Understanding and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of parents and caregivers of children and youth with support needs in British Columbia.

Jennifer Baumbusch

Angela Clancy

Impact

  • The study brought increased attention to the mental health challenges faced by parents/caregivers of children with support needs during the pandemic. It highlighted the unique struggles of this group, raising awareness about their needs and the importance of addressing them.

  • The transition of mental health interventions and programs to virtual delivery during the pandemic was a significant impact. It showed that adapting to virtual platforms increased accessibility to services for parents and caregivers. However, the long-term implications for mental health service delivery were yet to be explored at the time of the research project.

  • The study revealed heightened mental health concerns, including anxiety and isolation among parents and caregivers during the pandemic, highlighting the need for tailored support. It also emphasized the increased support requirements for children with developmental delays or disabilities, stressing the importance of addressing their unique needs.

  • Additionally, the study highlighted significant COVID-19-related stress, necessitating targeted mental health interventions.

  • British Columbia

  • Grant

  • University of British Columbia

  • Family Support Institute

  • Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, BC Ministry of Children and Family Development

  • 2021-2022

  • Children and Youth Mental Health

  • Children (aged 1-12), Youth (aged 13-18), Caregivers, Family Members

About the Project

While COVID-19 has affected the mental health of all Canadians, the difficulties faced by those with complex family needs were higher. The strain was especially high on parents and caregivers of children and youth with support needs experiencing (or at risk of) developmental delay or disability. The aim of this project was to a) examine existing health interventions and programs for parents/caregivers’ mental health and identify strengths, gaps and areas for improvement, and b) explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of these parents/caregivers.

Methodology

As the first step of the project, a large systemic literature review of four online databases was undertaken. The researchers identified and assessed 26 research publications on mental health interventions and programs for parents/caregivers of children with support needs that had been introduced during the pandemic. The second part of the project entailed administering a survey to 236 parents/caregivers in British Columbia to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health.

Findings

  • The literature review found that mental health interventions, programs and practices transitioned into virtual delivery during the pandemic. As a result, increased number of parents/caregivers were able to access and use the services.

  • 54.7% of survey respondents experienced anxiety and worry, while one-third experienced feelings of loneliness or isolation during the pandemic.

  • The significant sources of stress and worry were related to COVID-19 and the possibility of its transmission to them, their families and their children.

  • Respondents indicated that 42.5% of children required increased support with self-care, with over half require help with learning and self-direction. Additionally, more than one-third of children were found to have increased difficulties with mobility and independence skills. All of this caused parents/caregivers to have increased worry regarding their children’s mental health and future.

  • Furthermore, parents and caregivers expressed that they encountered difficulties in maintaining family routines, engaging in outdoor activities, and establishing social connections. These challenges have led to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.

Project Outreach

The project was based in British Columbia and included the participation of people with lived and living experience from numerous communities across the province.

Resources Created

  • 4 presentations

    • Includes presentation to the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development

  • 1 publication:

    • https://caregivingresearch.nursing.ubc.ca/mental-health-among-parents-and-caregivers-of-children-with-support-needs/

  • MHRC Spotlight on Researchers Webinar: