(PS8-C68) Parents and the Pandemic: Understanding How Information Sources Were Differentially Associated with Mental Health Outcomes for Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

In crisis, people turn to trusted sources for guidance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals sought information from experts, loved ones and more. What is less understood is how one’s information source impacts their wellbeing. We identified where parents sought information from, and who they trusted to provide accurate information about the pandemic. We also investigated how different sources were associated with wellbeing.

Participants

Participants were 266 parents in a largely rural midwestern state. They were 89% White, 81% female, with a mean age of 43 (25-75). 40% were essential workers. 56% reported experiencing a traumatic event related to the pandemic.

Methods

Parents reported about their mental health (anxiety, depression, stress) and where they were getting COVID-related information from as well as who they trusted the most to relay accurate information about the pandemic.

Results

Expert sources (government, doctors, health systems) were a top information source for 73% of parents. 73% also listed experts as a trusted source. 35% selected relational sources (social media, loved ones) as a top source of information; 11% reported trusting these sources. 38% listed news sources (news/tribal media) as a top source of information and 23% reported trusting them.

Parents with greater anxiety sought COVID-19 information from experts, F(1,264)=12.059, p< .001, and the news F(1,264)=4.477, p=.035. There was no difference in anxiety for parents who used relational sources, F(1.264)=.931, p=.335. Greater stress, however, was associated with using relational sources, F(1,116)=5.344, p=.023. This was not true for those who used expert sources, p>.05. Regardless of their information sources, parents with greater anxiety, depression, and stress reported trusting expert sources and the news most (all p’s< .05).

69% of parents who were essential workers trusted experts the most followed by news (13%), relational (6%), and community sources (tribal/religious leaders; 2%). Essential workers with higher anxiety looked to expert sources; those who trusted news sources had the greatest stress. Depression was higher for those who trusted relational sources while anxiety was higher for those who trusted expert and relational sources. (all p’s< .05).

Discussion

It is natural to turn to trusted sources in times of uncertainty. During the pandemic the most distressed groups looked to experts. Additionally, heavy reliance on relational sources may have been associated with greater stress. The ability to trust one’s information source may impact their mental and emotional health. Parent wellbeing is critical to child health and family functioning; thus, these health-related factors are important to consider, particularly during community- and global-crises.