COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, vaccination, and mental health: A national study among U.S. parents.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased mental health concerns among parents. Emerging studies have shown links between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and psychological distress, including among parents. The primary aim of this study was to extend these emerging findings by examining the role of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in mental health functioning in a national sample of U.S. parents, accounting for the effects of COVID-19 vaccination status and underlying medical conditions increasing COVID-19 risk. A nationally representative sample of U.S. parents (N = 796) completed a cross-sectional survey between February-April 2021, including measures of depressive, anxiety, and COVID-19 acute stress symptoms; COVID-19 vaccination status; underlying medical conditions increasing COVID-19 risk; and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The sample consisted of 51.8% fathers, Mage=38.87 years, 60.3% Non-Hispanic white, 18.1% Hispanic/Latinx, 13.2% Non-Hispanic Black/African American, 5.7% Asian, and 2.8% Other Race. Hierarchical regression models adjusted for demographic covariates revealed that greater COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and presence of an underlying medical condition were consistently associated with higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and COVID-19 acute stress symptoms among parents. Having had at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose was associated with greater levels of COVID-19 acute stress, but was not associated with depressive or anxiety symptoms. Results add new evidence from the U.S. in support of the link between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and psychological distress, point to the potential utility of behavioral health care workers in helping reduce vaccine hesitancy, and provide tentative data suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination for parents alone may not have provided mental health relief.

Family Foundations To promote parent mental health and family functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: A mixed methods evaluation

Evidence-based family-based interventions targeting parent mental health and partner conflict during community-wide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Family Foundations (FF), a 10-week couple/parent-based intervention targeting parent mental health, conflict and co-parenting was delivered via video-conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to: (1) explore parents' and clinicians' experiences and perceived benefits of FF, and (2) assess pre–post intervention changes in parent mental health, interparental conflict and co-parenting behaviour. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted with 62 families with young children experiencing parent mental health difficulties and/or parental conflict. Qualitative interviews with parents and FF clinicians were conducted, and intervention outcomes were assessed using mother-report surveys. Maternal stress and anxiety symptoms decreased and co-parenting support and parenting warmth increased following FF. Parents expressed high satisfaction with FF despite the perceived limited cultural and family structure diversity in the videos. Although some activities were modified and clinicians were more directive in their style of delivery, FF was implemented with fidelity. Importantly, telehealth delivery made FF accessible to meet the needs of families during the pandemic when in-person services were not available. These findings will inform further development and evaluation of telehealth FF during community-wide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Family Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Trajectories of distress from pregnancy to 15-months post-partum during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly burdened pregnant and postpartum women. It remains unclear how distress levels of pregnant and postpartum people have changed (or persisted) as the pandemic continues on and which factors may contribute to these trajectories of distress. Methods: This longitudinal study included 304 pregnant people, who were followed during pregnancy, 6-weeks, 6-months and 15-months postpartum. At each time point, a latent "distress" factor was estimated using self-reported depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress. Reported negative impact of COVID-19 and social support were assessed during pregnancy as risk and protective factors related to distress. Second-order latent growth curve modeling with a piecewise growth function was used to estimate initial levels and changes in distress over time. Results: Mean distress was relatively stable from the pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum and then declined from 6-weeks to 15-months postpartum. Higher education, greater social support, and lower negative impact of COVID-19 were associated with a lower distress during pregnancy. Unexpectedly, negative impact of COVID-19 was associated with a faster decrease in distress and more social support was associated with a greater increase in distress from pregnancy to 6-weeks postpartum. However, these effects became non-significant after controlling for distress during pregnancy. Conclusion: Findings indicate high but declining levels of distress from pregnancy to the postpartum period. Changes in distress are related to social support and the negative impact of the pandemic in pregnancy. Findings highlight the continued impact of COVID-19 on perinatal mental health and the need for support to limit the burden of this pandemic on pregnant people and families.

