Beyond Infection Control: Multidimensional Unmet Needs and Health-System Gaps During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India—A Convergent Mixed-Method Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in health systems, extending beyond infection-related outcomes to multidimensional social, economic, psychological, and healthcare disruptions. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess multidimensional unmet needs and public health system gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 958 community-dwelling adults using a structured questionnaire covering eight domains of unmet needs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple-response analysis, while qualitative data from open-ended responses (n = 20) were analyzed thematically. Integration was performed during interpretation. Financial instability was widely reported, with 79.1% experiencing income loss and 71.8% reporting difficulty managing expenses. Nutritional insecurity affected 63.4% of participants, with marked dietary changes and weight fluctuations. Social disruption included inability to meet friends (42%) and stigma (35.1%). Psychological distress was substantial, with 40% reporting stress and anxiety and only 15% accessing counseling services. Child-related educational disruption was prominent, including learning difficulties (46.1%) and academic disruption (44.8%). Preventive health gaps were evident, with 45.7% reporting need for COVID-19 awareness and 41–42% reporting insufficient information on treatment and complications. Healthcare access was disrupted, including missed follow-ups (32.4%) and delayed care. Qualitative findings reinforced quantitative results, highlighting compromised childcare, economic hardship, healthcare delays, psychological distress, and informational gaps. Integrated analysis demonstrated convergence across childcare and education, mental health, financial instability, healthcare access, and preventive awareness as key unmet needs. The study concludes that COVID-19 generated interconnected multidimensional unmet needs, highlighting the need for integrated, equity-focused health system strengthening. Findings emphasize the importance of community-based nursing, improved risk communication, continuity of care, and multisectoral coordination in future public health emergencies.
Source: COVID
DOI: 10.3390/covid6110191
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W7160329988