1
|
Jamison JM, Egger D, Vazquez CE, McBride MJ, Pauling SN, Hess KE, Calzada EJ, Bearman SK. Mental Health Trajectories of Latinx Female Caregivers and Young Children During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Analysis. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:571-585. [PMID: 36788947 PMCID: PMC9911948 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02545-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health symptoms suggest that there may be a unique impact of COVID-19 on minoritized individuals, young children (children five and younger), and their caregivers. Longitudinal studies with representative samples including minoritized populations are needed to accurately reflect the experience of families during COVID-19. The current study used a longitudinal design to assess trajectories of mental health among Latinx female caregivers and their young children over time, beginning prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and over the course of 12 months. In fall of 2019, Latinx female caregivers (N = 213; 93.0% biological mother) of young children (M age = 5.38, SD = 0.34) reported on their own and their child's (52.6% female) mental health symptoms, as well as parenting stress, at three time points through Fall of 2020. Growth curve models showed that self-report of caregiver global mental health worsened over time, though caregiver depression and parenting stress did not change significantly, nor did caregiver-report of their children's mental health. Results suggest that while female caregiver well-being was adversely affected by COVID-19, caregivers showed resilience in the face of this pandemic, which in turn may have buffered the impact of the pandemic on Latinx child mental health. Methodological and contextual implications of these results are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesslyn M. Jamison
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| | - Dominique Egger
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| | - Christian E. Vazquez
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, 211S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76019 USA
| | - Megan J. McBride
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| | - Sydney N. Pauling
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| | - Katherine E. Hess
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| | - Esther J. Calzada
- The Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712 USA
| | - Sarah Kate Bearman
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1912 Speedway, Stop D5800, Austin, TX 78712-0383 USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vermeulen S, Alink LRA, van Berkel SR. Child Maltreatment During School and Childcare Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:13-23. [PMID: 35105228 PMCID: PMC8814610 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211064885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine child maltreatment prevalence rates during the first COVID-19 related national closure of schools and childcare settings (the lockdown) in the Netherlands. Based on reports of childcare professionals and primary and secondary school teachers (N = 444) the prevalence of child maltreatment during the 3 months of this first lockdown was estimated at almost 40,000 children, or 14 per 1,000 children. The prevalence of emotional neglect was found to be three times higher during the lockdown compared to a period without lockdown. This significant difference was reflected in overall emotional neglect as well as for two main subtypes of emotional neglect: educational neglect and witnessing domestic violence. No significant differences were found for other types of child maltreatment. Most of the reported cases of maltreatment were already problematic before the lockdown and became worse during the lockdown. The results of this study indicate that the closure of schools and childcare settings may have enormous negative consequences for vulnerable children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Vermeulen
- Institute of Education and Child
Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Samantha Vermeulen, Institute of Education
and Child Studies, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, Leiden 2333 AK,
Netherlands.
| | - Lenneke R. A. Alink
- Institute of Education and Child
Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sheila R. van Berkel
- Institute of Education and Child
Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cantarero Prieto D, Lanza-León P, Moreno P, Lera J, Gonzalez F, González Rodríguez I, Blázquez-Fernández C. Coronavirus fear of contagion and compliance with social distancing measures: evidence for a sample of a Spanish university community. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14771. [PMID: 36879912 PMCID: PMC9985414 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14771] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social distancing measures have been one of the core pillars of the strategy against COVID-19 in all the countries. This study aims at understanding what motivates behaviours and compliance with social distancing measures among students and workers from a Spanish public university. Methods We carry out two logistics models considering two different dependent variables: not maintaining social relation with non-cohabiting people and not to leave home except for emergencies (n = 507, sample is formed by students and workers from the University of Cantabria in the North of Spain). Results Being very concerned about getting ill suggests higher risk of not maintaining social relation with non-cohabiting people. Getting older increase the probability of not leaving home except for emergencies as happens with those who are very concerned about getting ill. Young people often living with vulnerable older relatives may affect students' behaviour. Conclusions Our findings suggest that compliance with social distancing measures depends on several factors related to age, the number or kind of cohabiting people and level of concern about getting ill. Policies should address all these factors through a multidisciplinary perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cantarero Prieto
- Departamento de Economía, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.,Research Group of Health Economics and Health Services Management, Valdecilla Biomedical Institute Research (IDIVAL), Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Paloma Lanza-León
- Departamento de Economía, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.,Research Group of Health Economics and Health Services Management, Valdecilla Biomedical Institute Research (IDIVAL), Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Patricia Moreno
