MOTHERS’ AND FATHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE OCCUPATIONAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 CONFINEMENT ON CHILDREN IN THE CITY OF PUNTA ARENAS, CHILE

Abstract

The occupational balance of the general population is related to good health; however, the child population was one of the groups most affected by confinement and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this research was to determine the occupational impact experienced by children as a result of COVID-19 confinement as perceived by their mothers and fathers in the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. Through a qualitative approach and descriptive exploratory scope, 25 mothers and 1 father of children between 6 and 12 years old, students of a subsidized educational establishment who were in confinement in the city of Punta Arenas, Chile, were interviewed. According to their perception, it was established that confinement caused some positive changes in instrumental daily life activities and negative changes in their children’s activities of play, social participation, education, daily life activities of eating, resting and sleeping. Mothers and fathers were faced with making various adaptations and modifications such as organization of time, environment and implementation of materials, in order to favor occupational performance. It is concluded that due to the uncertainty and emotional instability in relation to the environment and its changes, from the point of view of occupational therapy, the support of mothers and fathers is relevant to restructure routines and adapt them to the prolonged confinement at home, respecting and organizing schedules. Adding recreational activities and encouraging play in leisure and free time favored occupational balance and the feeling of satisfaction of children and their families.