COVID-19感染拡大による0歳児を抱える母親の育児への影響

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Childcare of Mothers with infants under one year old

要旨

　目的：COVID-19感染拡大期に，0歳児を抱えた母親たちが子育てにどのような影響が受けたのか明らかにする．

　対象と方法：2020年11〜12月に，東京都A区在住で2019年12月以降に出産した母親5名と，同区で家庭訪問を行う助産師6名を対象に半構造化インタビューを行った．

　結果：【家庭外の支援を得ることのハードル】【感染への不安による育児支援・ケア選択への影響】によって支援が不足し，【育児支援中止による不安と落胆】【育児支援中止による育児技術や新生児への影響】や【地元の母親同士のつながりの不足】が生じていた．家庭外からの対面の支援が難しい中で【パートナーの在宅勤務によるメリットと困難】や【オンライン支援によるメリットと難しさ】が浮かび上がっていた．

　結論：場や機会の不足，感染を不安に感じることで支援を受けるハードルが高くなっていた．今後，在宅勤務を行うパートナーへの支援や，目的に応じたオンラインと対面での支援の併用，さらに支援につながるためのハードルを低くする方法を検討する必要がある．

　Aim: This study determined the impact on mothers careing for infants under one year old during COVID-19 infection spread.

　Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in November and December 2020 with five mothers who had given birth after December 2019 and six midwives who conducted home visits.

　Results: Lack of support due to “Barriers to receiving support outside the home” “lack of support due to concerns about infection affecting childcare support and care choices.” This resulted “Anxiety and discouragement due to cancelation of childcare support” “effects on childcare skills and newborns” and “lack of connections among local mothers”. Additionally, “benefits and difficulties due to partner telecommuting” and “benefits and difficulties due to online support” appeared to be emerging.

　Conclusion: Barriers to receiving support were caused by canceling support services, lack of space and opportunity, and anxiety about the infection. In the future, there is a need to consider support for childcare skills, support for partners who telecommute, a combination of online and in-person support for different purposes, and ways to reduce the barriers to connecting with further support.