Perceptions on Health and COVID-19 among People Living Below Poverty Line

Description

Page: 351-356

Arpana Beniwal, Vanita Sondhi, and Aanchal Mishra (Department of Applied Psychology, Vivekananda College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

The present research sought to explore the perceptions and understanding of people living below the poverty line towards health and COVID-19. The context of the study was Goora village (Uttar Pradesh). Thirty participants belonging to below the poverty line were taken for the study. Data was collected from the respondents using semi-structured interviews, which were then transcribed using thematic analysis. Results of the study showed that people living below poverty line conceptualized health as absence of illness, good mental health and happiness, absence of pain and discomfort and the ability to cope with everyday life. Health was conceptualized mainly in terms of how the body could be used to generate a livelihood through varied daily activities. Any minor symptoms that did not hamper carrying out of their daily activities specially to earn their livelihood were not considered unhealthy. The economic issues were found to be closely linked to their perception of health. COVID-19 was predominantly identified as a ‘disease’ by the people living below the poverty line. 86.7% of participants belonging to below poverty line were aware of COVID-19, although the awareness was not fully accurate. Cough and fever were predominantly identified as symptoms of COVID. The epidemic had a detrimental impact on the lives of people and it led to increase in domestic violence, unemployment and a surge in substance abuse. The results of this study have important implications for health reform in rural settings.