Peer-reviewed article
Evaluation of anxiety symptoms among caregivers of children that take therapy in the national center for children rehabilitation and treatment during COVID-19 pandemic
Dobi F, Zenelaj B, Kabili E, Shtylla A, Malaj D et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study evaluated anxiety symptoms among caregivers of children receiving therapy at a national rehabilitation center during the COVID-19 pandemic in March-April 2020. The researchers surveyed 110 family members of children in therapy using phone interviews and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. They found that physical distancing during the pandemic increased anxiety levels in caregivers, particularly those without previous mental health problems. The authors conclude that caregivers experiencing emotional distress need dynamic support during pandemic conditions.
Key points
- 69% of respondents were parents, and 92% were women
- 56% of caregivers were between 31-45 years old
- Physical distancing during COVID-19 raised anxiety levels in caregivers who had not previously experienced anxiety problems
- Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders experience higher stress and exhaustion than parents of typically developing children
- The study suggests need for evaluation of whether caregiver emotional distress affects children's progress in developmental therapy
Limitations
The study did not identify the specific country where the research was conducted. The document does not provide baseline data or comparison groups to determine how much anxiety increased, nor does it report on long-term outcomes or the actual effectiveness of any support interventions.
Abstract
Introduction Compared to the parents of kids with “typical” development the stress level and exhaustion in these parents is higher and more frequent. Furthermore COVID-19 pandemic can increase stress levels especially among people that suffer from mental health disorders. Studies show that these difficult, challenging times have had a negative impact on most families, which have a child with neurodevelopmental disorders. Objectives Evaluation of different aspects of emotional dimension among caregivers of children that take therapy in the National Center for Children Rehabilitation and Treatment (NCCRT) during COVID-19 pandemic Methods The study was conducted during a two-month period March-April 2020. The sample involved 110 relatives of children that were taking educative and rehabilitation therapy in NCCRT during last year, ambulatory or inpatients. Data were collected by clinical records and phone interviews. Instrument we used were: Demographic inventory and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale for anxiety symptom evaluation. All data were statistically analyzed through excel. Results Most of individual interviewed, whom are responsible for children wellbeing and pass most of the time with them were their parents, 69% of them. 56% of individuals were among 31-45 years old and 92% of them were women. Physical distancing seemed to risen anxiety levels in caregivers whom hadn’t have these problems before. Conclusions It is necessary the dynamic support with special attention for caregivers whom have emotional distress. Yet has to be evaluated the connection, if it’s present, between parents with emotional distress and children progress, for ones that are being supported with development therapy.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Clinical assessment and monitoring through phone interviews during pandemic lockdown; the document suggests but does not detail what support was provided
- Population
- 110 family members (primarily mothers aged 31-45) of children receiving rehabilitation and therapy services
Key finding
Physical distancing raised anxiety levels in caregivers without previous anxiety problems