Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the health status of the population but has also had a serious impact on family dynamics, especially in the relationship between parents and children. Home confinement along with the closures of schools has had a strong negative impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of children. This study assesses the effects of the pandemic on families, parenting stress, and emotional well-being of children in villages under Mugalur Sub-centre, Sarjapur PHC, Bengaluru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken from January 2022 to April 2022 among parents having children in the age group of 4 to 10 years residing in villages under Mugalur Sub-center, Sarjapur PHC, Bengaluru District. The proportional allocation sampling method was followed to collect data from 210 participants using the effects of questionnaire, parent stress scale, and strength and difficulties questionnaire- parent version. RESULTS: Among 210 study participants, 105 (50%) were found to have moderate to high stress due to the pandemic. Parenting stress was found to be high in 40 (20%) parents and moderate in 63 (30%) parents. Assessment of the emotional well-being of children showed that 24 (11.5%) children have clinically significant problems. Significant associations were found between the effect of, parental stress and high parental stress correlated with low emotional well-being of children. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted mental health support for families, particularly during crises such as the pandemic. Interventions aimed at reducing parental stress and promoting children's emotional well-being are crucial for mitigating adverse effects and ensuring the long-term well-being of families and communities.