Intelligent lockdown, intelligent effects? The impact of the Dutch COVID-19 ‘intelligent lockdown’ on gendered work and family dynamics among parents

This study examines the impact of the Dutch ‘intelligent lockdown’ during the COVID-19 pandemic on work and family dynamics among parents. This ‘intelligent lockdown’ relied on a combination of restrictive measures and an emphasis on individual responsibility as a means of lessening the spread and health impact of the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is more than a public health crisis. Lockdown measures had substantial societal effects, including a significant impact on parents with (young) children. Given gender inequality existent prior to the pandemic, the question arises to what extent the consequences of the lockdown varied for mothers and fathers. Using representative survey data gathered among Dutch parents in April 2020, we explore changes in three areas: paid work, the division of care and household work, and quality of life (leisure, work-life balance, relationship dynamics). Our linear probability and multinomial logistic models demonstrate that the way in which families were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic reflects a complex gendered reality. We find that gender inequality patterns in the division of paid work, care work, and housework continue to exist. Moreover, the unique situation created by restrictive lockdown measures magnified some inequalities while others were lessened. We find evidence of increased gender inequality in relation to paid work and quality of life, yet a decrease in gender inequality in the division of care and household tasks. During the lockdown, Dutch fathers reported doing more care and household tasks than before. The insights provided here offer key comparative references for understanding the broader impact of lockdown measures on work and family dynamics, as well as quality of life as we move forward in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Download Full-text

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life: Is there any effect? A cross-sectional study of the MENA region

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249107 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0249107

Author(s):

Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri ◽

Mo’ath F. Bataineh ◽

Maysm N. Mohamad ◽

Abir Ajab ◽

Amina Al Marzouqi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Family Support ◽

North Africa ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Mena Region ◽

Event Scale ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). The IES-R mean score was 29.3 (SD = 14.8), corresponding to mild stressful impact with 30.9% reporting severe psychological impact. Most participants (45%–62%) felt horrified, apprehensive, or helpless due to COVID-19. Furthermore, over 40% reported increased stress from work and financial matters. Higher IES-R scores were found among females, participants aged 26–35 years, those with lower educational level, and participants residing in the North Africa region (p<0.005). About 42% reported receiving increased support from family members, 40.5% were paying more attention to their mental health, and over 40% reported spending more time resting since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild psychological impact while it also encouraged some positive impact on family support and mental health awareness among adults in the MENA region. Clinical interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups such as females and younger adults are needed.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life of patients monitored for cancer who practice an adapted physical activity: rugby for health

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1007/s00432-021-03621-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stéphanie Motton ◽

Kelig Vergriete ◽

Luc Nguyen VanPhi ◽

Eric Lambaudie ◽

Audrey Berthoumieu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

High Energy ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Adapted Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Treatments ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose The benefits of regular physical exercise on the tolerability of cancer treatments, quality of life and survival rates post-diagnosis have been demonstrated but all supervised physical activities have been interrupted due to the global health crisis and the need for lockdown to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2. To reintroduce activities post-lockdown, we wanted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life and the psychological status of patients who practice an adapted physical activity such as rugby for health. Methods The evaluation was conducted in two phases: an initial self-questionnaire comprised of 42 questions sent to all participants to assess the impact of lockdown and a second assessment phase in the presence of the participants. We assessed anthropometric data, functional fitness parameters, quality of life and the psychosocial status of the subjects. The data were compared to pre-lockdown data as part of a standardised follow-up procedure for patients enrolled in the programme. Results 105/120 (87.5%) individuals responded to the rapid post-lockdown survey analysis. In 20% of the cases, the patients reported anxiety, pain, a decline in fitness and a significant impact on the tolerability of cancer treatments. Twenty-seven patients agreed to participate in the individual analysis. Following lockdown, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of physical activity (p = 8.223e–05). No post-lockdown changes were noted in the assessments that focus on the quality of life and the level of psychological distress. Conversely, there was a significant correlation between the total of high energy expended during lockdown and the quality of life (p = 0.03; rho = 0.2248) and the level of psychological distress post-lockdown (p = 0.05; rho = − 0.3772). Conclusion Lockdown and reduced physical activity, particularly leisure activities, did not impact the overall health of the patients. However, there was a significant correlation with the level of physical activity since the higher the level of physical activity, the better the quality of life and the lower the level of psychological distress.

