We are experiencing uncertain times at the moment, and we understand that many families may be experiencing higher levels of stress than normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Forced isolation, financial pressures and family being confined together at home can create stress and can temporarily alter family dynamics.
The ORIGINS team is interested in hearing more about how our ORIGINS families are coping during this time, and your experience of living through this pandemic.
We are asking all ORIGINS participants to complete voluntary monthly questionnaires, in addition to those already part of the core ORIGINS protocol, that will measure wellbeing, perceived stress, financial hardship and family functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are in a unique position to collect information on the wellbeing of a community during this pandemic. We see this as an opportunity to lead cutting-edge research, that will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of this pandemic on a broad range of families in the Wanneroo and Joondalup community, and possibly shape essential support services. It is also anticipated that the information generated will be valuable in planning for future pandemics.
Read the article in The West Australian here
What are we asking you to do?
- All active participants who are currently enrolled in ORIGINS, regardless of where they are along their ORIGINS journey, will be sent a monthly email containing a link to access an online questionnaire.
- The same 10-minute questionnaire will be sent at a set date every month, during the pandemic. You will be given a two-week window in which to complete it.
- Once pandemic restrictions are lifted (this timeframe is yet to be determined) the questionnaires will be sent every six months until the ORIGINS child participant is five years of age.
What else do you need to know?
- To acknowledge the time taken to complete these questionnaires, all participants who complete the online questionnaire will go into a monthly draw to receive a $100 Coles e-voucher. Winners will be notified by email.
- Completing these questionnaires is optional. If you choose not to complete the questionnaires, your participation in ORIGINS will not be affected. Though we would prefer you complete all of them, you may also choose to complete only one or two of these questionnaires over the next few months.
- In addition to the online questionnaires, families will be asked to participate in a telehealth interview to collect more in-depth information on perceived stress, wellbeing and family functioning. Commencing in May 2020, families will be contacted directly to be invited to complete this interview. Involvement in this part of the project is also optional.
- If you experience any distress while completing the questionnaires, we encourage you to access support using the following services:
- General Practitioner
- Lifeline 13 11 44 or text 0477 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 363
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
If you have any queries about this project, please email ORIGINSproject@telethonkids.org.au or call 08 9408 3118