Mental health and psychosocial support needs among Vietnamese families during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hanoi: A mixed methods study

Abstract

To contain the development of COVID-19, Vietnam issued social distancing and lockdown policies in 2020 and 2021, which affected the lives of parents and children in several aspects including mental health. This study aims to explore the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 in Vietnam (April-May 2020) on the mental health of parents and children and their perceived social support during the pandemic. This study used a cross-sectional mixed-method approach. The sample included 78 parents of children aged between 2 and 17 years and 32 children aged between 12 and 17 years (N=110). The results showed that 5.1% of children reported being in the high and very high range on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Most reported problems were lack of prosocial behaviours, lack of peers, and emotional problems. Among parents, 7.7% reported having mental health distress. The results also revealed that the perceived social support of both parents and children were low in all subscales and total scores. Qualitative themes regarding perceived social support and barriers were identified. Recommendations regarding mental health and psychosocial support during the pandemic were discussed.