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People’s perception of social distancing and reasons for violation of lockdown: Rapid qualitative assessment

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Rapid spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) across the globe had led to a public health emergency of an unprecedented scale. A country wise lockdown was announced as a preventive measure. It was expected that people will strictly follow the other preventive practices. However, despite regular advisories, educational campaigns, appeals, and enforcement by police, there were incidences of many people violating the lockdown and non-compliance with personal preventive measures. While lockdown was a good strategy to contain the rapid spread of the infection it cannot be a solution for a long period. There was a felt need from the government that while planning to relax the lockdown, it was critical to understand what people think of lockdown and social distancing, what are their risk perceptions and how likely they are to follow the norms of social distancing. This rapid qualitative study was designed to get some insights in this issue which will help refine social and behavior change communication approach as well as lock down and social distancing strategies.

Objectives:

  • To understand how do people from different socio-economic background perceive social distancing
  • To understand the reasons for not adhering to social distancing / personal hygiene measures and violating lockdown norms
  • To know the perception of people about their abilities to adhere to the norms of social distancing irrespective of the lock down
  • To understand the level of perceived risk of transmission during performing activities of daily living and the perceived utility of different social distancing / personal hygiene measures

Type of research: Mixed method study

A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted in Pune city. Data was collected mainly through telephonic conversation. Additionally, an online survey was conducted to understand people’s risk perception.

Investigators:

Dr. Shrinivas Darak (Principal investigator)

Dr. Ritu Parchure (Co-investigator)

Funding: Prayas (Health Group)

Start date: Apr 2020

End date:  May 2020