Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: e-Posters−Parents/Families
704 - Factors Contributing to Psychological Ill-Effects and Resilience of Caregivers of Children with Developmental Disabilities During a COVID-19 Pandemic Nationwide Lockdown
Doctor National University Hospital National University Health System Singapore, Singapore
Background: The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable. Children and youth with disabilities have been identified by the United Nations as at- risk of experiencing the highest degree of social and educational marginalization and requiring specific attention. Caregivers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) bear significant psychological burdens, but have been neglected in their emotional and coping needs. Neglecting the mental health and well-being of caregivers has potential to worsen children’s developmental outcomes and compound intra-familial adversity.
Objective: We evaluated factors affecting psychological ill-effects and resilience of caregivers of children with DD during the coronavirus pandemic, to facilitate identification of specific strategies to provide guidance for policies and supports for families with DD.
Design/Methods: This was a cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire-based study, administered via a secure online platform during a nationwide lockdown, using a snowball sampling method. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25-item were administered. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychological ill-effects and resilience.
Results: Depression, anxiety and stress symptoms on the DASS-21 were high: 52.3% screened positive for depression, 52.3% anxiety, 41.1% stress. These were higher than published pandemic stress scores among parents of children without DD. Identified factors were-- difficulties of the child with infection-control measures, staying indoors, an autism diagnosis, and need for early intervention services. Mean resilience score on the CD-RISC-25 was 63.7 (SD 17.2), lower than published pandemic population scores. Higher resilience scores were found in males, if spouses were not working from home, and if sufficient guidance was provided during home-based learning. Conclusion(s): This study highlighted specific factors affecting psychological ill-effects and resilience of caregivers of children with DD during lockdown. Targeted support for caregivers and improving resilience can help their coping. Recommendations include supporting mental health of parents, enhanced social-health-education partnerships among providers, provision of more support and resources for home-learning, and adapting health regulations for children with DD.
Caregiver Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) Scores and its Factors
Linear Regression Factors Associated with Resilience of Caregivers
Authors/Institutions: tammy lim, National University Health System, Singapore, , Singapore; Mae Yue Tan, National University Hospital, Singapore, , Singapore; Aishworiya Ramkumar, National University Health System, Singapore, , Singapore; YingQi Kang, National University Health System, Singapore, , Singapore; Magdalena Y. Koh, National University Health System, Singapore, , Singapore; Liang Shen, National University Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, , Singapore; Shang Chee Chong, National University Health System, Singapore, , Singapore
