scholarly journals Gender differences in the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on unpaid care work and psychological distress in the UK

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baowen Xue ◽  
Anne McMunn
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Care Work ◽  
Work Patterns ◽  
Unpaid Care ◽  
Lone Mothers ◽  
Employment Schedules ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

School and nursery closures and homeworking during the Covid-19 crisis have resulted in an immediate increase in unpaid care work, particularly for parents. Amongst contemporary couples in the UK, women spent more time than men doing housework, childcare and caring for adults prior to the crisis; thus, lockdown draws new attention to gender inequality in divisions of unpaid care work. This study aims to answer how couples in the UK divided childcare and housework during lockdown and whether this is associated with changes in levels of psychological distress. Data for this study come from the April and May waves of Understanding Society Covid-19 study. Psychological distress was measured using the GHQ score (ranges from 0 to 36). Unpaid care work included men and women’s hours spent on childcare and housework and the impact of increased unpaid care work on employment schedules. We found that every week, women spent 5 more hours on housework and 10 more hours on childcare than men during lockdown, and this increased housework and childcare was associated with higher levels of psychological distress for women. One-third of parents adapted their work patterns because of childcare/ homeschooling. Men and women who adapted their work patterns had on average 1.16 and 1.39 higher GHQ scores than those who did not. This association was much stronger if he or she was the only member in the household who adapted their work patterns, or if she was a lone mother. Only 10% of fathers reduced work hours due to care work compared to 20% of mothers. Fathers had more psychological distress if they reduced work hours but she did not, compared to neither reducing work hours. Our research suggests that lockdown has hit people with young families and lone mothers particularly hard in terms of mental health, and continued gender inequality in divisions of unpaid care work during lockdown may be putting women at a greater risk of psychological distress.

scholarly journals Gender differences in unpaid care work and psychological distress in the UK Covid-19 lockdown

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0247959
Author(s):  
Baowen Xue ◽  
Anne McMunn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Care Work ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Work Patterns ◽  
Unpaid Care ◽  
Lone Mothers ◽  
The Uk

Objective To describe how men and women divided childcare and housework demands during the height of the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK, and whether these divisions were associated with worsening mental health during the pandemic. Background School closures and homeworking during the Covid-19 crisis have resulted in an immediate increase in unpaid care work, which draws new attention to gender inequality in divisions of unpaid care work. Methods Data come from the wave 9 (2017–19) of Understanding Society and the following April (n = 15,426) and May (n = 14,150) waves of Understanding Society Covid-19 study. Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) at both before and during the lockdown, and unpaid care work was measured during the lockdown. Linear regression models were used. Results Women spent much more time on unpaid care work than men during lockdown, and it was more likely to be the mother than the father who reduced working hours or changed employment schedules due to increased time on childcare. Women who spent long hours on housework and childcare were more likely to report increased levels of psychological distress. Working parents who adapted their work patterns increased more psychological distress than those who did not. This association was much stronger if he or she was the only member in the household who adapted their work patterns, or if she was a lone mother. Fathers increased more psychological distress if they reduced work hours but she did not, compared to neither reducing work hours. Conclusion There are continued gender inequalities in divisions of unpaid care work. Juggling home working with homeschooling and childcare as well as extra housework is likely to lead to poor mental health for people with families, particularly for lone mothers.

scholarly journals Psychological distress and resilience in a sample of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Jacobson ◽  
Rebecca Mulholland ◽  
Nicola Miller ◽  
Laura Baker ◽  
Daniel Glazer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBACKGROUNDAdolescents and young people (AYA) with cancer are at greater risk of psychological distress which can impact treatment. COVID-19 has resulted in changes to cancer care delivery and AYA have been disproportionately affected by economic and educational effects of COVID-19, potentially impacting on mental health. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on AYA with cancer is important to inform care.METHODSOnline survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at 8 cancer centres in the UK in December 2020. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships and used the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-8), 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD) and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC).RESULTS112 AYA participated (17.8% of total eligible). 62.8% were female, 67.3% were 21-24 years. 83% were white. 59.8% had previously experienced mental health difficulties. 67.9% received cancer treatment during the pandemic and 33.9% were diagnosed during the pandemic. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on their life, 55.4% on their key relationship and 39.3% on their treatment. 79% reported experiencing some degree of increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% for GADS-7. Self-report of impact on life was associated with greater anxiety during COVID-19 and moderate-severe PHQ-8 score (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.52 to 19.40, p <0.01; OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.65 to 16.56, p < 0.01). Impact on relationships was associated with greater anxiety and moderate-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32 to 15.17, p<0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.25, p =0.03). Greater CD-RISC score was associated with lower risk of anxiety and mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.81, p <0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4 to 0.72, p <0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.69, p <0.01)CONCLUSIONSWe found high levels of psychological distress in AYA with cancer, which is important knowledge for clinical teams working with this age group. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a potential protective factor.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 social distancing and isolation recommendations for Muslim communities in North West England

