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Community-Level Experiences, Understandings, and Responses to COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Ethnographic Studies

Author

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  • Christopher B. Raymond

    (College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Paul R. Ward

    (College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

(1) Background: COVID-19 disruptions offer researchers insight into how pandemics are at once biological and social threats, as communities struggle to construct meaning from novel challenges to their ontological status quo. Multiple epistemes, in which public health imperatives confront and negotiate locally derived knowledge and traditions, vie for legitimacy and agency, resulting in new cultural forms. (2) Methods: To investigate the context and construction of community responses, a systematic review of qualitative literature was conducted with the aim of evaluating those insights provided by empirical, social field research in low- and middle-income countries since the onset of COVID-19. Six scholarly databases were searched for empirical, qualitative, field-based, or participatory research that was published in peer-reviewed journals between December 2019 and August 2021. (3) Results: Twenty-five studies were selected for data extraction, following critical appraisal for methodological rigor by two independent reviewers, and were then analyzed thematically. Faced with unprecedented social ruptures, restrictions in social and physical mobility, and ever-looming uncertainties of infection, financial insecurity, stigma, and loss, communities worldwide reacted in multiple and complex ways. Pervasive misinformation and fear of social rejection resulted in noncompliance with pandemic sanctions, resistance, and increased isolation, allowing the spread of the disease. The meaning of, and understandings about, COVID-19 were constructed using traditional, religious, and biomedical epistemologies, which were occasionally in conflict with each other. Innovations and adaptations, through syntheses of traditional and biomedical discourses and practice, illustrated community resilience and provided models for successful engagement to improve public health outcomes. (4) Conclusion: Local context and community engagement were indispensable considerations when enacting effective public health interventions to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher B. Raymond & Paul R. Ward, 2021. "Community-Level Experiences, Understandings, and Responses to COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Ethnographic Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-26, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12063-:d:681275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C. Bryce & P. Ring & S. Ashby & J. K. Wardman, 2020. "Resilience in the face of uncertainty: early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(7-8), pages 880-887, August.
    2. Heidi J. Larson, 2020. "Blocking information on COVID-19 can fuel the spread of misinformation," Nature, Nature, vol. 580(7803), pages 306-306, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Alfonsa Liquory Seran & Christopher Raymond & Maria Silvia Merry & Roheena Tahir & Gregorius Abanit Asa & Paul Russell Ward, 2022. "Why Do We Not Follow Lifesaving Rules? Factors Affecting Nonadherence to COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines in Indonesia: Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Ernawati & Elsa Dent & Gregorius Abanit Asa & Paul Russell Ward, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on the Activity and Mental Health of Older People in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Negin Fouladi & Nedelina Tchangalova & Damilola Ajayi & Elizabeth Millwee & Corinne Lovett & Alana Del Sordi & Samantha Liggett & Malki De Silva & Laura Bonilla & Angel Nkwonta & Leah Ramnarine & Ally, 2023. "COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Patient and Public Involvement in Health and Social Care Research: An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-19, March.

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