Download Full-text

‘Intelligent’ lockdown, intelligent effects? Results from a survey on gender (in)equality in paid work, the division of childcare and household work, and quality of life among parents in the Netherlands during the Covid-19 lockdown

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0242249 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0242249

Author(s):

Mara A. Yerkes ◽

Stéfanie C. H. André ◽

Janna W. Besamusca ◽

Peter M. Kruyen ◽

Chantal L. H. S. Remery ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Gender Inequality ◽

Work Life ◽

Work Life Balance ◽

Paid Work ◽

Household Work ◽

Relationship Dynamics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Life Balance

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic is more than a public health crisis. Lockdown measures have substantial societal effects, including a significant impact on parents with (young) children. Given the existence of persistent gender inequality prior to the pandemic, particularly among parents, it is crucial to study the societal impact of COVID-19 from a gender perspective. The objective of this paper is to use representative survey data gathered among Dutch parents in April 2020 to explore differences between mothers and fathers in three areas: paid work, the division of childcare and household tasks, and three dimensions of quality of life (leisure, work-life balance, relationship dynamics). Additionally, we explore whether changes take place in these dimensions by comparing the situation prior to the lockdown with the situation during the lockdown. Method We use descriptive methods (crosstabulations) supported by multivariate modelling (linear regression modelling for continuous outcomes; linear probability modelling (LPM) for binary outcomes (0/1 outcomes); and multinomial logits for multinomial outcomes) in a cross-sectional survey design. Results Results show that the way in which parents were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic reflects a complex gendered reality. Mothers work in essential occupations more often than fathers, report more adjustments of the times at which they work, and experience both more and less work pressure in comparison to before the lockdown. Moreover, mothers continue to do more childcare and household work than fathers, but some fathers report taking on greater shares of childcare and housework during the lockdown in comparison to before. Mothers also report a larger decline in leisure time than fathers. We find no gender differences in the propensity to work from home, in perceived work-life balance, or in relationship dynamics. Conclusion In conclusion, we find that gender inequality in paid work, the division of childcare and household work, and the quality of life are evident during the first lockdown period. Specifically, we find evidence of an increase in gender inequality in relation to paid work and quality of life when comparing the situation prior to and during the lockdown, as well as a decrease in gender inequality in the division of childcare and household work. We conclude that the unique situation created by restrictive lockdown measures magnifies some gender inequalities while lessening others. Discussion The insights we provide offer key comparative evidence based on a representative, probability-based sample for understanding the broader impact of lockdown measures as we move forward in the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the limitations in this study is the cross-sectional design. Further study, in the form of a longitudinal design, will be crucial in investigating the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender inequality.

Download Full-text

Examination of the psychometric properties of the persian version of the COVID-19-impact on Quality of Life Scale

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01829-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ali Hasanpour Dehkordi ◽

Marzieh Aslani ◽

Abbas Ebadi ◽

Selman Repišti ◽

Borhan Moradveisi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Alpha Coefficient ◽

Cronbach’S Alpha ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Cronbach's Alpha ◽

Persian Version ◽

Quality Of Life Scale ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction As a result of high transmission and mortality rates, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a worldwide health crisis, isolation, and widespread fear, therefore negatively influencing people’s quality of life (QOL). The goal of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the Persian version of the COVID-19-Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) scale. Methods After translating the scale using the forward–backward method, face and content validly was qualitatively assessed. Then the scale was distributed to 488 individuals from the general population via online platforms. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis. In addition, internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega, relative stability was assessed using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and absolute stability was calculated through examination of standard error of measurement. Results The EFA revealed one factor that explained 55.96% of the total variance of the scale. Internal consistencies of 0.823 and 0.882 were found using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald’s omega, respectively. In addition, an ICC of 0.837 (with a two-week interval) was found. Covid-19 had a greater impact on the QOL of healthy participants than that of those with underling conditions (p = 0.004), and also on the QOL of single participants than that of married ones (p = 0.032). Conclusion The Persian version of the COV19-QoL is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to examine the impact of Covid-19 on QOL.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Psychopedagogical Intervention on Quality of Life in Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treated with Psychostimulant Medication

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.2192 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S215-S215

Author(s):

C. Lima ◽

D. Rodrigues ◽

M. Silva ◽

S. Rego

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Family Dynamics ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

School Work ◽

The Family ◽

The Impact

Several studies have shown that ADHD has a significant negative impact on multiple domains of quality of life of children and adolescents, particularly in terms of behavioral, emotional and psychosocial quality of life. The psychopedagogical intervention can be therapeutic, preventive and promote educational inclusion. Moreover, it aims to address the learning process, how it is developed and how the individual relates himself to learning, both in the cognitive, social and emotional domains. Our purpose was to understand whether the psychopedagogical intervention influences the quality of life of adolescents with ADHD considering their pharmacological plans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a psychopedagogical intervention on quality of life of a sample of adolescents with ADHD taking into account their pharmacological plans (rubifen, ritalin, and concerta). We used quantitative and qualitative assessment measures: the KIDSCREEN-10, to measure the quality of life of these adolescents, and a semi-structured interview to assess the impact of a psychopedagogical intervention in the lives of these adolescents and their parents, respectively. The results showed that psychopedagogical intervention has a positive impact on the quality of life of adolescents with ADHD, as well as in the family dynamics. Due to the demands of school work (homework) and their negative impact on the family dynamics and consequently in the quality of life, the results corroborate the relevance of a psychopedagogical intervention to improve these areas. Thus, it appears that this type of intervention is very useful for adolescents with ADHD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Download Full-text

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 2097-2108

Author(s):

Robyn L. Croft ◽

Courtney T. Byrd

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

The Self ◽

Future Research ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Adults Who Stutter ◽

And Gender ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Download Full-text