The impact of the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral patterns and therapeutic service provision for children and young people’s psychosocial distress in a Low-or Middle-Income Country: A service evaluation of routinely collected data from a non-government organisation operating in schools in the Western Cape, South Africa

Emma Wilson, Maria E. Loades, Suzanne Human, Bronwyne Coetzee, Hermine Gericke, Gerrit Laning

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Introduction: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, there is a paucity of psychosocial support services. Therefore, services are often provided in schools by non-government organisations like Community Keepers (CK). The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant restrictions meant that children and young people’s (CYP) lives changed, negatively affecting their mental health. Further, organisations like CK had to change their working processes. 

Method: This project compared routinely collected data from CK from 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 (pandemic) to describe the changes that occurred in referral patterns to, and service provision by, CK. Results: Both pre-pandemic and during the pandemic, most referrals of CYP were for emotional/psychological support and behavioural difficulties. In 2020, referrals for general guidance increased, whilst referrals for peer group issues and sexuality decreased. Further, CK completed more brief check-ins, provided wellbeing workshops to increased numbers of teachers, parents and CYP, and had more consultation sessions with other service providers during the pandemic. 

Discussion: Routinely collected data from this community-based service in a LMIC context shows differences in the way that support was provided, and to whom, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical implications, including the importance of increasing access to psychosocial support via technology, are included.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1462-1480
Number of pages19
JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Volume29
Issue number4
Early online date19 Jul 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Oct 2024

Funding

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. The authors acknowledge the efforts of all those who contributed to collecting and collating the data used here, during routine practice within a global pandemic. The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

FundersFunder number
Department of Health and Social Care
National Institute for Health and Care Research

    Keywords

    • anxiety
    • children and young people
    • COVID-19
    • depression
    • LMIC
    • prevention
    • school-based
    • South Africa
    • third sector provision

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Psychiatry and Mental health

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The impact of the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral patterns and therapeutic service provision for children and young people’s psychosocial distress in a Low-or Middle-Income Country: A service evaluation of routinely collected data from a non-government organisation operating in schools in the Western Cape, South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this