- Departamento de Economía Aplicada y Métodos Cuantitativos, Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Javier Lera
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Services Management, Valdecilla Biomedical Institute Research (IDIVAL), Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Francisco Gonzalez
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Services Management, Valdecilla Biomedical Institute Research (IDIVAL), Santander, Cantabria, Spain.,Primary Care, Cantabria Health Service, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | | | - Carla Blázquez-Fernández
- Departamento de Economía, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Cantabria, Spain.,Research Group of Health Economics and Health Services Management, Valdecilla Biomedical Institute Research (IDIVAL), Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Westrupp EM, Greenwood CJ, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Olsson CA, Sciberras E, Mikocka-Walus A, Melvin GA, Evans S, Stokes MA, Wood AG, Karantzas GC, Macdonald JA, Toumbourou JW, Teague SJ, Fernando JW, Berkowitz TS, Ling M, Youssef GJ. Parent and child mental health trajectories April 2020 to May 2021: Strict lockdown versus no lockdown in Australia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1491-1502. [PMID: 34930045 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211065365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To control a second-wave COVID-19 outbreak, the state of Victoria in Australia experienced one of the world's first long and strict lockdowns over July-October 2020, while the rest of Australia experienced 'COVID-normal' with minimal restrictions. We (1) investigate trajectories of parent/child mental health outcomes in Victoria vs non-Victoria and (2) identify baseline demographic, individual and COVID-19-related factors associated with mental health trajectories. METHODS Online community sample of 2004 Australian parents with rapid repeated assessment over 14 time-points over April 2020 to May 2021. Measures assessed parent mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21), child depression symptoms (13-item Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) and child anxiety symptoms (four items from Brief Spence Children's Anxiety Scale). RESULTS Mental health trajectories shadowed COVID-19 infection rates. Victorians reported a peak in mental health symptoms at the time of the second-wave lockdown compared to other states. Key baseline predictors, including parent and child loneliness (standardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.09-0.46), parent/child diagnoses (β = 0.07-0.21), couple conflict (β = 0.07-0.18) and COVID-19 stressors, such as worry/concern about COVID-19, illness and loss of job (β = 0.12-0.15), predicted elevated trajectories. Effects of predictors on parent and child mental health trajectories are illustrated in an online interactive app for readers (https://lingtax.shinyapps.io/CPAS_trend/). CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence of worse trajectories of parent and child mental health symptoms at a time coinciding with a second COVID-19 outbreak involving strict lockdown in Victoria, compared to non-locked states in Australia. We identified several baseline factors that may be useful in detecting high-risk families who are likely to require additional support early on in future lockdowns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Westrupp
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Greenwood
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Antonina Mikocka-Walus
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn A Melvin
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Stokes
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda G Wood
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gery C Karantzas
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John W Toumbourou
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha J Teague
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian W Fernando
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomer S Berkowitz
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew Ling
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - George J Youssef
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahlangu P, Gibbs A, Shai N, Machisa M, Nunze N, Sikweyiya Y. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown and link to women and children's experiences of violence in the home in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1029. [PMID: 35597933 PMCID: PMC9123923 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown remains at an early stage. There is limited research about the impact of hard lockdown restrictions on families, specifically how these restrictions impact on women and children’s experiences of domestic violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse in South Africa. We conducted research among men and women in Gauteng province, South Africa to understand their experiences of the COVID-19 national lockdown and its impact and link to women and children’s experiences of domestic violence. Methods We conducted a qualitative study, using social media to recruit men and women who were 18 years and older, living with a spouse and/or children in Gauteng province, South Africa during the lockdown. To collect the data, we conducted telephone interviews, and analyzed data using the thematic approach. Results The lockdown had unprecedented negative economic impacts on families, and exacerbated some of the risk factors for violence against women and children in the home in South Africa. Some women reported experiences of emotional violence. Experiences of physical violence were mostly amongst children. The risk factors for women and children’s experiences of violence in the home differed by socio-economic class. Job losses and reduction in earnings resulted to food insecurity which was a key driver of violence in most low socio-economic status (SES) families. Confinement in the home with spouses was an unfamiliar and difficult experience, associated with conflict and perpetration of violence by men in high SES families. Participants across socio-economic groups reported high levels of stress with limited psychosocial support available during the lockdown. Conclusions Our finding showing a link between low-socio-economic status and increased risk for domestic violence during the lockdown in South Africa suggests the need for socio-economic interventions to mitigate these risks. Structural and social relief measures need to be strengthened to reduce the loss of jobs and income and to address food insecurity during pandemics. Psychosocial support should be provided to men and women to mitigate the mental health impacts of the pandemics and lockdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Mahlangu
