Understanding Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 on Puerto Rican Youth: Influence of Parental Stress
2024

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health of Puerto Rican Youth

Sample size: 135 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gabriela M. Martínez-Seda, María C. Vélez-Pastrana, Andel Nicasio-Infante

Primary Institution: Albizu University, San Juan Campus

Hypothesis

Adverse experiences related to COVID-19 have direct and indirect effects on child mental health, mediated by parental mental health and stress.

Conclusion

COVID-19 adverse experiences significantly affect child mental health, mediated by parental stress and psychopathology.

Supporting Evidence

  • COVID-19 adverse experiences correlate with increased parental stress and psychopathology.
  • Children's mental health symptoms worsen as parental stress increases.
  • Parental mental health is closely associated with child mental health.

Takeaway

The study found that when parents are stressed or have mental health issues, their children are more likely to have mental health problems, especially during COVID-19.

Methodology

Cross-sectional, correlational research design using an anonymous online survey.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported data and convenience sampling.

Limitations

Convenience sampling may not represent the target population; overrepresentation of female parents; cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly Latino/Hispanic parents, mostly female, with a mean age of 40.79 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph21121564

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