COVID Wellbeing Study

Why do we need this project? 

For children and adolescents with pre-existing conditions, the impact of COVID-19 has likely magnified symptoms. It is unclear how the direct and indirect stresses associated with the pandemic and its restrictions have interacted with different pre-existing physical, psychosocial and mental health problems, and which aspects of these new life stresses will be the most important in driving either positive or negative outcomes for these children, young people and their families. 

This component of COVID Wellbeing Study will follow-up participants at 12 months to identify frequency of persisting mental health symptoms and factors (clinical and environment) contributing to outcome and the translation of findings into clinical interventions. 

Aim 

The aim of the study is to:  

  • investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the wellbeing and mental health of children and adolescents who are current patients of the RCH with a pre-existing health condition 
  • develop resources and effective interventions to minimise ongoing symptoms  
  • the secondary aim is to identify predictors or moderators of outcomes (i.e. medical diagnosis, mental health, family function, support networks) 

The COVID Wellbeing Study is a mixed methods longitudinal cohort study investigating the immediate and longer-term health and wellbeing impacts of COVID-19 on children and families. 

This project will help us answer questions like, how can our health services provide the best care and ongoing support for families affected by COVID-19? And how we can improve communication, support and care for children tested and/or diagnosed with COVID-19 or another pandemic infectious disease in the future? 

Research Team  

  • Principal Investigator: Margie Danchin (Vaccine Uptake Group)  
  • Study Coordinator: Jess Kaufman (Vaccine Uptake Group) 

Project outputs 

Presentations  

  • Williams T, Kaufman J, Danchin M, Jos C, Loschiavo K, Loughnan M, Tosif S, Olsson C, Watts J, Brusco T. Parent and child health-related quality of life assessed during testing for COVID-19. Short oral presentation, PHAA Australasian COVID-19 Virtual Conference. 8 - 10 December 2020 
  • Williams T, Richards L (presenters). COVID Wellbeing – Exploring experiences of care and the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 on a paediatric hospital cohort. Oral presentation. MCRI Vaccine Uptake Symposium. 10 November 2021 
  • Kaufman J, Bagot KL, Williams T (presenter), Jos C, Danchin M. Exploring the lived experience for families with a COVID-19 positive child. Oral presentation. RCH 2022 Nursing Research and Clinical Innovations Symposium. 12 May 2022  
  • Kaufman J (presenter), Bagot KL, Williams T, Jos C, Danchin M. Exploring the lived experience for families with a COVID-19 positive child. Oral presentation (submitted). PHAA Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference. June 2022 

Non-peer reviewed publications  

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Australian Aboriginal Flag
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Torres Strait Islander Flag

At Mental Health Central we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, gather and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge all people with a lived or living experience of mental ill-health and recovery. At the Campus, we particularly acknowledge children, young people, families, carers, and supporters. We recognise their vital contribution and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for the Campus, staff, sector, and all people of lived experience.

 

Proudly supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation