Mental health and lifestyle behavior changes during COVID-19 among families living in poverty: A descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract

Problem: Families living in poverty may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The current study focuses on caregivers of preschoolers aged 3–5 years old who lived in poverty to explore how COVID-19 affected mental health and lifestyle behaviors and what coping strategies were helpful for dealing with challenges induced by COVID-19. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using individual semi-structured interviews with 17 caregivers. Findings: Both caregivers and preschoolers experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and reported unhealthy eating habits and excessive screen time. Physical activity increased in preschoolers, but declined among caregivers during COVID-19. Caregivers’ coping strategies included taking short walks, seeking professional and social support, and praying; avoidant caregiver coping strategies including eating when stressed and increased screen time. Conclusions: Future interventions are warranted to empower caregivers who live in poverty with the skills needed to maintain optimal physical and mental health, as well as assisting them to cope with challenges that may continue post-COVID-19.