ACHRI
Dec. 2, 2020
Alberta families in economic pain but still resilient during pandemic
A 草莓污视频导航 study of 1,300 Alberta families conducted a few months into the pandemic found that more than half who participated had their incomes slashed and that most were finding it difficult to manage work, school and activities, resulting in increased tensions in their relationships.
The COVID-19 Impact Study is providing a revealing snapshot of how families are coping during a challenging time. Led by Dr. Suzanne Tough, PhD, the study explores the impacts of the pandemic on risks and resilience of children and families to understand what supports are needed. Tough is a professor at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and member of the CSM's .
鈥淪chool closures, sports and social activities cancelled,听and parents living with the stress of job loss or income reduction 鈥斕齭o much has changed,鈥 says Tough. 鈥淲e wanted to understand the magnitude of the disruption and how families are coping, so we can determine what resources are most needed.鈥
Study results finds job losses and increased stress
The research team learned from its May-to-June survey that families are hurting. The families who participated are members of the cohort. They represent a typical urban family in Canada with the majority employed, educated and earning more than $80,000 per year before the pandemic. 鈥淭his is important because our findings reveal that all families are facing challenges,鈥 says Tough. The study found:
- One in five families lost all sources of income
- 58 per cent of families saw their incomes decline through job loss or reduced employment hours
- 40 per cent of families reported tension in their partner relationships
- 35 per cent of mothers reported either elevated stress, anxiety, and/or depression
- 30 per cent of mothers are concerned about their children鈥檚 behaviour and mood
- 80 per cent of families were finding it difficult to manage school, their own work and activities
On the positive side, the researchers found many mothers and fathers felt closer to their children, and half of siblings reported being closer to one another. Tough cautions that families experiencing several stresses may reach a "tipping point."听听
鈥淭o help families cope we can reassure them that they are not alone, provide low-cost nutritional food options, encourage families to develop routines to reduce stress, and nudge families to stay connected which improves mood," says Tough.听"We can also remind parents that time, attention and shared activities through reading or games are the most effective way to help kids thrive in these times 鈥斕齛nd in all times.
Tough presented the research last week to 草莓污视频导航鈥檚 alumni 听event and to SHE Innovates, a social change agency created by the United Nations for women. Tough is a 2019 awardee. She is hopeful that the information families are providing can lead to optimal community support and programs.
Together, armed with the facts and data, we can all make the best choices and decisions to support healthier kids, families and communities.
The cohort听is a group being studied over time. It looks at biological, sociological and behavioural outcomes of families in Alberta. The cohort was established by Tough and her team in 2008 with the first moms and babies providing vital information about their lives.
The study still collects data and includes over 3,000 mothers and their children. This research uncovers new knowledge on a range of health issues including high-risk babies and their outcomes, maternal depression, exposure to abuse, and use of community resources. The research program is generously supported by the community through the Alberta Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundation
Suzanne Tough is a Max Bell Foundation Burns Memorial Fund Fellow and a professor in the departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences, at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and a member of the CSM鈥檚 O鈥橞rien Institute for Public Health, the Alberta Children鈥檚 Hospital Research Institute and Owerko Centre.
Child Health and Wellness
The 草莓污视频导航 is driving science and innovation to transform the health and well-being of children and families. Led by the , top scientists across the campus are partnering with Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Children鈥檚 Hospital Foundation, and our community to create a better future for children through research.
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