Authors : J Mukhopadhyay, J Mukhopadhyay
DOI : 10.18231/j.jchm.2020.008
Volume : 7
Issue : 2
Year : 2020
Page No : 44-50
Background: The crux of catastrophic COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented public health
challenge of the recent years. The infection has ravaged the global economy, individual savings as well
as human life. Lock-down in many parts of the world, which are adding unequivocally to the global
economy, has led to the tumbling of services and merchandise disquieting the world economy viciously.
Many have lost jobs and been denied salary suffering the anguish of loss of livelihood with uncertain future.
Considering this alarming trend, it was decided to ascertain the extent of certain adversities experienced
aside the psyche of the commons to fight the odd in the background of their knowledge and preventive
behaviour to avert COVID-19 in a Kolkata slum.
Materials and Methods: 282 adult residents of a slum area in Kolkata were studied during 1st -2nd week
of May 2020. Approval from local authority and informed consent of the residents were obtained. A
pretested structured questionnaire was introduced including demographic attributes, employment status
and knowledge-awareness-practice (KAP) traits of COVID-19 prevention amid their projected mind-frame
towards the COVID-19 issues. The data obtained was tabulated and statistically validated.
Result: The adult assemblage had 51% male and 49% female with mean age of 38.04+12.78 and
34.95+10.39 year respectively. 98% were literate and majority (46%) belonged to lower socio-economic
group. 68% males worked in different organisations as against 61.6% females prior to lock-down. Around
63% lost job and denied salary after April 20. Awareness of respondents on COVID-19 was noteworthy.
More than 93-95% subjects knew about COVID-19 illness besides common preventive measures. More
than 95% used masks, followed hand washing and other preventative behaviours. However, use of hand
sanitizers (68%) and gloves (36.8%) were inadequate. 93-95% demonstrated positive outlook towards all
social issues related to COVID-19 including Govt. actions, directives, future job prospects and possibilities
of new job. In spite of many hardships experienced, the community displayed enduring motivation and
futuristic mind-set to overcome the crisis undoubtedly.
Conclusion: Honest exploration of truth relating to socio-economic adversities emanating from pandemic
would add vital intelligence to COVID-19 preventive strategies.
Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Optimism, Job loss.