Gauging the Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Individuals
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in the lives of general populations worldwide. Its effects have been witnessed in the loss of lives, challenges in public health and changes in national economies. A large number of individuals have experienced mental health challenges, loss of jobs or loved ones and some have remained unaffected by the pandemic.
During the Science Cafe organised on March 26, 2021, a poll was designed to gauge the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown on the participants present. Out of a total of thirty-six (36) attendants, 27 individuals participated in the poll. It must be noted that most of the participants are from the Ghanaian middle class based in Ghana or abroad. Below are the results.
Key Questions & Responses
- Did the pandemic affect your productivity?
- Will life return to normal with the vaccines?
- Did the pandemic affect your mental health?
Graphical Presentation of Responses
In response to the question: Did the pandemic affect your productivity? 52% equalling 14 participants, stated that they were more productive during the pandemic, whilst 33% equalling 9 participants were less productive and 15%, a total of 4 respondents reported they experienced no change.
In the second question, participants were asked to share their views on whether life will return to normal with the vaccines. 6 people agreed that life will return to normal, while a majority with 41%, 11 in total disagreed. 10 people out of 27, totalling a whooping 37% could not say if life would or would not return to normal with the vaccinations.
When participants were asked if the pandemic affected their mental health, 52%, 14 participants reported that the pandemic had affected their mental health, whilst 37% totalling 10 participants stated that the pandemic had no effect on their mental health. 11% of the respondents,3 individuals reported that they could not determine the changes .
This report represents the views of a small sample size of people and thus may not be generalised to larger populations. However, a great deal can be learnt from social science research on the attitudes and responses of communities and countries towards the C0vid-19 pandemic. This can inform strategies and innovations targeted at working towards a holistic recovery and preparing for more calculated responses for future generations.
If there is any research you find interesting, kindly share with us in the comments section.
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