Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of parents of children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of parents of children and adolescents, as well as measure disorders related to stress, depression and anxiety. Methodology: to evaluate, through a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Anxiety, Stress and Depression scale (DASS-21), the negative impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of 300 people who were in attendance at the selected basic health units. Results and Discussion: 70% (212) of the patients had symptoms of anxiety, 84% (242) symptoms of stress, and 56% (162) symptoms of depression. Final considerations: mental health has suffered harmful effects due to the pandemic, mainly with regard to the increase in the degrees of anxiety, stress and depression, so it is essential to obtain necessary interventions to improve the psychological health of the population.

Descriptors: COVID-19; Social isolation; Anxiety; Depression; Stress