Covid 19 coping strategies and the psychosocial situation of parents in relation to their work life balance in Kampala central division

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown measures to curb the spread of the pandemic affected the psychosocial and economic situation of people globally. In Uganda, though there is evidence that the pandemic ruined lives of people; especially parents, in relation to their work-life balance, few studies have been done to prove this. This formed the purpose of this study to examine the impact of the COVID-19 coping strategies on the psychosocial situations of parents in Kampala Central Division in relation to their work-life balance. A mixed research approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative methods was used. 285 respondents and 5 key informants participated in this study that was conducted in Kampala Central Division, specifically in Kagugube parish. The field data, which was specifically analyzed based on the level of correlation of COVID-19 coping strategies on psychosocial situations and work-life balance experiences. Findings showed a very low positive correlation between COVID-19 coping strategies and psychosocial situation of r= .39 and with work-life balance, there was a very strong positive correlation of 1.00. Respondents indicated the effects were mainly negative such as stress and family distortion. However, some parents reported to have gained remote working experience. This means that there is need to support local people who were affected.