A mixed-method analysis: Primary challenges for families participating in the success program during the covid-19 global health crisis

ABSTRACT

The present study is a mixed-method analysis on the effects of COVID-19 on families of low socio-economic status (SES) in regards to the challenges they are facing as well as their ability to meet their family needs. Participants were families that qualified for participation in the Success Program (SP) based on their financial situation who completed a post-program survey in 2019 (N=217) and another survey about COVID-19 in 2020 (N= 230-508, depending on the analysis). Results suggest that the major challenge families in the program experienced during the pandemic was remote learning, followed by isolation, and various financial concerns. Furthermore, participants reported their major changes in employment due to COVID-19 to be relating a loss of a job and receiving a pay cut or a reduction in working hours. Further, results suggest that participants with lower ability to provide for their families? basic needs in the past had a significantly lower average ability to provide for their families? needs during the pandemic. Understanding the challenges these families are facing due to COVID-19 can aid researchers develop future programs that are responsive to their needs in the event that a similar pandemic or global issue occurs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)