Prevalence of Chronic Diseases, Depression, and Stress among U.S. Child Care Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ImportanceThere is no published national research reporting child care professionals physical health, depression, or stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given their central role in supporting childrens development, child care professionals overall physical and mental health is important. ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of chronic diseases, depression, and stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic among U.S. child care professionals. DesignIn this large-scale national survey, data were collected through an online survey from May 22, 2020 to June 8, 2020. We analyzed the association of sociodemographic characteristics with four physical health conditions (asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity), depression, and stress weighted to national representativeness. Sociodemographic characteristics included race, ethnicity, age, gender, medical insurance status, and child care type. SettingCenter- and home-based child care. ParticipantsChild care professionals (n = 81,682) from all U.S. states and the District of Columbia. ResultsMean age was 42.1 years (standard deviation = 14.1); 96.0% (n = 78,725) were female, 2.5% (n = 2,033) were male, and 0.3% (n = 225) were non-binary. For physical health conditions, 14.3% (n = 11,717) reported moderate to severe asthma, 6.5% (n = 5,317) diabetes, 4.9% (n = 3,971) heart disease, and 19.8% (n = 16,207) being obese. Regarding mental health, 45.7% (n = 37,376) screened positive for depression and 66.5% (n = 54,381) reported moderate to high stress levels. Race, ethnicity, and gender disparities were evidenced for physical health conditions of child care professionals, but not for mental health during the pandemic. Conclusions and RelevanceOur findings highlight that child care professionals depression rates during the pandemic were much higher than before the pandemic, and depression, stress and asthma rates were higher than U.S. adult depression rates during the pandemic. Given the essential work child care professionals provide during the pandemic, policy makers and public health officials should consider what can be done to support the physical and mental health of child care professionals. Key PointsO_ST_ABSQuestionC_ST_ABSWhat is the prevalence of chronic diseases, depression, and stress among U.S. child care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic? FindingsIn this survey of 81,682 U.S. child care professionals, 14.3% reported moderate to severe asthma, 6.5% diabetes, 4.9% heart disease, 19.8% being obese, 45.7% screening positive for depression, and 66.5% moderate to high stress levels. MeaningDuring the pandemic, child care professionals reported depression rates much higher than before the pandemic, and asthma, stress, and depression much greater than U.S. adult estimates, highlighting a need for effective supports for the wellbeing of this essential workforce.

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among U.S. Child Care Providers

STRUCUTRED ABSTRACTO_ST_ABSObjectivesC_ST_ABSEnsuring a high COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers is crucial to mitigating the public health implications of child-to-staff and staff-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, the vaccination rate among this group is unknown. MethodsTo characterize the vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the child care workforce. Providers were identified through various national databases and state registries. A link to the survey was sent via email between May 26 and June 23, 2021. Out of 44,771 potential respondents, 21,663 responded (48.4%). ResultsOverall COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers (78.1%, 95% CI [77.3% to 78.9%]) was higher than that of the U.S. adult population (65%). Vaccination rates varied from 53.5% to 89.4% between states. Vaccine uptake differed significantly (p < .01) based on respondent age (70.0% for ages 25-34, 91.5% for ages 75-84), race (70.0% for Black or African Americans, 92.5% for Asian-Americans), annual household income (70.7% for <$35,000, 85.0% for>$75,000), and childcare setting (72.9% for home-based, 79.7% for center-based). ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers was higher than that of the general U.S. adult population. Those who were younger, lower income, Black or African American, resided in states either in the Mountain West or the South, and/or worked in home-based childcare programs reported the lowest rates of vaccination; state public health leaders and lawmakers should prioritize these subgroups for placement on the policy agenda to realize the largest gains in vaccine uptake among providers. Tables of Contents SummaryThis article describes the results of a national survey of childcare providers to determine the overall COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the gaps in vaccine coverage. Whats Known on This SubjectEnsuring a high COVID-19 vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers is crucial to mitigating the public health implications of child-to-staff and staff-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, the vaccination rate among this group is unknown. What This Study AddsWhile the vaccine uptake among U.S. child care providers was higher than that of U.S. adults, certain subgroups continue to warrant focused attention for outreach and/or placement on the policy agenda.

COVID-19 Risk Perception Among U.S. Adults: Changes from February to May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to detrimentally impact the United States. Using a survey, we collected demographic and COVID-19 risk perception, behavior, knowledge, and attitude data from 672 adults across the U.S. in May 2020. These variables were compared with the results from a survey in February 2020. Participants who were older (55+ years; M = 6.3, SD = 2.0), identified as Native American/Alaska Native (M = 6.8, SD = 1.0) or Asian (M = 6.0, SD = 2.0), and those who had contracted (M = 6.8, SD = 2.0) or knew someone who had contracted COVID-19 (M = 6.2, SD = 1.7) reported higher perceived risk. Health behaviors, such as physical distancing, have shown to impact infectious disease trajectories. As the U.S. reopens its economy, public health officials and politicians must formulate culturally appropriate and evidence-based messaging and policies, based on the publics COVID-19 risk perceptions, to encourage preventive behaviors.