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Parental experiences of the impacts of Covid-19 on the care of young children; qualitative interview findings from the Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) project

Author

Listed:
  • Robert C Hughes
  • Ruth Muendo
  • Sunil S Bhopal
  • Silas Onyango
  • Elizabeth Kimani-Murage
  • Betty R Kirkwood
  • Zelee Hill
  • Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo

Abstract

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic, and societal attempts to control it, have touched almost every aspect of people’s lives around the world, albeit in unequal ways. In particular, there is considerable concern about the way that stringent ‘lockdowns’, as implemented in Kenya and many other countries, affected young children, especially those living in informal settlements. However, to date, there has been little research attempting to unpack and understand how the pandemic has impacted on the care of young children. Methods: In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 parents/carers of children aged under five years living in three Nairobi slums between May and September 2021 exploring the ways in which Covid-19, and policies to control the pandemic, impacted on their household and the care of their child/children. Results: The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of children have been widely felt, deep and multiple. The impact of economic hardship has been significant, reportedly undermining food security and access to services including healthcare and childcare. Respondents reported an associated increase in domestic and community violence. Many people relied on help from others; this was most commonly reported to be in the form of variable levels of flexibility from landlords and help from other community members. No direct harms from Covid-19 disease were reported by respondents. Conclusion: The impacts of Covid-19 control measures on the care of young children in informal settlements have been indirect but dramatic. Given the breadth and depth of these reported impacts, and the particular vulnerability of young children, deeper consideration ought to inform decisions about approaches to implementation of stringent disease control measures in future. In addition, these findings imply a need for both short- and long-term policy responses to ameliorate the impacts described.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert C Hughes & Ruth Muendo & Sunil S Bhopal & Silas Onyango & Elizabeth Kimani-Murage & Betty R Kirkwood & Zelee Hill & Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo, 2023. "Parental experiences of the impacts of Covid-19 on the care of young children; qualitative interview findings from the Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) project," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(8), pages 1-15, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pgph00:0001127
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001127
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Constance Shumba & Rose Maina & Gladys Mbuthia & Rachel Kimani & Stella Mbugua & Sweta Shah & Amina Abubakar & Stanley Luchters & Sheila Shaibu & Eunice Ndirangu, 2020. "Reorienting Nurturing Care for Early Childhood Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Julia Bird & Piero Montebruno & Tanner Regan, 2017. "Life in a slum: understanding living conditions in Nairobi’s slums across time and space," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 33(3), pages 496-520.
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