigated the impact of job loss on food security and mental health. Furloughs additionally appeared to reduce negative impacts when they were paid. However, despite the implementation of large-scale stimulus packages to reduce economic harms, we observed a clear pattern that job losses were nevertheless significantly associated with negative impacts, particularly on mental health, quality of life, and food security. We also observe suggestive evidence that COVID-related job loss was associated with child maltreatment, worsening dental health, and poor chronic disease outcomes. Overall, although we did find evidence that income-support policies appeared to help protect people from the negative health consequences of pandemic-related job loss, they were not sufficient to fully offset the threats to health. Future research should ascertain how to ensure adequate access to and generosity of social protection programs during epidemics and economic downturns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L. McNamara
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Virginia Kotzias
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN). Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ronald Labonté
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Stuckler
- Dondena Centre for Research on Social Dynamics and Department of Social & Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kelm MR, Diercks CM, Dunning ED, Lunkenheimer E. Parental working memory buffers associations between COVID-19 hardships and child mental health. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 87:101559. [PMID: 37363111 PMCID: PMC10266502 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impaired young children's mental health, underscoring the need for research on protective factors. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined whether parental working memory (WM) buffered relations between COVID-19 hardships (home-life, economic, and quarantine) and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Female parents (N = 339; 83.19% White/Caucasian, 8.85% Black/African American, 3.54% Asian, 1.47% Native American, and 2.36% mixed race; 7.67% Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity) of children 2-5-years-old reported COVID-19 hardships and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms and completed a backward digit span task to measure WM. All types of COVID-19 hardships were positively related to child internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Higher parental WM weakened positive relations between all types of hardships and child internalizing symptoms, and between home-life and economic hardships and externalizing symptoms. Results suggest that parental WM, a malleable target for intervention, may buffer associations between the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and young children's mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison R Kelm
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore, Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| | - Catherine M Diercks
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore, Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| | - Emily D Dunning
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore, Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| | - Erika Lunkenheimer
- The Pennsylvania State University, 140 Moore, Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yates J, Irwin JD. The Recover Study: A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Relationship Between Ontario Parents' Resilience and COVID-19-Related Stressors. FAMILY JOURNAL (ALEXANDRIA, VA.) 2023; 31:443-453. [PMID: 38603283 PMCID: PMC9444822 DOI: 10.1177/10664807221123550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Resilience, or the ability to bounce back despite facing adversities, may influence parents' abilities to handle the multitude of parent-specific COVID-19-related challenges that have faced them. This cross-sectional study examined (1) the relationship between parents' resilience and their COVID-19-related family stressors; (2) parents' perceptions of their greatest stressors throughout the pandemic; and (3) non-school-related challenges and their resultant impact on parents' and children's resilience. Via an online survey, data was collected from 63 parents (Mage = 37.09; 82.54% female). A significant relationship was found between parents' resilience and both their COVID-19-related stressors and family stressors. Parents described stressors challenging their resilience, including impacts on their mental health, managing occupational and educational responsibilities, social isolation, and economic setbacks, while also noting the impacts of social isolation, missing extracurricular activities, and lacking routines for their children. Overall, Ontario parents high in resilience are likely better positioned to adapt to pandemic-related stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Yates
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D. Irwin
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tavano S, Caini S, Sforzi I, Silvestri C, Voller F, Pisano T. Mental Health of Children and Adolescents before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Did the Lockdown Modify Psychiatric Emergencies in Tuscany, Italy? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4154. [PMID: 37373847 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted several aspects of the lives of children and adolescents. We analyzed the trends of psychiatric disorders in the emergency room. The analysis comprised the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) and the pandemic years (2020-2021). We conducted a retrospective observational epidemiological study that compared admissions during the two periods on a sample of 1311 patients aged between 4 and 18, focusing on new admissions vs. relapse, demographic variables, lockdown severity, presentation of psychiatric symptoms, diagnosis, severity, and outcome. Over the two-year pandemic period, we observed a 33% decrease in admissions to the emergency room for non-psychiatric disorders and a 200% increase in admissions for psychiatric emergencies. This increase is concentrated in periods with fewer restrictions and in the second year of the pandemic. We also observed a greater impact of psychiatric disorders on female patients, a greater severity of psychiatric disorders, a change in diagnoses associated with the presentation of symptoms, and an increase in hospitalizations. The children's psychiatric emergency service faced an "emergency within the emergency". In the future, it will be necessary to continue the follow-up of these patients, strengthen the field of study of gender psychiatry, and intensify our efforts towards prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Tavano
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Saverio Caini
- Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Idanna Sforzi
- Emergency Department, Trauma Center, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Silvestri
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Taddeo Alderotti, 26/N, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Taddeo Alderotti, 26/N, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pisano
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mooney AC, Jackson KE, Hamad R, Fernald LCH, Hoskote M, Gosliner W. Experiences of distress and gaps in government safety net supports among parents of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1099. [PMID: 37287030 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid federal, state, and local government policymaking to buffer families from the health and economic harms of the pandemic. However, there has been little attention to families' perceptions of whether the pandemic safety net policy response was adequate, and what is needed to alleviate lasting effects on family well-being. This study examines the experiences and challenges of families with low incomes caring for young children during the pandemic. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted from August 2020 to January 2021 with 34 parents of young children in California were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified three key themes related to parents' experiences during the pandemic: (1) positive experiences with government support programs, (2) challenging experiences with government support programs, and (3) distress resulting from insufficient support for childcare disruptions. Participants reported that program expansions helped alleviate food insecurity, and those attending community colleges reported accessing a range of supports through supportive counselors. However, many reported gaps in support for childcare and distance learning, pre-existing housing instability, and parenting stressors. With insufficient supports, additional childcare and education workloads resulted in stress and exhaustion, guilt about competing demands, and stagnation of longer-term goals for economic and educational advancement. CONCLUSIONS Families of young children, already facing housing and economic insecurity prior to the pandemic, experienced parental burnout. To support family well-being, participants endorsed policies to remove housing barriers, and expand childcare options to mitigate job loss and competing demands on parents. Policy responses that either alleviate stressors or bolster supports have the potential to prevent distress catalyzed by future disasters or the more common destabilizing experiences of economic insecurity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Mooney
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 490 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Kaitlyn E Jackson
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 490 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Rita Hamad
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 490 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Room 5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Mekhala Hoskote
- University of California, Berkeley-University of California, San Francisco Joint Medical Program, 570 University Hall MC #7360, 2018 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute, University of California, 1111 Franklin Street, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| |
Collapse
|