Perceptions of the current COVID situation and health, social and economic impact of the current scenario among a rural setting in Anuradhapura district

Abstract

Background Sri Lanka used a holistic approach with many stringent measures to successfully control COVID-19. The paper provides a snapshot of a rural farming community’s understanding of COVID-19 and their experiences in relation to the efforts of the Government.  Methods A cross-sectional study among 731 farming adults in the Anuradhapura District with data collected through telephone interviews. Results One-third were 41-50 years of age (37.1%). Almost all identified the symptoms of COVID-19 (97%-96.7%) and main modes of spread (87.2%-97.5%) but the possibility of transmission by asymptomatic persons was less known (51.7%). A great majority (95%-98.8%) accurately identified the main methods of preventing COVID-19.  The most prevalent myths were consuming alcohol to prevent COVID-19 (84.5%) and children/young adults not being susceptible (83.6%). Television was the commonest source of information (96%). Social media was not popular. Two-thirds (66.2%) with non-communicable disease received medications delivered to their home during locked-down periods. No participant (0%) reported food shortages and primary/secondary school education had continued through print material delivered to homes.  One-third (35.2 %) were financially worse off and three-fourths (75.8%) were not able to continue farming activities due to lack of pesticides/insecticides (36.7%) and fertilizers (39.4%). Conclusions This rural farming community demonstrated a good understanding of COVID-19 and their experiences related to accessing essential health services were fair