Abstract
PurposeDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescent carers in the UK may have experienced psychological distress owing to increased caring burden and loss of a break from their caring role. This study investigated longitudinal association between adolescents' caring status and mental health outcomes from 2018/2019 to February–March 2021. MethodsThe participants (n = 3,927) answered mental health questions in both the Millennium Cohort Study sweep 7 survey (age 17 years in 2018/2019) and at least one of three waves of the COVID-19 survey from May 2020 to February–March 2021. Caring status at the age of 17 years was assessed using a single question regarding whether the participant regularly looked after anyone who needed care, without being paid. Outcome measures were psychological symptoms, measured using the Kessler Distress Scale, and mental well-being, measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. ResultsCompared with 3,616 noncarers, 311 (7.9%) adolescent carers reported significantly higher Kessler Distress Scale and lower Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale scores during the pandemic. These associations were largely explained by psychosocial risk factors. Worse outcomes were associated with poor sleep quality, attempted suicide at baseline, low social support, and a strong feeling of loneliness during the pandemic. These factors were significantly more likely to be observed among adolescent carers than noncarers. DiscussionUK adolescent carers exhibited worsened mental health outcomes one year after the first national lockdown. This increased distress may be attributable to psychosocial risk factors during the pre–COVID-19 and current COVID-19 periods, and they require psychosocial support.
Highlights
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions is concerning for the mental health of adolescents [1]
The first lockdown across the UK was announced on 23 March 2020; subsequently, COVID-19 cases resurged after ease of restrictions which led to two further national lockdowns over one year
Journal Pre-proof The sample for this study was drawn from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) [17]
Summary
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions is concerning for the mental health of adolescents [1]. The restrictions include self-isolation, physical distancing, and closure of places involving social gatherings. These restrictions have resulted in significant disruptions to daily life, the education system, and health service delivery [2]. The first lockdown across the UK was announced on 23 March 2020; subsequently, COVID-19 cases resurged after ease of restrictions which led to two further national lockdowns over one year. These long-term public health restrictions can cause chronic psychological distress and negative effects on social and emotional development in adolescence. Little is known about the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health
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