Abstract
The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has had a serious impact not only on the society, economy, and medical system, but also on the families and family members affected by it. This scoping review aimed to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family well-being. Original articles in English published between January 2020 and August 2021 that examined the association between COVID-19 and family well-being, were searched on MEDLINE and CINAHL. The literature search was conducted using Mesh or CINAHL Subject Headings on COVID-19 and families. Of the 923 references extracted from MEDLINE and CINAHL, this review included 25 references based on exclusion criteria. The largest number of articles examined the impact of COVID-19 on family caregivers’ mental health, followed by its impact on family relationships. The pandemic reportedly worsened family relationships and functioning, increasing domestic violence. The increased burden of caregiving for children and older adults due to COVID-19 was a risk factor for poor physical, psychological, and social health among family caregivers. The workplace environments and health conditions of workers involved with COVID-19 patients affected their family members’ physical, psychological, and social health. The social and economic impact of the pandemic could change the internal family system and the permeability of its boundaries, necessitating strategies to maintain an open family system. Additionally, family caregivers are at high risk for poor mental health and need a provision of psychosocial support. Moreover, devising strategies to improve workplace environments and alleviate health issues of workers involved with COVID-19 patients would be crucial for better mental health among their family members.
Highlights
A pneumonia of unknown cause, which was later identified as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first diagnosed in Wuhan [1]
The titles and abstracts of the remaining 902 articles were screened for eligibility, and 783 articles were excluded for the following reasons: 237 articles included no abstract, 39 were published in non-English, 25 did not focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, 465 did not focus on family well-being, and 17 were reviews, recommendations, comments, and editorials
The full publication of the remaining 119 articles was assessed for eligibility, and 94 articles were excluded for the following reasons: one did not focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, 81 did not focus on family well-being, and 12 were reviews, recommendations, comments, and editorials
Summary
A pneumonia of unknown cause, which was later identified as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first diagnosed in Wuhan [1]. A CBRNE disaster includes the uncontrolled release of hazardous chemicals, biological agents, or radioactive substances into the environment, potentially combined with explosions that cause widespread damage [5]. CBRNE disasters cause social disruption (e.g., discrimination, slander, bullying, increase in false rumors and misinformation, dissatisfaction, and discontent with the government and community), economic deterioration (e.g., job loss, decline in economic activities, and shortage of supplies), limitations and changes in individual behaviors (e.g., avoidance of travel and going out, and increase in alcohol and tobacco use), and poor public and individual health (e.g., damage to the medical system) [6] [7]. A systematic review by Brooks et al included 24 quantitative and qualitative studies across 10 countries, where quarantine was imposed owing to direct or potential exposure to SARS, Ebola virus, H1N1 influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), equine influenza, or outbreaks of infections. The review showed that quarantine deteriorated individual mental health (e.g., by increasing anxiety, depression, irritability, posttraumatic stress, and emotional exhaustion) [8]
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