Abstract
Objective
A systematic review of mental health outcomes and needs of children and families during past pandemics was conducted based on the PRISMA protocol. The objectives were to evaluate ...the quality of existing studies on this topic, determine what is known about mental health outcomes and needs of children and families, and provide recommendations for how COVID-19 policies can best support children and families.
Methods
Seventeen studies were identified through a search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
Results
Studies examining child outcomes indicate that social isolation and quarantining practices exert a substantial negative impact on child anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fear symptoms. Potential risk factors such as living in rural areas, being female, and increasing grade level may exacerbate negative mental health outcomes for children. Studies examining parental and family outcomes indicate that parents experience high stress, anxiety, and financial burden during pandemics. The age of the parent and family socioeconomic status (SES) appeared to mitigate negative outcomes, where older parents and higher SES families had lower rates of mental health problems. Parents’ fear over the physical and mental health of their children, concerns over potential job loss and arranging childcare contributes to elevated stress and poorer well-being.
Conclusions
Findings from this review suggest current gaps in COVID-19 policies and provide recommendations such implementing “family-friendly” policies that are inclusive and have flexible eligibility criteria. Examples include universal paid sick leave for parents and financial supports for parents who are also frontline workers and are at an elevated risk for contracting the disease.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue with innumerable costs to the victims, children, and families affected as well as society at large. The evidence is conclusive ...regarding a strong association between exposure to IPV and children’s externalizing problems. Moving forward, the next step is to enhance our understanding of risk and protective factors associated with these outcomes in order to tailor treatments to meet the needs of both parents and children. The databases Medline, PubMed, and PsyINFO were searched combining variations of the key words such as parent*, child*, mother, partner abuse, domestic abuse, spousal abuse, interpersonal violence, domestic violence, or intimate partner violence. This search were combined with child externalizing behaviors specifically conduct*, oppositional defiant disorder, externaliz*, aggress*, hyperactivity, and ADHD. A total of 31 studies from all three databases were reviewed following application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main findings were that child age and gender, callous–unemotional traits, cognitive appraisals, maternal mental health, and quality of parenting emerged as key mediating and moderating factors of the relationship between IPV exposure and child externalizing problems. These findings suggest that interventions provided to families exposed to IPV need to target both maternal and child risk factors in order to successfully reduce child externalizing problems.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This study sought to examine and compare conceptualizations and descriptions of family quality of life, from the perspectives of Korean immigrant and Canadian families of children with autism ...spectrum disorder. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from 13 Korean immigrant parents and 12 Canadian parents of children with autism living in BC, Canada was conducted. For Korean immigrant families, three themes were identified: family cohesiveness, value orientation, and acceptance from society. For Canadian families, themes comprising family interactions, support, emotional well-being, individual characteristics, and comparisons to other families were essential elements in defining their family quality of life. Findings highlight how cultural values and differences may translate into different conceptualizations of family quality of life and underscore the need for cross-cultural and diverse perspectives in the study and development of future assessment tools.
Lay abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare Korean immigrant families and Canadian families of children with autism in their perceptions and definitions of family quality of life. Interviews were done with 13 Korean immigrant parents and 12 Canadian parents of children with autism living in BC, Canada. For Korean immigrant families, three themes were identified: family cohesiveness, value orientation, and acceptance from society. For Canadian families, themes comprising family interactions, support, emotional well-being, individual characteristics, and comparisons to other families were essential elements in defining their family quality of life. The findings emphasize how differences in culture may impact how we understand and assess family functioning and quality of life. If research informing the development of these tools lacks cross-cultural perspectives, service providers and professionals may fail to address these families’ unique needs.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Few studies exist that have examined the impact of service-related factors and system-level disruptions (i.e., the pandemic) on families of autistic children in Canada using large sample sizes. To ...address this gap, the goal of this research was to examine the impact of satisfaction with autism services on caregiver stress, controlling for important demographic variables, such as family income, marital status, and child level of support needs. The impact of navigating and accessing services on parent well-being was also explored. A total of 1810 primary caregivers of autistic children or youth living in Ontario, Canada completed a survey with both closed- and open-ended questions in the summer of 2021. A hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine the impact of satisfaction with autism services on caregiver stress. Open-ended responses on the survey from a subset of the sample (n = 637) were coded using thematic analysis to understand the impact of navigating and accessing services on parent well-being. Satisfaction with services significantly predicted caregiver stress after controlling for marital support, family income, and child level of support needs. Qualitative analysis revealed impacts of navigating and accessing services in three areas: (1) Physical, (2) Emotional/Psychological, and (3) Financial Well-being. Understanding parent perceptions of satisfaction with services can shed light on strategies for improving services that support parent well-being.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The rapid and widespread shift to virtual care during COVID-19 created new opportunities and unique challenges for families of children with medical complexity (CMC). However, few studies have ...examined perceptions of virtual care during the pandemic in this population.
To address this gap, the current study used a qualitative approach and semistructured interviews via Zoom to explore parent perspectives of virtual care. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 parents residing with their CMC (aged 0-18 years) in British Columbia, Canada.
The findings identified from the data included (1) advantages and opportunities, (2) concerns and challenges, and (3) parent choice and preference.
