Children of parents with mental illness in the COVID-19pandemic: A cross-sectional survey in China.

Abstract

ObjectiveChildren of parents with mental illness (COPMI) are vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to assess the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic and identify potential factors influencing their mental health.Method665 COPMI from six sites including Wuhan in China were enrolled. COPMI's mental health and the impacts of COVID-19 were assessed by an online survey. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the association between impact factors and participants’ mental health.Results16.1 % of participants were in abnormal range of mental health, with interpersonal relationship being the most common problem. 48.6 % of participants reported quite worried about the epidemic. All aspects of adverse effects of COVID-19 were more prevalent among COPMI in Wuhan than in other sites. Concerns about COVID-19 (OR = 1.7, p = 0.02), decreased family income (OR = 2.0, p = 0.02), being physically abused (OR = 2.1, p = 0.04), witnessing family members being physically abused (OR = 2.0, p = 0.03), and needs for promoting family members' mental health (OR = 2.2, p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for participants' mental health.ConclusionThe findings raise our awareness of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of COPMI. Multifaceted psychosocial support for COPMI is urgently needed to support them live through the pandemic.