Parent's Help-Seeking For, and Care Of, a Sick or Injured Child During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: A National Online Survey in Türkiye

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to investigate how COVID-19 lockdowns in Türkiye influenced parents' actions when their child was ill or injured and how they perceived the impact of the lockdown on the severity of their child's illness and the treatment received.

Methods

This descriptive, and cross-sectional mixed method was conducted with 104 parents whose children experienced illness or injury during the pandemic lockdowns between July and September 2022. Data was collected through online survey using snowball sampling method. Descriptive statistics and pearson's chi-square test were used for statistical analysis, while free-text data was subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Of the parents who sought medical help, 51.7% reported their child being admitted to hospital, and 29.8% noted their child had a chronic health illness. These parents were more likely to report that changes in health services affected their child's treatment compared to those with children without a long-term health issue (45.1% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.001). The experiences of parents seeking help for their sick or injured child during the lockdown were categorized into three main themes: the lockdown's impact on the child, health service accessibility during the lockdown, and parental help-seeking behavior during lockdown.

Conclusion

It is concluded in this study that during COVID-19 lockdowns, pediatric nurses should guide parents regarding when and where to seek medical assistance to mitigate potential complications resulting from reduced parental help-seeking behavior.

Practice Implications

To ensure the uninterrupted monitoring and treatment of children with chronic health issues during lockdowns, it is advisable to expand telemedicine practices.