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaima M. Hassan ◽  
Adele Ring ◽  
Naheed Tahir ◽  
Mark Gabbay
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Muslim Community ◽  
North West ◽  
Low Mood ◽  
The North ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Muslim Communities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction People from Minority Ethnic backgrounds living in the UK are at greater risk of not only contracting COVID-19, but also experiencing serious consequences of the virus. These emerging health inequalities mirror those already evident in UK society. Aim The aim of this study was to understand how COVID-19 and the associated imposed restrictions affected the lives of people from the Muslim community living in the North West of England. Method Twenty-five in-depth qualitative interviews and four focus groups (n = 22) explored individual experiences of COVID-19 and imposed restrictions. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The virus and associated imposed restrictions had negative impacts on the psychological wellbeing of participants, their families and the wider community. Worry and low mood were particular features of participant’s pandemic stories. Main concerns were those of contracting and transmitting the virus to others and employment-related difficulties. Low mood was particularly linked to the impact of restrictions on fundamental interactions embedded within cultural and religious practices. These practices are central to feelings of belonging and connectedness within the Muslim community. Religious beliefs were important in helping to mitigate psychological distress for some participants. Conclusion Psychological distress was associated with COVID-19 virus and impact of COVID-19 restrictions on livelihoods and fundamental human interactions. Better provision of culturally appropriate information, improving local channels of communication and practical support are important during times of pandemic when usual support systems may be disrupted.

scholarly journals The impact of housemate relationships on undergraduate student wellbeing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Foulkes ◽  
Ariyana Reddy ◽  
Juliette Westbrook ◽  
Elizabeth Newbronner ◽  
Dean McMillan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Positive Relationships ◽  
Student Wellbeing ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Rates of psychological distress in UK undergraduate students are high. The majority of undergraduate students live with same-age peers, and are in a developmental period characterised by changes in social cognition and social relationships. As such, examining the relationship that students have with their housemates may be critical for understanding student wellbeing. In the current study, N=90 undergraduates at universities across the UK took part in an online qualitative study examining the role that housemates play in student wellbeing. Four themes were constructed from the data using inductive qualitative content analysis: Positive relationships stem from constant contact and shared experience; Positive relationships enable a wide range of emotional and practical support; Conflict stems from disrespect; and Poor relationships lead to loneliness, isolation and psychological distress. Together, the themes demonstrate the divergent impact that housemates can have on student wellbeing: they can be a source of immense support or great unhappiness. The findings demonstrate that, to understand wellbeing in UK undergraduates, relationships within student accommodation should be examined.

scholarly journals Addressing Unpaid Care and Domestic Work for a Gender-equal and Inclusive Kenya: WE-Care policy briefing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Oloo ◽  
Amber Parkes
Keyword(s):  
Care Work ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
Care Programme ◽  
Unpaid Care ◽  
Time Poverty ◽  
Social And Economic Development ◽  
Marginalized Women ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Care work is the heartbeat of every society: it contributes to our wellbeing as a nation and is crucial for our social and economic development. Yet the disproportionate responsibility for unpaid care work results in time poverty and significant opportunity costs, particularly among the poorest and most marginalized women and girls. This policy brief outlines why unpaid care work is a critical development, economic and gender equality issue for Kenya. It draws on two sets of evidence from Oxfam’s Women’s Economic Empowerment and Care (WE-Care) programme, which explore the impact of women and girls’ heavy and unequal unpaid care responsibilities both before and during COVID-19.

scholarly journals Impact of lockdown on key workers: findings from the COVID-19 survey in four UK national longitudinal studies

2021 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-215889
Author(s):  
Constantin-Cristian Topriceanu ◽  
Andrew Wong ◽  
James C Moon ◽  
Alun D Hughes ◽  
Nishi Chaturvedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Key Worker