Family Bonds with Pets and Mental Health during COVID-19 in Australia: A Complex Picture.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the health-promoting features of human-animal relationships, particularly for families with children. Despite this, the World Health Organization's (1986) Ottawa Charter remains human-centric. Given the reciprocal health impacts of human-animal relationships, this paper aims to (i) describe perceived pet-related benefits, worries, and family activities; and to (ii) examine differences in perceived benefits, worries, and activities for parents and children with and without clinical mental health symptoms. We recruited 1034 Australian parents with a child < 18 years and a cat or dog via a national online survey between July and October 2020. Most parents reported their pet was helpful for their own (78%) and their child's mental health (80%). Adjusted logistic regression revealed parents with clinical psychological distress were 2.5 times more likely to be worried about their pet's care, well-being, and behaviour (OR = 2.56, p < 0.001). Clinically anxious children were almost twice as likely to live in a family who engages frequently in pet-related activities (e.g., cooked treats, taught tricks, OR = 1.82, p < 0.01). Mental health and perceived benefits of having a pet were not strongly associated. Data support re-framing the Ottawa Charter to encompass human-animal relationships, which is an often-neglected aspect of a socioecological approach to health.

Help Needs among Parents and Families in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Germany.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by multiple disruptions in the everyday lives of families. Previous research has underlined the negative impact of the pandemic on stress among parents and identified factors related to heightened levels of stress. Yet, several potential stressors have not been taken into account. Moreover, little is known about how general and pandemic-related stressors impacted help-seeking intentions for personal or family problems. METHODS: We recruited N = 602 parents and their children (n = 101) for a cross-sectional online survey on parent, child and family well-being, stress and help need after the first wave of COVID-19 infections in Germany. Data were analysed using multinomial regression analyses to predict family help need, taking into account pre-pandemic help-seeking. RESULTS: Parents showed high levels of stress, which were associated with pre-pandemic mental health, family functioning, pandemic related worries about finances, household workload and health worries. While 76.2% of families reported no during-pandemic help need, 11.3% reported a help need before and during the pandemic and 12.5% of families without prior help needs reported a new help need during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study underline the need for help service providers to adapt their offers.

Incorporating DEI informed-frameworks and increasing access to parent-focused interventions in pediatric psychology

Objective: The ethical imperative to work with the parents, caregivers, and guardians (hereafter, parents) of pediatric patients has been highlighted. However, parents continue to be underserved in pediatric health care settings. The syndemics of COVID-19 and mental health further magnified health disparities and the differential impacts of social determinants of health on the wellbeing of those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, dedicated efforts to developing holistic, culturally responsive, accessible, and effective interventions that meet the needs of the child and parents have never been more needed. Methods: Papers highlighting the role of pediatric psychology in working with parents while also emphasizing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in screening and interventions were solicited and considered for this issue. Results: This Special Issue includes 11 articles highlighting efforts to (a) support parents' unmet needs in medical subspecialty settings, (b) utilize a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) framework to develop and adapt interventions specifically designed to support these populations;and (c) improve access to behavioral health for vulnerable populations through different modes of care. This issue also includes a commentary outlining advocacy actions which can be taken by pediatric psychologists working with the families of transgender and gender diverse youth, with implications for advocating across populations. Conclusions: This issue highlights opportunities for pediatric psychologists to collectively and individually better support families and close health equity gaps through clinical and research avenues, as well as through opportunities for advocacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Implications for Impact Statement-The aim of this special issue is to further highlight the ethical imperative that exists for mental health providers in pediatric settings to address the mental health needs of parents, caregivers, and guardians, with an emphasis on diversity, access, equity, and inclusion. Pediatric psychologists can and should utilize existing skills to help all families reach their fullest potential through their involvement in research, clinical services, and advocacy efforts, with articles in this offering examples for implementation models. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences and Maternal Stress in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

COVID-19 compounds the already high levels of psychological distress experienced by NICU mothers. We aimed to describe the rates of NICU-related maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine how COVID-19 experiences correlate with high levels of stress experienced by NICU mothers. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis based on responses to a nationwide online survey to understand the relationship between COVID-19-related experiences and the stress experienced by mothers of infants admitted to U.S. NICUs (n = 108) during the pandemic. Results indicate that 61.9% of surveyed mothers reported experiencing high levels of stress on the Parental Stressor Scale: NICU. COVID-19-related grief was significantly associated with higher levels of maternal stress, as it related to seeing the baby's appearance and behavior in the NICU and exposure to sights and sounds within the NICU environment. No significant associations were noted between parental stress and COVID-19-related health worries or worries about resources. Of note, our recruitment relied on convenience sampling, limiting the generalizability of study results. In conclusion, mothers who experience COVID-19-related grief appear to be more vulnerable to NICU-related stress. Prioritizing parent involvement and enhancing psychosocial support are essential strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of heightened stress for NICU families.

