Problems, impacts and adaptation of members in urban community to COVID-19 outbreak situation

Abstract

     This research aims to study the problems, impacts, and adaptations of members in urban community to the COVID-19 outbreak situation. Mixed methods research was used for data collection. The key informants were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 consisted of 118 people, and Group 2 consisted of 21 people. Each group was selected using selection criteria. Research tools included observation, questionnaires, in-depth interview questions, and small group discussions. Data from the questionnaire were analyzed using frequencies, and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis techniques.
     The results of the study found that, overall, the groups of key informants encountered problems and were affected in all aspects at different levels. The top 5 problems and impacts that community members faced were: 1) decreased income, 2) increased expenses, 3) living in an environment at risk of disease, 4) lack of savings, and 5) inability to access the healthcare system, representing 93.2%, 84.7%, 75.4%, 74.6%, and 67.8% respectively. Community members have demonstrated moderate to high levels of coping and adaptation to the COVID-19 outbreak situation. The top 5 adaptation guidelines practiced by the key informants were: 1) social distancing, 2) wearing masks, 3) frequent handwashing, 4) avoiding travel to high-risk places, and 5) refraining from social gatherings. Additionally, the first three important factors that enabled community members to cope and manage various problems during the COVID-19 outbreak were: 1) the active participation of community members, 2) a strong group of community leaders, and 3) accessible and up-to-date communication methods.