How a year of pandemic and related public health measures impacted youth and young adults and the foundations they build upon: Qualitative interviews in Ontario Canada

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionDuring youth and young adult (YYA) years education, employment, relationships with family and friends, and important rituals representing transition to new phases of life are foundations on which personal identity and future well-being are established. These were shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore how Ontario YYAs and the foundations they build upon (education, employment, relationships, transitional events) were impacted by over a year of pandemic and public health responses to prevent spread.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 Ontario YYAs age 16-21 were conducted during April - June 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis aided by MAXQDA software was used to iteratively engage with data to search for patterns and shared meaning.ResultsThirteen themes were identified, organized into four meta-themes: impacts on self, impacts on foundations (educational, employment, transitional events/rituals), impacts on relationships, and coping responses. Many, especially those living with loved ones believed to risk a fatal outcome from COVID-19, felt the weight of needing to avoid the virus to protect loved ones. YYAs who were in their last year of secondary school in spring 2020 or 2021 missed important transitional endings, e.g., graduation. Those graduating in 2020 and going on to post-secondary school also missed transitional beginnings, e.g., experiencing in-person on-campus higher education classrooms, living in residence, and meeting new friends. Perceived negative impacts on education quality and professional development were common. Virtual learning models and changes to in-person schooling, hastily introduced and evolving over the next year, did not measure up to traditional learning models.ConclusionsAll of these impacts took a toll. Respondents routinely volunteered concerns about stress, loneliness, and their mental health. There is need for further research to assess long-term impacts of these experiences, especially among YYAs who had family members at severe risk, and those finishing secondary school in spring of 2020.