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The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Households of Young Children With Special Healthcare Needs.
Liu, Sihong; Lombardi, Joan; Fisher, Philip A.
  • Liu S; Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA.
  • Lombardi J; Early Opportunities, LLC, USA.
  • Fisher PA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA.
J Pediatr Psychol ; 47(2): 158-170, 2022 02 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1595422
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic differently affected households of children with versus without special healthcare needs. We compared caregivers' and children's emotional well-being (Aim 1), the utilization of preventive healthcare services for young children (Aim 2), and the promotive effects of social support on well-being outcomes (Aim 3) during the pandemic between the two groups.

METHODS:

Data were drawn from an ongoing, large, longitudinal, and national survey that assessed the pandemic impact on households of young children (0-5). Analyses for Aims 1 and 2 were based on 10,572 households, among which 10.96% had children with special healthcare needs. Analyses for Aim 3 were based on a subsample of 821 families, among which 12.54% had children with special healthcare needs.

RESULTS:

Caregivers of children with special healthcare needs exhibited more emotional distress and reported higher levels of household children's behavioral problems during the pandemic. The percentages of missed preventive healthcare visits and vaccinations were also higher in families of children with special healthcare needs due to structural barriers. Lastly, emotional social support was indirectly related to children's decreased behavioral problems through caregivers' reduced emotional distress, only among households of children without special healthcare needs. In other words, social support alone was not sufficient in promoting caregivers' and children's better well-being outcomes among households of children with special healthcare needs.

CONCLUSIONS:

The pandemic has caused extensive burdens on families of children with special healthcare needs. Actions from policymakers and early intervention service providers are urgently needed to mitigate these impacts.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pandemics / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Vaccines Limits: Child / Child, preschool / Humans Language: English Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jpepsy

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pandemics / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Vaccines Limits: Child / Child, preschool / Humans Language: English Journal: J Pediatr Psychol Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Jpepsy