Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1 Parenting experiences of parents of children with ADHD, in grades one to three, during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa

Main Article Content

M Szigethy
Ja Bezuidenhout
J Potterton

Abstract

Background: The experiences of parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in grades one to three during the Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 lockdowns in South Africa were explored in the context of school closures and prohibition of extra mural activities, therapies and social gatherings. The psychosocial and mental health implications of COVID-19 lockdown is largely undocumented in South African families of children with ADHD.


Objectives: To explore parenting experiences and perspectives of the impact of the closure of schools, extra mural activities, therapies and social gatherings on their child, and to determine strategies parents implemented to support their child in lockdown.


Methods: A qualitative research design of a cross-sectional study was done using an interpretivist paradigm. Data from twelve participants were collected through questionnaires and online/face-to-face interviews conducted between March and June 2022. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic approach.


Results: Participants were parent couples from six households who were retrenched, employed, or essential workers. They described the familial, occupational and educational implications of lockdown, the physical and mental well-being of families, and effective coping strategies that they implemented during lockdown.


Conclusion: Recommendations reiterate the education of parents in the management of ADHD symptoms from the point of diagnosis. Effective online teaching techniques and applications for children with ADHD in grades one, two and three must be explored. The impact of restricted access to facilities and professionals for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, and for grief counselling for children and their families during COVID-10 lockdowns requires further investigation.

Article Details

How to Cite
Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1: Parenting experiences of parents of children with ADHD, in grades one to three, during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. (2024). South African Journal of Child Health. https://doi.org/10.7196/
Section
Research
Author Biographies

M Szigethy, University of the Witwatersrand

Occupational Therapist

M. Sc. (Medicine) Child Life Specialty and Paediatric Psychosocial Care

Department of Physiotherapy

School of Clinical Medicine

School of Therapeutic Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences

Ja Bezuidenhout, University of the Witwatersrand

Developmental Paeditrician and Senior Lecturer at Wits

School of Clinical Medicine

Faculty of Health Sciences

J Potterton, University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences

Personal Professor Paediatric Physiotherapy

Department Of Physiotherapy

School of Therapeutic Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences

How to Cite

Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1: Parenting experiences of parents of children with ADHD, in grades one to three, during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. (2024). South African Journal of Child Health. https://doi.org/10.7196/

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