Child emotional and behavioral difficulties and parent stress during COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lankan families.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Understanding parents' and children's mental health issues would help design population-specific intervention programs. The present study explored parents' perceived stress and child emotions and behavior during the COVID-19 lockdown among Sri Lankan families.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Sri Lankan parents of children aged 11 to 17 years. Validated instruments (Perceived Stress Scale-PSS and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-SDQ) evaluated parental stress, child emotions, and hyperactivity/inattention. Multiple linear regression assessed the predictors of mental health issues, including the interaction between age and gender.

Results

Three hundred fifty-five parents responded to the survey (mothers:76%). One-third of parent

SUBMITTER: Athapathu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9348699 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature