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Parental Hesitancy and Concerns around Accessing Paediatric Unscheduled Healthcare during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Nicholson

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Thérèse McDonnell

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Ciara Conlon

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Michael Barrett

    (Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, D12 N512 Dublin, Ireland
    Women’s and Children’s Health, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
    National Children’s Research Centre, D12 N512 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Fergal Cummins

    (REDSPOT, Emergency Department, Limerick University Hospital, V94 F858 Limerick, Ireland)

  • Conor Hensey

    (Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, D01 XD99 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Eilish McAuliffe

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Education and Innovation in Health Systems, UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

A decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations has been reported during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study sought to understand parents’ hesitancy and concerns around accessing healthcare during the pandemic using a cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 ( N = 1044) in Ireland. Multinomial and logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. In total, 34% of participants stated that their child required healthcare during the pandemic, of whom 22% decided against seeking healthcare. Parents who reported being much more hesitant about accessing healthcare were more likely to report mild–moderate (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 2.31, CI: 1.54–3.47) and severe–extremely severe stress (RRR: 3.37, CI: 1.81–6.27). Parents who understood government advice to mean avoiding health services were more likely to be hesitant to attend (RRR: 1.71, CI; 1.10–2.67). These effects held when restrictions were beginning to be lifted. Higher levels of stress were associated with a parent believing that the government advice meant that they should not attend health services (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.14–2.41). Public health messaging must ensure parents are reassured on the accessibility and safety of paediatric healthcare services as this public health emergency continues.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Nicholson & Thérèse McDonnell & Ciara Conlon & Michael Barrett & Fergal Cummins & Conor Hensey & Eilish McAuliffe, 2020. "Parental Hesitancy and Concerns around Accessing Paediatric Unscheduled Healthcare during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:24:p:9264-:d:460373
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sarah Dryhurst & Claudia R. Schneider & John Kerr & Alexandra L. J. Freeman & Gabriel Recchia & Anne Marthe van der Bles & David Spiegelhalter & Sander van der Linden, 2020. "Risk perceptions of COVID-19 around the world," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(7-8), pages 994-1006, August.
    2. Thérèse McDonnell & Emma Nicholson & Ciara Conlon & Michael Barrett & Fergal Cummins & Conor Hensey & Eilish McAuliffe, 2020. "Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Public Health Stages on Paediatric Emergency Attendance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-24, September.
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    1. Georgina Pujolar & Aida Oliver-Anglès & Ingrid Vargas & María-Luisa Vázquez, 2022. "Changes in Access to Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-31, February.

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