What is it about?
This chapter investigates the mental health impact of the pandemic lockdown on Qatari parents, using a survey distributed online to parents or caregivers of children under 18 in Qatar. A total of 2,318 parents participated, predominantly married, employed women with at least a bachelor’s degree and more than two children. The findings revealed that depression, anxiety, and stress among parents were significantly influenced by factors such as gender, family structure, number of children, employment status, and parental health. Specifically, mothers and parents with more children at home reported higher levels of distress. In contrast, multigenerational families living together experienced lower psychological distress. Given these results, the chapter recommends the restructuring of mental health and psychosocial support services in Qatar to better address the high levels of parental psychological distress observed during the lockdown.
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Why is it important?
The study highlights the significant psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on parents in Qatar, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to mental health challenges during such crises. By identifying specific demographic groups, such as mothers and larger families, that are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and stress, the study underscores the need for targeted mental health interventions. Understanding these dynamics can inform public health strategies and mental health service provisions to better support parents during lockdowns or similar restrictive scenarios. Additionally, the study’s findings on the protective effects of multigenerational living arrangements offer an interesting perspective on cultural and familial structures that could mitigate psychological distress. This information is crucial for policymakers, mental health professionals, and community planners in designing more effective mental health supports and policies that consider the unique social and family dynamics within different communities. This research provides a data-driven basis for advocating for and implementing improved psychosocial support systems during times of crisis.
Perspectives
The findings of this study resonate deeply with me as they highlight the critical need for robust mental health support systems, especially during unprecedented crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The heightened vulnerability of mothers and parents with larger families underscores a significant gap in our current mental health services, which often overlook the specific stressors faced by these groups. It’s compelling to see evidence that multigenerational living arrangements can serve as a buffer against psychological distress, pointing towards the potential benefits of leveraging familial and community support structures more effectively. This study reinforces my belief in the necessity of tailored, culturally aware mental health initiatives that can adapt to the unique challenges of different family dynamics and societal structures.
Dr. Anis Ben Brik
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Qatari Parents During the Pandemic, January 2024, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-49230-3_11.
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