Sources of stress among caregivers receiving diaper assistance

BACKGROUND: Diaper insecurity is a major financial burden for many families with young children. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the most frequently occurring stressors among caregivers receiving diaper assistance. DESIGN: Caregivers receiving diaper assistance at community-based organizations in North Carolina completed surveys, including a modified Everyday Stressors Index. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study, calculating the number and percent of caregivers reporting that each stressor caused them "a lot of" or "some" stress. RESULTS: More than half of participants reported "a lot of" or "some" stress about not having enough time to do the things they want (58.5%), affording diapers (58.3%), affording rent or mortgage (54.1%), having too many responsibilities or things to do (53.1%), and affording utility bills (51.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers need support having enough money to meet basic needs and having sufficient time to meet their responsibilities and goals. Potential strategies include repealing the state sales tax on diapers and increasing state and federal tax credits and minimum wage.