BackgroundKey workers played a pivotal role during the national lockdown in the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although protective measures have been taken, the impact of the pandemic on key workers is yet to be fully elucidated.MethodsParticipants were from four longitudinal age-homogeneous British cohorts (born in 2001, 1990, 1970 and 1958). A web-based survey provided outcome data during the first UK national lockdown (May 2020) on COVID-19 infection status, changes in financial situation, trust in government, conflict with people around, household composition, psychological distress, alcohol consumption, smoking and sleep duration. Generalised linear models with logit link assessed the association between being a key worker and the above outcomes. Adjustment was made for cohort design, non-response, sex, ethnicity, adult socioeconomic position (SEP), childhood SEP, the presence of a chronic illness and receipt of a shielding letter. Meta-analyses were performed across the cohorts.Findings13 736 participants were included. During lockdown, being a key worker was associated with increased chances of being infected with COVID-19 (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.68) and experiencing conflict with people around (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37). However, key workers were less likely to be worse off financially (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.65), to consume more alcohol (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98) or to smoke more (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.80) during lockdown. Interestingly, being a key worker was not associated with psychological distress (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.05).InterpretationBeing a key worker during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown was a double-edged sword, with both benefits and downsides. The UK government had the basic duty to protect its key workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it may have failed to do so, and there is an urgent need to rectify this in light of the ongoing third wave.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Resilience in a Sample of Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Jacobson ◽  
Nicola Miller ◽  
Rebecca Mulholland ◽  
Laura Baker ◽  
Daniel Glazer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young people (AYA) with cancer are at greater risk of psychological distress which can impact treatment. COVID-19 has resulted in changes to cancer care delivery and AYA have been disproportionately affected by economic and educational effects of COVID-19, potentially impacting on mental health. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on AYA with cancer is important to inform care. METHODS: Online survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at 8 cancer centres in the UK in December 2020. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships and used the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-8), 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD) and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC). RESULTS: 112 AYA participated (17.8% of total eligible). 62.8% were female, 67.3% were 21-24 years. 83% were white. 59.8% had previously experienced mental health difficulties. 67.9% received cancer treatment during the pandemic and 33.9% were diagnosed during the pandemic. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on their life, 55.4% on their key relationship and 39.3% on their treatment. 79% reported experiencing some degree of increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% for GADS-7. Self-report of impact on life was associated with greater anxiety during COVID-19 and moderate-severe PHQ-8 score (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.52 to 19.40, p <0.01; OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.65 to 16.56, p < 0.01). Impact on relationships was associated with greater anxiety and moderate-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32 to 15.17, p<0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.25, p =0.03). Greater CD-RISC score was associated with lower risk of anxiety and mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.81, p <0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4 to 0.72, p <0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.69, p <0.01) CONCLUSIONS: We found high levels of psychological distress in AYA with cancer, which is important knowledge for clinical teams working with this age group. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a potential protective factor.

scholarly journals Long work hours, weekend working and depressive symptoms in men and women: findings from a UK population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian Weston ◽  
Afshin Zilanawala ◽  
Elizabeth Webb ◽  
Livia A Carvalho ◽  
Anne McMunn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Work Patterns ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundGlobalised and 24/7 business operations have fuelled demands for people to work long hours and weekends. Research on the mental health effects of these intensive temporal work patterns is sparse, contradictory or has not considered gender differences. Our objective was to examine the relationship between these work patterns and depressive symptoms in a large nationally representative sample of working men and women in the UK.MethodThe current study analysed data from Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study, of 11 215 men and 12 188 women in employment or self-employment at the time of the study. Ordinary least squares regression models, adjusted for potential confounders and psychosocial work factors, were used to estimate depressive symptoms across categories of work hours and weekend work patterns.ResultsRelative to a standard 35–40 hours/week, working 55 hours/week or more related to more depressive symptoms among women (ß=0.75, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.39), but not for men (ß=0.24, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.58). Compared with not working weekends, working most or all weekends related to more depressive symptoms for both men (ß=0.34, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.61) and women (ß=0.50, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.79); however, working some weekends only related to more depressive symptoms for men (ß=0.33, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.55), not women (ß=0.17, 95% CI −0.09 to 0.42).ConclusionIncreased depressive symptoms were independently linked to working extra-long hours for women, whereas increased depressive symptoms were associated with working weekends for both genders, suggesting these work patterns may contribute to worse mental health.

scholarly journals Measuring and Understanding Unpaid Care and Domestic Work: Household Care Survey Toolkit

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Rost ◽  
Amber Parkes ◽  
Andrea Azevedo
Keyword(s):  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Domestic Work ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Unpaid Care ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care Survey ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
The Impact

This toolkit provides guidance on using Oxfam’s Household Care Survey (HCS) methodology, which was developed by Oxfam as part of the WE-Care initiative to transform the provision of unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW). UCDW underpins all our lives yet is overwhelmingly provided by women and girls. Recognising UCDW is essential for any initiative that aims to understand and address gender inequality. The HCS is a quantitative survey tool that generates context-specific evidence on how women, men and children spend their time, how care is provided, by whom, and the main factors that affect people’s responsibilities for UCDW, such as access to care services, infrastructure and social norms. The HCS can be used to generate a baseline, or to measure the impact of a specific policy or programme. The methodology can be integrated into different projects with different objectives and adjusted for use in various contexts. The HCS toolkit is designed to be used by development practitioners, policy makers, employers, academics and researchers. Part A provides guidance for planning, collecting, analysing and using HCS data. Part B provides guidance for understanding, adjusting and using the HCS questions. Both sections should be read before undertaking the survey.

‘It Didn't Always Work’: Low-Income Children's Experiences of Changes in Mothers’ Working Patterns in the UK

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tess Ridge
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Welfare To Work ◽  
Disadvantaged Children ◽  
Lone Mothers ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Underpinning Labour's welfare-to-work policies is an assumption that employment will benefit disadvantaged children and their families. However, the effect of low-income and unstable employment on lone mothers and their children is uncertain. This article draws on interviews with children drawn from a qualitative, longitudinal study of low-income working family life, to explore the accounts of those children whose mother's entry into the labour market was unsuccessful. The article examines how children experienced their mother's employment and the impact of ‘failed’ work transitions on their well-being and their perceptions of the value of work for them and their families.

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