KMadamba
e-Portfolio
UCLA COVID-19 Family Needs Study
The UCLA COVID-19 Family Needs Study responded to the disproportionate impact the pandemic had on Black and Latinx populations and used qualitative research to understand how this may have affected the overall well-being of K-12 students. Interviews asked participants how online learning affected their learning-- whether it be their engagement, motivation, or feelings of belonging-- policy-recommendations that might address these challenges, and whether they thought racism had contributed to the challenges presented during the pandemic.
Many of the participants' stories of described changes in their children's or students' mental health:
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For some of our parents who were essential workers, the students became caretakers for other siblings. That also really hindered their education. I had one [middle school Latina] student that I was talking to the principal about. She’s been coming into Zooms with a baby. There’s a baby she’s holding during sessions, and the principal said, “She’s doing that during the day also.” So, it’s not just during after school hours. Taking care of like, a one-year-old. I talked to the principal, and I talked to the student, and I was like, do you think your mom could find another resource to help care for the baby because it was definitely affecting her academics. Even her participation in [our] program, she couldn’t be fully focused because she was taking care of a baby." -Academic Mentor
I helped to transcribe interviews and, based on recommendations for the project's Community Advisory Board, worked with the Principle Investigator to design a resources for the participants. This included a newsletter, research brief, and tip sheet to help parents identify and respond to behavior signs that may correspond to anxiety or depression. We also distributed these materials to change agents in Los Angeles County, hoping to elevate community voices that will inform policies that advocate for children and youth's health.
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Overall, this project taught me how to use intentional and respectful language that helps to reduce stigma surrounding mental health. It allowed me to research social determinants of health and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that translated into actual change for folks. Most importantly, it was a reminder that our physical, mental, and emotional health are all intertwined and helped me gain a more holistic perspective of healthcare.
Citation:
Wright, B., Amani, B., Celeste-Villalvir, A., Zima, B., Johnson, C., Luna, K., Bowers, M., & Ford, C. (2022). COVID-19 Recovery for Black and Latinx Students in Los Angeles County: Increase Mental Health Prevention and Reduce Barriers to School-Based Interventions.