Family Foundations To promote parent mental health and family functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: A mixed methods evaluation

Evidence-based family-based interventions targeting parent mental health and partner conflict during community-wide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. Family Foundations (FF), a 10-week couple/parent-based intervention targeting parent mental health, conflict and co-parenting was delivered via video-conferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to: (1) explore parents' and clinicians' experiences and perceived benefits of FF, and (2) assess pre-post intervention changes in parent mental health, interparental conflict and co-parenting behaviour. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted with 62 families with young children experiencing parent mental health difficulties and/or parental conflict. Qualitative interviews with parents and FF clinicians were conducted, and intervention outcomes were assessed using mother-report surveys. Maternal stress and anxiety symptoms decreased and co-parenting support and parenting warmth increased following FF. Parents expressed high satisfaction with FF despite the perceived limited cultural and family structure diversity in the videos. Although some activities were modified and clinicians were more directive in their style of delivery, FF was implemented with fidelity. Importantly, telehealth delivery made FF accessible to meet the needs of families during the pandemic when in-person services were not available. These findings will inform further development and evaluation of telehealth FF during community-wide crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Watch Me Grow- Electronic (WMG-E)" surveillance approach to identify and address child development, parental mental health, and psychosocial needs: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic recession has increased parental psychosocial stress and mental health challenges. This has adversely impacted child development and wellbeing, particularly for children from priority populations (culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and rural/regional communities) who are at an already increased risk of health inequality. The increased mental health and psychosocial needs were compounded by the closure of in-person preventive and health promotion programs resulting in health organisations embracing technology and online services. Watch Me Grow- Electronic (WMG-E) - developmental surveillance platform- exemplifies one such service. WMG-E was developed to monitor child development and guide parents towards more detailed assessments when risk is identified. This Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) aims to expand WMG-E as a digital navigation tool by also incorporating parents' mental health and psychosocial needs. Children and families needing additional assessments and supports will be electronically directed to relevant resources in the 'care-as-usual' group. In contrast, the intervention group will receive continuity of care, with additional in-person assessment and 'warm hand over' by a 'service navigator' to ensure their needs are met. METHODS: Using an RCT we will determine: (1) parental engagement with developmental surveillance; (2) access to services for those with mental health and social care needs; and (3) uptake of service recommendations. Three hundred parents/carers of children aged 6 months to 3 years (recruited from a culturally diverse, or rural/regional site) will be randomly allocated to the 'care-as-usual' or 'intervention' group. A mixed methods implementation evaluation will be completed, with semi-structured interviews to ascertain the acceptability, feasibility and impact of the WMG-E platform and service navigator. CONCLUSIONS: Using WMG-E is expected to: normalise and de-stigmatise mental health and psychosocial screening; increase parental engagement and service use; and result in the early identification and management of child developmental needs, parental mental health, and family psychosocial needs. If effective, digital solutions such as WMG-E to engage and empower parents alongside a service navigator for vulnerable families needing additional support, will have significant practice and policy implications in the pandemic/post pandemic period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial (Protocol No. 1.0, Version 3.1) was registered with ANZCTR (registration number: ACTRN12621000766819 ) on July 21st, 2021 and reporting of the trial results will be according to recommendations in the CONSORT Statement.

COVID-19 mental health impact among children with early brain injury and associated conditions.

This study describes the impact of COVID-19 among a clinical research sample of children with early brain injury and associated conditions. Between March 2020 and March 2021, 64 children and their parents participated. Children ranged in age between 3 and 14 years (M = 6 years, 3 months; SD = 2 years, 4 months) with a range of diagnoses (i.e., neonatal stroke, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), congenital heart disease (CHD) and preterm birth (<32 weeks)). The abbreviated CoRonavIrus Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) was completed by parents as part of their child's routine intake for neuropsychological services. Questions included COVID-19 specific ratings of child mental health impact, child, and parent stressors, with open-ended questions regarding negative and positive COVID-19 related changes. Over 40% of parents described moderate to extreme influence of COVID-19 on their child's mental health. Common child stressors reported included restrictions on leaving the home and social isolation. Among parents, the most common stress reported was caring for their child's education and daily activities. Children's mental health impact was associated with social isolation, parent mental health, COVID-19 economic concern, and number of siblings in the home. Child's age, sex, brain injury severity, or intellectual functioning were not associated with reported COVID-19 mental health impact. Some COVID-19 positives were identified, namely increased quality family time. Findings reflect the significant pandemic mental health impact among neurologically at-risk children and their families. Implications to future clinical needs and considerations for neuropsychological practice are discussed.

