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Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 1/2024

Open Access 03-11-2023 | COVID-19

Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Children and Families: A Qualitative Study Using Best Starts for Kids Health Survey Data in King County, WA

Authors: Mohit Nair, Kristin Moore, Sara Jaye Sanford, Anne McNair, Alastair Matheson, Eva Wong

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and caregivers with young children in King County, Washington using data from a local population-based survey, the Best Starts for Kids Health Survey (BSKHS).

Methods

7033 parents and caregivers in King County, Washington with children 5th grade and younger participated in the BSKHS in 2021. Three evaluators adopted a framework method approach to thematic analysis for open-ended survey responses regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on families.

Results

Children aged 0–5 years missed important social development opportunities, while elementary-school children missed social interactions and felt isolated during remote schooling. Parents were exhausted by the competing demands of work and schooling/childcare, with mothers bearing the brunt of additional responsibilities. Many families faced financial uncertainty and were unable to meet basic needs. Yet, families were grateful for more quality time with family members.

Conclusions for Practice

Parents expressed that children aged 0–5 years missed out on social development opportunities with both adults and children their own age and elementary-school children and felt isolated while schools were closed to in-person schooling.
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Metadata
Title
Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Children and Families: A Qualitative Study Using Best Starts for Kids Health Survey Data in King County, WA
Authors
Mohit Nair
Kristin Moore
Sara Jaye Sanford
Anne McNair
Alastair Matheson
Eva Wong
Publication date
03-11-2023
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03810-5

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