The Role of Community in Managing Crisis of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60072/ijeissah.2024.v2i02.002Abstract
This study aimed to explore the roles of the community in managing the covid-19 crisis in the Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. To achieve this, we employed a qualitative phenomenological research design. This, in turn, helped us conduct in-depth and key informant interviews and FGDs. The study participants were community members of the towns, health workers/COVID-19 task forces, religious leaders, experts from government sectors and Non-government Organizations (NGOs), resourceful community members and workers of Jimma Emergency Operation Center, and staff of the Jimma University Institute of Health. By determining their size using the data saturation point method, we selected 17 participants. Two FGDs were conducted with six participants in each group. data were then analyzed thematically. We used data sources and method triangulations to enhance the credibility of the findings. The findings of this study revealed the covid-19 crisis has brought psychosocial, economic, and spiritual problems to the community. In particular, individuals with low incomes, sectors with serious human interactions, urban dwellers, and vulnerable groups suffered significantly during the pandemic. In response to the pandemic, the community employed various methods, both formal and informal. Challenges such as misconceptions, inadequate protocol implementation, and resource shortages hindered their efforts. Nevertheless, the community tackled these obstacles through two approaches: adopting WHO-recommended precautions and utilizing traditional social support systems. Consequently, collective endeavors are imperative from the community and stakeholders to promote awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures effectively.
Keywords:
COVID-19, Crisis, Managing, Community, Jimma, EthiopiaReferences
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