Impact of COVID-19 on Young Children and Families in Jamaica

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the vulnerabilities of young Jamaican children in the first few months after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Jamaica in March 2020. The study participants (n = 649) were identified from a sub-sample of 1,311 families from an existing national, population-based Jamaican birth cohort of 9,500 children and families. The birth cohort enrolled children and families at children’s birth in July to September 2011. Computer-assisted telephone interviews of parents or primary caregivers conducted April to June 2020 inquired about household and family characteristics, socio-economic status, and children’s wellbeing prior to and since the pandemic. Data were entered into SPSS and frequency and cross-tabulation analyses conducted. Participants reported increased financial difficulties; reduced access to children’s education, particularly for pre-school children; increased parenting demands, particularly for mothers; and increased levels of corporal punishment use. Children and families of lower socio-economic status were more economically vulnerable, and more academically vulnerable due to limited means of access to remote education, but were not at higher risk for harsh discipline. Participants prioritized the need for educational support for children over financial support and physical and mental health support for themselves. The information from this study may be used to inform similar situations of crisis.