The impact of technostress on caregivers of primary and secondary school children during distance-learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous complaints from caregivers unaccustomed to new technologies, resulting in technostress, defined as “stress or psychosomatic illness caused by working with computer technology on a daily basis.” This study investigates the prevalence and impact of technostress on caregivers of primary and middle school children attending online school from home in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers with children in primary and middle school residing in the UAE (n = 727; males = 86, females = 641). Data was collected using an online questionnaire examining technostress and its impact on caregiver-child relationships and health, including sleep, anxiety, and appetite. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26). Caregivers aged 30–39 years and females had the highest technostress scores (p < 0.05), while occupation and education levels had no effect. Technostress was significantly correlated with mental health (r2 = 0.291; p < 0.001) and caregiver-child relationships (r2 = 0.429; p < 0.001). Caregivers with two or more children in primary and middle school had higher technostress scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, female caregivers aged 30–39 experienced higher technostress, negatively impacting their mental health and relationships with their children. We recommend targeted anti-technostress courses and enhanced communication.