Our findings indicate the need for healthcare professionals to receive training to use virtual care in their practice effectively. In addition, policies about standards for virtual care and ensuring families have access to the necessary technology will help reduce barriers and improve equity and inclusion for this population.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study adopted a community-engaged approach to explore Korean parents’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to accessing autism services in British Columbia, Canada. Understanding the ...experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse families and their children may help facilitate the development of more inclusive, appropriate, and culturally sensitive services. Semi-structured interviews with 20 Korean parents of autistic children were analyzed using a thematic approach. Barriers and facilitators at the system, provider, and family/cultural level were identified. Barriers at the system level included delays and waitlists for services, and ineffective school policies to address child behavioral challenges. At the provider level, barriers included a lack of qualified professionals, negative attitudes, and lack of guidance navigating services. For family/cultural-related barriers, language and communication difficulties, out-of-pocket costs, and stigma impeded service access. Facilitators at the system level included family-centered care and prioritization of mental health supports. At the provider level, strengths included culturally competent and bilingual professionals. The family/cultural-related facilitators identified were informal support networks, characteristics of the parent, and connections to cultural community organizations. The findings emphasize the need to understand and consider diverse experiences, preferences, and values in the design and provision of autism services for families and their children.
Lay abstract
Perceptions and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse groups in accessing autism services in Canada are extremely limited. Thus, this study partnered with a community member to explore Korean immigrant parents’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to accessing autism services in British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were conducted with 20 Korean parents of autistic children. Barriers and facilitators at the system, provider, and family/cultural level were identified. Barriers at the system level included delays and waitlists for services, and ineffective school policies to address child behavioral challenges. At the provider level, barriers included a lack of qualified professionals, negative attitudes, and lack of guidance navigating services. For family/cultural-related barriers, these included language and communication difficulties, out-of-pocket costs, and stigma impeded service access. Facilitators at the system level included family-centered care and prioritization of mental health supports. At the provider level, strengths included culturally competent and bilingual professionals. The family/cultural-related facilitators identified were informal support networks, characteristics of the parent, and connections to cultural community organizations. The findings emphasize the need to understand and consider diverse experiences, preferences, and values in the design and provision of autism services for families and their children.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created unprecedented challenges for everyone, but especially families of children with medical complexity (MC) who rely on a comprehensive range of health and ...social services in their daily lives. Yet despite this, there are limited studies exploring caregiver perspectives regarding access to health and social services during the pandemic. To address this gap, we aimed to explore how health and social services can better meet the needs of children with MC and their families. Sixteen parents residing with their children with MC (from birth to 18 years) in British Columbia, Canada participated in semi-structured interviews between July 2021 and April 2022. Findings revealed two different areas to improve services for families of children with MC, those relating to technology and family-centered care. Parents prioritized expanding the use of digital communication tools to support service navigation and scheduling. Virtual platforms were viewed as being valuable for building connections with other families and their community. In terms of family-centered care, parents emphasized the importance of policies recognizing the physical, emotional, and financial needs of the family. Findings have important implications for improving services to enhance the well-being and quality of life of children with MC and their families.
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NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Indigenous Peoples and newcomers are two of the largest and fastest growing populations in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2022; Zimonjic, 2022). Yet despite this, little is known about their experiences ...navigating and accessing autism services for their children.
To address this gap, the current study sought to explore the autism service needs and priorities of Indigenous and newcomer families in Canada. A total of 19 participants (9 Indigenous and 10 newcomer caregivers) were selected using purposive sampling to participate in a semi-structured interview.
The findings revealed that Indigenous families prioritized the need for services in rural and remote areas, tailored information to their needs, and support preserving their cultural heritage. On the other hand, newcomer families emphasized the importance of peer support, quality standards for services and therapies, and support during transition periods. Similarities across both groups indicated the need for addressing the lengthy waitlists for services, which have also been reported in the general population in Canada, having services and professionals place a greater emphasis on the child’s strengths, and culturally safe services and practice.
The present findings have important implications for the design and implementation of services and supports which reflect the needs and priorities of underserved communities.
•Little is known about how Indigenous Peoples and newcomers navigate and access autism services for their children in Canada.•Indigenous families prioritized the need for services in rural areas, tailored information, and support preserving culture.•Newcomer families emphasized the importance of peer support, quality standards, and support during transition periods.•Similarities included addressing waitlists, services that emphasize their child's strengths, and culturally safe services.•Findings have important implications for service design which reflects the needs of underserved communities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
On Jun 2, 2015, CDC was notified that a male airline passenger, aged 41 years, with a fever of 105.4F, headache, nausea, photophobia, diarrhea, and vomiting, which began approximately 3 hours after ...departure, was arriving to San Francisco, California, on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany. His symptoms reportedly started with neck stiffness 1 day earlier. Upon arrival, the patient was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was in septic shock, which was followed by multisystem organ failure. Cerebrospinal fluid, obtained approximately 12 hours after initiation of treatment, was Gram stain- and culture-negative. Blood cultures, which were drawn before antibiotic treatment, were positive for Neisseria meningitides of indeterminate serogroup. A review of the patient's medical records revealed a history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and current biweekly eculizumab (Soliris) therapy.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NMLJ, NUK, ODKLJ, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
On June 2, 2015, CDC was notified that a male airline passenger, aged 41 years, with a fever of 105.4°F, headache, nausea, photophobia, diarrhea, and vomiting, which began approximately 3 hours after ...departure, was arriving to San Francisco, California, on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany. His symptoms reportedly started with neck stiffness 1 day earlier. Upon arrival, the patient was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was in septic shock, which was followed by multisystem organ failure. Cerebrospinal fluid, obtained approximately 12 hours after initiation of treatment, was Gram stain- and culture-negative. Blood cultures, which were drawn before antibiotic treatment, were positive for Neisseria meningitides of indeterminate serogroup. A review of the patient's medical records revealed a history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and current biweekly eculizumab (Soliris) therapy.
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NMLJ, NUK, ODKLJ, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
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