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McNulty C, Sides E, Thomas A, Kamal A, Syeda RB, Kaissi A, Lecky DM, Patel M, Campos-Matos I, Shukla R, Brown CS, Pareek M, Sollars L, Nellums L, Greenway J, Jones LF. Public views of and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic in England: a qualitative study with diverse ethnicities. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061027. [PMID: 35977758 PMCID: PMC9388716 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore public reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic across diverse ethnic groups. DESIGN Remote qualitative interviews and focus groups in English or Punjabi. Data were transcribed and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. SETTING England and Wales, June to October 2020. PARTICIPANTS 100 participants from 19 diverse 'self-identified' ethnic groups. RESULTS Dismay, frustration and altruism were reported across all ethnic groups during the first 6-9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dismay was caused by participants' reported individual, family and community risks, and loss of support networks. Frustration was caused by reported lack of recognition of the efforts of ethnic minority groups (EMGs), inaction by government to address COVID-19 and inequalities, rule breaking by government advisors, changing government rules around: border controls, personal protective equipment, social distancing, eating out, and perceived poor communication around COVID-19 and the Public Health England COVID-19 disparities report (leading to reported increased racism and social isolation). Altruism was felt by all, in the resilience of National Health Service (NHS) staff and their communities and families pulling together. Data, participants' suggested actions and the behaviour change wheel informed suggested interventions and policies to help control COVID-19. CONCLUSION To improve trust and compliance future reports or guidance should clearly explain any stated differences in health outcomes by ethnicity or other risk group, including specific messages for these groups and concrete actions to minimise any risks. Messaging should reflect the uncertainty in data or advice and how guidance may change going forward as new evidence becomes available. A contingency plan is needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 across all communities including EMGs, the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged individuals, in preparation for any rise in cases and for future pandemics. Equality across ethnicities for healthcare is essential, and the NHS and local communities will need to be supported to attain this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodna McNulty
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit, Public Health England, London, UK
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Eirwen Sides
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Amy Thomas
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Atiya Kamal
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rowshonara B Syeda
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Awatif Kaissi
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Donna M Lecky
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Migration Health, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Colin S Brown
- Department of Bacteria Reference, National Infection Service, Public Health England Colindale, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Leah Ffion Jones
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Cheltenham, UK
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