Exploring the Knowledge, Perception, and Coping Strategies of Rural Communities During the Pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: COVID-19 was a global health disaster with social, cultural, and psychological effects. Rural Bangladeshis faced distinct obstacles owing to poor healthcare, digital infrastructure, and scientific knowledge. This study examines rural populations' knowledge, perception, and coping methods during the COVID-19 epidemic, emphasizing culturally embedded interpretations and regionally anchored reactions. This study also shows how rural populations understood the pandemic, sought health information, and managed preventative behaviors and emotional resilience. In Gojaharpur village, Mymensingh District, qualitative data were obtained using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and field observations. Selecting 24 students, housewives, health professionals, professors, and religious leaders was intentional. We utilized NVivo to explore how rural people learn about and use knowledge systems according to social, economic, and environmental aspects. The results demonstrate that political, social, religious, environmental, and scientific attitudes influenced COVID-19 perceptions. Some believed an unstable environment, divine wrath, or a political plot caused the epidemic. Others supported biological explanations. People dealt with stress by modifying their diets and hygiene, doing spiritual rituals, employing traditionalmedicine, and lying. Public health initiatives must incorporate varied cultures, trustworthy community members, local knowledge systems, and religious practices, according to the research. The study emphasizes rural voices and local opinions. This will improve public health emergency response awareness and participation.
Authors: Monir Hossen, Sohura Akter Mukta
Institution: Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127056003