The negative and positive: perceptions regarding COVID-19 pandemic among an online sample of adults; qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease, which is a global public health issue, changed the regular lifestyle of public globally causing multitude of stressors. This study aimed to describe the perception regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among an online sample of adults in Sri Lanka.

METHODS

A descriptive exploratory study was conducted with a purposive selected sample of general public in Sri Lanka. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide until data saturation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

All participants were below 50 years and educated upto advanced level. Seven themes were identified based on in-depth interviews; (1) traditional views regarding disease; (2) fear; (3) disrupted future plans; (4) impaired sense of responsibilities; (5) intense work stress (6) time to cherish, and (7) anticipated adjustments for future pandemics.

CONCLUSIONS

People have experienced fear, uncertainty, distracted future plans, and work stress due to the pandemic. However, they have also enjoyed spending time with their family members during this period.