Relationships between local school closures due to the COVID-19 and mental health problems of children, adolescents, and parents in Japan.

The widespread impacts of COVID-19 have affected both child and parent mental health worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between school closures due to COVID-19 and child and parent mental health in Japan. A sample of 1,984 Japanese parents with children and adolescents aged 6-15 years participated. The parents responded to online questionnaires about their own mental health and that of their children cross-sectionally. Participants were divided into three school situations based on the past week: full school closure, partial school closure, and full school open. Results indicated that 2.02% (n = 40) of the participants were in full school closure and 5.95% (n = 118) of the participants were in partial school closure. The results indicated that, after controlling for other variables regarding the pandemic, full school closure was associated with much higher scores in both child and parent mental health problems compared to full school open. Moderately higher scores were found only for anxiety symptoms in both children and parents under partial school closure compared to where schools were fully open. Consideration of the needs of families is necessary in the context of both full and partial school closures to prevent deteriorating mental health.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families of infants involved with Child Protection Services for maltreatment concerns.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated physical distancing restrictions have exacerbated social, economic and health disadvantage within our communities. With increases in mental health difficulties and family violence already being seen, there is concern that the risk of child maltreatment risk may also be increased. The current study aimed to explore the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families identified to be at risk of child maltreatment in Victoria, Australia. Understanding the experiences of the pandemic for families already at risk is essential in identifying how to best support vulnerable parents and young children during this challenging time. Interviews were conducted with 11 parents currently involved with Child Protection Services, and nine clinicians working within a child and family health services, supporting clients with child protection involvement. Parents and clinicians described a range of pandemic related stressors including employment and financial stress, worry about infection and changes to service access. In addition, parents with children in out of home care discussed decreased access to their children resulting from physical distancing restrictions. Parents and clinicians perceived the pandemic to be having a negative impact on parent mental health, parenting stress and isolation. Although parents raised minimal concerns about the impact of the pandemic on child well-being, clinicians expressed concerns about the rise in risk factors for child maltreatment. Parents discussed a range of coping strategies which they perceived to be helpful during the pandemic, and clinicians and parents described the need for additional mental health support and support to access basic needs. The study highlights the importance of ensuring at risk families have access to parenting and mental health support throughout the pandemic and the importance of ensuring children within at-risk families are sighted and their safety assessed.

Impact of Social Distancing on the Mental Health of Parents and Children in Qatar.

This study investigated the effects of COVID-19-related social distancing practices on parents and children's mental health and explored joint parent-child activities and coping strategies among Arab families in Qatar. The sample of 308 parents answered self-reported questionnaires regarding their mental health, coping strategies, activities with their children, social distancing practices, and their children's mental health. Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were carried out. The results showed a significant positive correlation between social distancing and parents' activities with their children and their coping strategies, as well as between parents' mental health, activities with their children, children's mental health, and parents' coping strategies. Path analysis showed that social distancing practices influence both parents' and children's mental health through parents' activities with children and their coping strategies. Our findings revealed how living under stressful conditions, such as COVID-19, could enhance the mental health of family members.

Understanding why the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown increases mental health difficulties in vulnerable young children.

BACKGROUND: The mental health consequences of school closure, social isolation, increased financial and emotional stress, and greater exposure to family conflicts are likely to be pronounced for primary school children who are known to be vulnerable. Data from prior to the pandemic are needed to provide robust assessments of the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable children. METHOD: The present study capitalises on an ongoing study of primary school children (4-8 years) identified as 'at-risk' for mental health problems by teachers. We collected mental health and socio-economic data prior to the pandemic and re-assessed this cohort (n = 142) via researcher-led video calls during the pandemic to evaluate the social and emotional impacts of COVID-19 for these families. RESULTS: Mental health problems, particularly anxiety, increased significantly in these children. Parental mental health difficulties (anxiety and depression) were also prevalent. There were higher reports of financial stress during lockdown amongst low-income families previously identified as living in poverty, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial strain was found to indirectly predict increases in child mental health problems through parental mental health. CONCLUSION: These findings show that the pandemic exacerbated mental health problems in already vulnerable children. These negative outcomes were explained by financial stress (e.g., lost employment, loss of income and inability to pay bills), which was negatively linked to parental mental health.