Assessment of the Mental, Social, and Educational Impact of the COVID-19 Quarantine and Predictors: A Survey-Based- Study from Saudi Parents

Abstract

Background

Quarantine has had a powerful effect on parents and children in Saudi Arabia in different aspects, namely, educational, mental, and social. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the mental, social, and educational impact of the COVID-19 Quarantine and its predictors among Saudi parents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out over 6 months in 2020 using structured questionnaires with 42 items, detailing pre-quarantine assistance with childcare, followed by mental, educational, and social challenges answered using a 5-point Likert scale and the factors affecting their children’s learning at home during the COVID-19 quarantine. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.

Results

A response rate of 79.5% (n=831) was obtained. Mental challenges were experienced the most, and 68.1% of the parents worried about their children being infected with COVID-19. This was followed by the educational challenges related to their children’s online learning, with 61.2% of the parents attributing it to their children’s low motivation towards online learning. The mean score for the education domain was 31.14(±7.02). Similarly, the mean score for the mental impact and social impact was 33.13(±7.82) and 12.81(±2.98). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed participants’ gender was found significantly associated with the mean score of the educational domain (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Social challenges were experienced the least, and parents confirmed that quarantine had helped them strengthen their family relations. Most participants agreed that they had fun spending time with both their partners and children. It is recommended to implement online remote activities and services that assist students and professionals in addressing pandemic concerns, such as virtual group exercise, virtual movie nights, and virtual office hours.

Keywords:

• quarantine
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• economic impact
• social impact
• Saudi Arabia

Data Sharing Statement

The data used to support the findings of this study is available from the corresponding author upon request.

Ethical Approval

Furthermore, before conducting the research, the Institutional Review Board at King Saud University approved the study (reference number KSU-HE-20-240).

Consent for Publication

Informed consent was obtained from participants, which confirmed that their data would be kept confidential and used exclusively for research purposes.

Acknowledgments

The authors of this study extend their appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project (Project number RSP2024R378), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no competing interests in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Research Supporting Project, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (RSP2024R378) which provided funding for this work.