Parenting a child with a chronic illness during a pandemic

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Mental Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Approximately 20% of US children have chronic health conditions.
• Parents of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) face significant caregiving stress.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for families of CSHCN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the stress levels of parents caring for a child with a chronic illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify factors contributing to parental stress during this period.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study involving 34 parents of CSHCN.
• Utilized the Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP) for stress assessment.
• Included specific questions about pandemic-related caregiving challenges.

Main Results:

• Pediatric Inventory for Parents scores were higher than in previous studies.
• Parental stress correlated positively with child's age and diagnosis duration.
• Nearly all parents reported increased stress due to COVID-19, citing isolation, resource scarcity, and concern for other children's mental health.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic likely intensified existing stress for parents of CSHCN.
• The pandemic underscored the vulnerability and high stress levels experienced by these parents.
• Pediatric nurses should advocate for the mental well-being of parents of CSHCN.