Managing the pandemic crisis: population-based survey to assess state support measures

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global crisis of unprecedented scale, has profoundly affected societies worldwide, transcending political, economic, cultural, and social boundaries. Kazakhstan, like many countries in the world, faced multifaceted challenges stemming from the pandemic, which revealed vulnerabilities in its governance systems. This study explores the impact of the pandemic on income levels and employment in Kazakhstan and evaluates the effectiveness of government support measures in enhancing the population's well-being. Methodologically, the study employs a population survey conducted over two quarters in 2021, encompassing 7,475 respondents. The survey data were analyzed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analyses, the research is based on statistical estimations, correlation assessments, and visual representations. The results offer significant insights into the pandemic's effect on the income and employment levels of citizens and their assessment of the government's policy actions in Kazakhstan. A notable proportion of respondents reported an income decrease, while employment changes varied across regions and sectors. Furthermore, the study assesses the impact of government support measures, revealing a varied awareness of these measures among the population. The effectiveness of these measures in improving well-being is examined, highlighting the need for enhanced public awareness and implementation strategies. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into the socioeconomic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kazakhstan for evidence-based policymaking in the future.