COVID-19 and the Mental Health of Working Mothers as Caregivers in Georgia, USA: Causes, Outcomes and Coping MechanismsCOVID-19 and the Mental Health of Working Mothers as Caregivers in Georgia, USA: Causes, Outcomes and Coping Mechanisms

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the mental health conditions experienced by working mothers as caregivers in Georgia, United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, the causes and outcomes of the mental health conditions experienced, and the coping mechanisms they employed. Methods: A mixed methods cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 132 working mothers in Georgia across six domains using Qualtrics. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and SAS. Qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Working mothers experienced depression and anxiety while providing care during the pandemic. The lack of access to childcare and family support (12.5%), home schooling (18.1%), and juggling work and family (25.6%) contributed to the mental health conditions experienced, which led to anger (12.5%), aggression towards partners (11.3%), and the inability to sleep (18.8%). Coping mechanisms employed were drinking (1.3%), smoking (5.6%) and arguing with a spouse (8%). Conclusion: While the pandemic affected the mental health of many adults in the US, working mothers providing care were among the population hardest hit. Although the immediate threat of COVID-19 has abated, its impact on mental health cannot be overlooked. By focusing primarily on the mental health of working mothers as caregivers during the pandemic, the study draws attention to, and underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to be put in place to respond to the mental health needs of this population in the event of a future global health emergency.