2023 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 11-22
COVID-19 is dramatically changing peoples’ lives and affecting their mental health. This study aimed to clarify the stressful events and coping behaviors of parents raising infants during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the childcare support situation and needs. A survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 2,154 distributed questionnaires, 346 completed questionnaires were recovered, and 310 of these were analyzed. Parents felt stress from “not being able to take a break like before.” Compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic, parents were receiving approximately 10% less childcare support from their close friends and medical professionals and desired “the development of an environment for learning and play with peace of mind.” In coexisting with COVID-19, professionals who are involved with parents raising infants must understand the stress experienced by parents due to the prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and accordingly provide support tailored to the ever-changing situation.
