Mother- child interaction and contextual factors related to COVID-19 pandemic in at-risk infants: cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study compared mother, infant, and dyad interactions between infants with and without biological risk, considering contextual factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-two infants with biological risk and 33 without risk (average age 5.6 months) were evaluated via remote video assessments. Results showed that infants without biological risk exhibited greater motherchild interaction during the pandemic. Among infants with biological risk, receiving therapeutic guidance and spending less time in social distancing were linked to higher-quality maternal interaction. Reduced social distancing duration was associated with better interaction between the infant and mother dyad. In infants without risk, more people interacting with the infant resulted in higherquality dyadic interaction. These findings underscore the importance of considering biopsychosocial elements, especially in vulnerable populations, for optimal child development amidst pandemic challenges.