Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Family Well-Being: A Rapid and Scoping Review

摘要

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has had a serious impact not only on the society, economy, and medical system, but also on the families and family members affected by it. This scoping review aimed to describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family well-being. Original articles in English published between January 2020 and August 2021 that examined the association between COVID-19 and family well-being, were searched on MEDLINE and CINAHL. The literature search was conducted using Mesh or CINAHL Subject Headings on COVID-19 and families. Of the 923 references extracted from MEDLINE and CINAHL, this review included 25 references based on exclusion criteria. The largest number of articles examined the impact of COVID-19 on family caregivers’ mental health, followed by its impact on family relationships. The pandemic reportedly worsened family relationships and functioning, increasing domestic violence. The increased burden of caregiving for children and older adults due to COVID-19 was a risk factor for poor physical, psychological, and social health among family caregivers. The workplace environments and health conditions of workers involved with COVID-19 patients affected their family members’ physical, psychological, and social health. The social and economic impact of the pandemic could change the internal family system and the permeability of its boundaries, necessitating strategies to maintain an open family system. Additionally, family caregivers are at high risk for poor mental health and need a provision of psychosocial support. Moreover, devising strategies to improve workplace environments and alleviate health issues of workers involved with COVID-19 patients would be crucial for better mental health among their family members.