This study examined whether certain demographic characteristics, caregiver strain, and coping behaviors were associated with the mental health outcomes of family caregivers of children with disabilities in Bolivia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A mixed‐methods convergent study design was used with virtual interviews to quantitatively assess caregivers' demographic characteristics, caregiver strain, coping behaviors, and mental health outcomes, as well as qualitatively assess how the pandemic affected their family. Approximately 32%–71% of caregivers experienced poor mental health outcomes (stress, anxiety, and depression), especially among those experiencing poor health, high caregiver strain, and those using maladaptive coping strategies. Qualitative responses revealed that they experienced several unique stressors during the pandemic that affected them and their children. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored prevention and treatment interventions to help offset the adverse effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes of this at‐risk population.

Background: Despite the health benefits of physical activity, increasing regular physical activity levels among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers has remained a significant challenge. Yet, few studies have examined the feasibility of implementing interventions to address physical activity barriers often experienced by this population. Methods: The current mixed-methods feasibility study explored the impact that a three-month community-based (CBI) and a home-based intervention (HBI) had on improving physical activity and fitness levels, as well as psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers. Thirty mothers were randomized (parallel assignment design; simple random sampling) to either a three-month community-based intervention (CBI) or a home-based intervention (HBI) and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of physical activity (self-report, accelerometer), fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscle endurance and strength, flexibility), self-efficacy, and social support. Post-intervention focus groups were also conducted. Repeated Measures ANCOVA analyses were conducted to test for possible intervention by time effects for randomization group (CBI vs. HBI) on physical activity, fitness, and psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) across four study time points (baseline, one-month, two-month, and three-months), adjusting for baseline fitness levels. Results: Mothers in both groups (CBI and HBI) showed significant improvements in their physical activity and fitness levels, and short-term improvements in receiving social support for physical activity. However, only mothers in the CBI group showed improvements in their self-efficacy for physical activity. Qualitative responses revealed mothers’ barriers and facilitators to program participation and suggestions for program improvement. Conclusions: These results support the efficacy of CBIs and HBIs in improving physical activity and fitness levels and have important implications for improving health outcomes among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers (TRN: NCT05540509; 9/12/22; retrospectively registered; ClinicalTrials.org).