Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Sociodemographic and Mental Health Factors Associated With Maternal Caregiver Strain

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new stressors for parents ("caregivers") that may affect their own and their child's mental health (MH). We explored self-reported levels of caregiver strain (parents' perceived ability to meet parenting demands), and the MH and sociodemographic factors of caregivers to identify predictors of strain that can be used to guide MH service delivery for families. Methods: We administered a web-based survey to Ontario caregivers with a child between 4 and 25 years old, between April and June 2020. We analyzed information from 570 maternal caregivers on their sociodemographics, youngest (or only) child's MH, their own MH, and the degree of caregiver strain experienced since the pandemic. We used linear regressions (unadjusted and adjusted models) to explore the relationship between caregiver strain and sociodemographics, child MH and caregiver MH. Results: Over 75% of participants reported "moderate-to-high" caregiver strain. More than 25% of caregivers rated their MH as "poor" and 20% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety. Forty-five percent of the variance in caregiver strain was accounted for by child age, caregiver anxiety, and multiple child and caregiver MH variables. Younger child age and higher caregiver anxiety were the greatest predictors of caregiver strain. Conclusion: We found a relationship between child age, child and caregiver MH variables, and caregiver strain. Given the interrelatedness of these factors, supporting caregivers' MH and lessening their role strain becomes critical for family well-being. Evidence-based individual, family, and public health strategies are needed to alleviate pandemic-related strain.