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa. .,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - A Gibbs
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - N Shai
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Machisa
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N Nunze
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Y Sikweyiya
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Private Bag X385, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Levavi K, Yakov P, Pike A, Deater-Deckard K, Hadar A, Bar G, Froimovici M, Atzaba-Poria N. When COVID-19 Met Families Living in Armed-Conflict Zones: The Importance of Maternal Trauma and Child Self-Regulation. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:718455. [PMID: 35360126 PMCID: PMC8964179 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.718455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak began in Israel at the end of February 2020, and on March 17, 2020, a general lockdown was announced. Families were instructed to stay at home and schools and non-essential businesses were closed. Aiming to understand how families who were already living in areas of high exposure to armed conflict would be affected by another external stressful condition, data were collected before and after the outbreak. Mothers and children (aged 10-45 months) were recruited from areas with high (n = 40) and low (n = 78) exposure to armed conflict. Mothers reported on their posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and on their child's effortful control tendencies prior to the outbreak. Toward the end of the first lockdown, mothers were interviewed regarding adverse effects of the outbreak on their family. No group differences were found for maternal perceptions of adverse effects of COVID-19. However, a moderation model was revealed, indicating that maternal PTSS as well as child effortful control predicted adverse effects of COVID-19 only in the high-exposure group. Results are discussed considering cumulative stress and risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinneret Levavi
- Duet Center, Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Porat Yakov
- Duet Center, Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Alison Pike
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Kirby Deater-Deckard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | | | - Guy Bar
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Naama Atzaba-Poria
- Duet Center, Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gabr HM, Soliman SS, Allam HK, Raouf SYA. Effects of remote virtual work environment during COVID-19 pandemic on technostress among Menoufia University Staff, Egypt: a cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:53746-53753. [PMID: 34031839 PMCID: PMC8143901 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14588-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Technostress during the COVID-19 pandemic has become more prevalent as a result of the global preventive measures applied to limit the spread of infection. These measures included remote working from home in both public and private organizations. The objective of this study is to study technostress and challenges of remote virtual work environment among university staff members at Menoufia University, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted over Menoufia University academic staff members in Egypt. The participants were chosen from both practical and theoretical colleges in Menoufia University using a multistage random sample. Tarfadar technostress questionnaire was used. Cortisol blood level was measured for all participants. This study included 142 participants. The mean age of the group was 36.32±6.41 years. 52.1 percent worked in practical colleges, and 60.6% were lecturers or higher. Their mean cortisol level was 15.61±7.07mcg/dl. Participants who were females, reside in rural areas, held a lecturer or higher position, had poor work-environment WiFi, and lacked technical training had significantly higher levels of technostress subscales. Most of the technostress subscales were significantly correlated with age and blood cortisol levels. The predictors of work overload in multivariate regression were female gender and a work environment with poor WiFi. Female gender, theoretical colleges, being lecturer or higher, and poor WiFi were the predictors for invasion. Among university staff members, technostress was found to be evident. High levels of technostress were significantly influenced by age, higher professions, female gender, and a bad workplace environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hala Marawan Gabr
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Sherif Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Heba Khodary Allam
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Shaimaa Yaihya Abdel Raouf
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bignardi G, Dalmaijer ES, Anwyl-Irvine AL, Smith TA, Siugzdaite R, Uh S, Astle DE. Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown. Arch Dis Child 2020; 106:archdischild-2020-320372. [PMID: 33298552 PMCID: PMC7733224 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children's mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any association due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during the lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Mental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.6-11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown (April-June 2020). Assessments included self-reports, caregiver reports, and teacher reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models. RESULTS A significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) short form. CIs suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in the RCADS anxiety subscale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale. CONCLUSIONS During the UK lockdown, children's depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk and tracks their future recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Bignardi
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Edwin S Dalmaijer
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Tess A Smith
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roma Siugzdaite
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stepheni Uh
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|