Inequality and heterogeneity of variables influencing parents' perceived worry before and during COVID-19 outbreak: evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Australia

Abstract

Abstract Background Worry, in its general form, is an invisible disruptive force that, if ignored, may have adverse health outcomes. Understanding variables associated with worry among parents in abnormal events such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak and its variation compared to everyday life and across geography remained inadequately addressed. Methods Following an extensive literature review, we developed a conceptual framework outlining factors contributing to parents' worry. We undertook an anonymous online survey between (June – July 2020) involving parents (N = 332) and their primary school-aged children across Australia. Multilinear regressions, geographical weighted regression GWR and forest-based algorithms are used to identify significant variables, their spatial behaviour, and their importance in predicting parents' worry. The spatial association examines the geographical relationship between worried parents and children. Results There is a 13.8% increase in "very worried all the time" parents during the pandemic compared to before the outbreak. However, variables associated with parents' COVID-19-related worry were not directly related to physical health. Ethnic background (p < 0.05), neighbourhood safety (p < 0.05), parents with a history of distress symptoms (p < 0.05), excessive exposure to the news (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), and income change (p < 0.05) were significant. Perceived neighbourhood safety was a paramount predictor of parents' worry before COVID-19, whereas the financial risk of income change was the leading variable in predicting parents' COVID-19-related worry. Spatial variations in the latter variable contributing to parents' worry is likely due to varying state policies and virus-reported cases rate. Worried children are found among distraught parents during COVID-19. Conclusion The analyses revealed inequality in the impact of the pandemic on parents' well-being and heterogeneity in variables contributing to modifying parents' worry across time and geography. The outcome has implications with international relevance in combating the invisible force of worry by advocating for parents-specific policies and ensuring access to appropriate mental health resources for those in need. There is also a need to forward research in geographical modelling for mental health to help devise much-needed location-targeted interventions that can aid in prioritising resources for high-risk areas.