Concerns regarding the physical and mental health impacts of frontline healthcare roles during the COVID-19 pandemic have been well documented, but the impacts on family functioning remain unclear. This study provides a unique contribution to the literature by considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers and their families. Thirty-nine frontline healthcare workers from Victoria, Australia, who were parents to at least one child under 18 were interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five superordinate and 14 subordinate themes were identified. Themes included more family time during lockdowns, but at a cost; changes in family responsibilities and routines; managing increased demands; healthcare workers hypervigilance and fear of bringing COVID-19 home to their family members; ways in which families worked to “get through it”. While efforts have been made by many healthcare organisations to support their workers during this challenging time, the changes in family functioning observed by participants suggest that more could be done for this vulnerable cohort, particularly with respect to family support.

This study explored possible changes in family functioning from the perspective of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-four parents/guardians of children under 18 years completed a semi-structured interview, average length 47 min. Interviews focussed on changes in different aspects of family functioning including family roles, routines, and rules; parenting practices; communication and relationships; and strengths, challenges, and tensions. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis applied in an idiographic and inductive manner to reduce the loss of individual experiences and perspectives. Four superordinate themes were identified: shifting family roles and boundaries throughout the pandemic; impacts on routines and relationships; opportunities and resourcing; and, experiences of support and unity. Gender differences were evident across some themes, particularly changing roles, workload and work-home boundaries. Challenges and tensions were frequently highlighted, particularly by “vulnerable” family groups such as those with children with disabilities. Parents also described a renewed sense of family and community that underpinned adaptive coping responses. The results highlight the importance of family connectedness in times of need.

Background: During the pandemic and associated lockdowns, many families from around the world experienced financial and confinement stress and the reorganisation of family caregiving responsibilities. Several studies have been conducted about the impact of the pandemic on family wellbeing. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, synthesize and critique relevant studies in this field. Methods: Following Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was performed in databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, SocINDEX and PubMed. Peer-reviewed studies that examined the experiences of families during infectious disease outbreaks were included. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis approach was employed. Results: Eighty-four papers were found, all conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority from the USA and presented from the perspective of parents/caregivers. Synthesized results focused on how family experiences, the dyad relationship and parenting behaviours were impacted during Covid-19. Conclusion: Although some families reported positive growth, socially and financially vulnerable families were more negatively impacted than others during the pandemic. The review highlights the important role of families during times of stress and possible intervention targets. Keywords: family, parenting, pandemic, infectious disease, covid-19