A Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences and Well-Being of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Actors During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Público
Anderson, Colleen (Spring 2022)
Abstract
COVID-19 is impacting the mental health of individuals. The mental health impacts and side effects of the ongoing pandemic are already apparent in the general population. Initiatives have already started to address the psychological impacts felt across society, and more specifically in frontline workers. There has been limited research to identify mental health impacts among other workers engaged in COVID-19 response, like those in development, to ensure their well-being. More specifically, individuals working in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector have been designing and implementing hygiene related interventions, which is a critical role in prevention and adherence to COVID-19 protocols and recommendations. Yet, the specific impact COVID-19 is having on WASH sector actors is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the personal experiences and well-being of WASH actors around the globe as they have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From October 2020 to August 2021, in depth interviews over Zoom were conducted with 26 WASH actors working in 13 different countries to better understand and explore their lived experiences and well-being during the ongoing pandemic.
Participants experienced both negative and positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, they perceived COVID-19 protocols, such as isolation and quarantine measures, as a source of anxiety, but also reported feeling increased connection and purpose as a positive side effect of the pandemic. Factors such as previous job roles, personality traits, family, staying active, and adopting new hobbies influenced the personal perception of how COVID-19 impacted their lives.
Findings of this study provide context surrounding the personal impacts experienced during the ongoing pandemic by WASH actors. Findings highlighted that both positive and negative impacts have occurred during the ongoing pandemic. Lessons learned can be used to support the well-being of actors in the WASH sector, and may also inform the development sector at large.
Table of Contents
Acronym List
Chapter 1: Literature Review
Abstract 1
Onset of COVID-19 1
COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries 2
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and COVID Prevention 4
Water and Handwashing 5
Mask Wearing 6
Quarantine and Isolation 6
Impact of the Pandemic 7
Mental and Emotional Health 7
Healthcare Workers 9
Elderly 11
College Students 12
WASH Actors 13
Impacts of Prior Emergencies, Disasters, Pandemics on Mental Health 13
SARS 13
Ebola 15
Swine Flu 16
Natural Disasters 16
Conclusion 17
Chapter 2: Introduction 18
Chapter 3: Materials and Methods 20
Study Design 20
Participants Eligibility and Recruitment 20
Data Collection and Management 21
Data Analysis 22
Ethics 23
Chapter 4: Results 24
Negative Mental Health Impacts 24
Isolation/Loneliness 24
Anger/Frustration 25
Fear 26
Burnout 27
Positive Mental Health Impacts 28
Connectedness 28
Purpose 28
Factors Influencing COVID-19 Personal Impacts 29
Previous Job Roles 29
Personality 29
Family 30
Staying Active 31
New Hobbies 31
Chapter 5: Discussion 32
Chapter 6: Public Health Implications 35
References 36
About this Master's Thesis
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