Impacts of COVID-19 among Mothers of Young Children in Siaya County, Kenya

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in close partnership with the Evidence Lab at the Duke Global Health Institute, conducted a survey in Siaya County, Kenya using a COVID-19 module that was adapted from the Pandemic Stress Index and the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Scale. The survey reached 340 mothers of children (1 to 4 years) who were enrolled in CRS early childhood development programming, specifically on Integrated Mothers and Babies Course (iMBC). The survey results indicated the following: While less than one percent of mothers indicated any COVID-19 related known symptoms, hospitalizations, or death in their families, most reported that the pandemic negatively affected daily life. Most mothers reported a decrease in income (82%) and difficulty getting food (67%), health care (46%) or medicine (48%) for their families due to the pandemic. Mothers perceived that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health (82%) and that of their child (54%).