Social Distancing in Rural Andhra Pradesh – Practice among Healthcare workers and their Perception about General Public

A Mixed-method Study

Abstract

Introduction: India has been affected by COVID – 19 pandemic and Andhra Pradesh is one of the badly affected states. Social distancing is a key non-pharmacological intervention advised to contain the pandemic. The onus of sensitizing the rural population about it lies on health workers. Objectives: To study the voluntary practice of social distancing among health workers in rural areas. To understand their perception of how the general public is following it during various stages of pandemic. Settings and Design: This is a mixed-methods cross-sectional study conducted in the rural areas of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. Material and Methods: The participants included teachers, ASHAs, village volunteers and doctors, from rural areas of Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The quantitative component involves a scale designed and validated to assess the practice of participants. The perception of participants regarding general public was observed by In-Depth Interviews. The interviews were conducted under four domains. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to see the difference in social distancing scores between different groups of study participants. Results: The scores of social distancing indicate the participants have voluntarily reduced going out during the pre-lockdown period. It was observed that the general public did not follow social distancing before imposition of lockdown. Good compliance was reported during lockdown period, but more due to fear of police. Conclusion: This experience should teach us to ensure financial stability for unorganized classes during crises, and educate the youth about importance of infection transmission. Key messages: The rural health workers understand well the magnitude of the pandemic and importance of social distancing. The social distancing among rural public was unsatisfactory until the imposition of lockdown. Due to sufficient sensitization and stringent enforcement, the lockdown has served its purpose, with some lapses. This pandemic has given hopes and lessons for our nation to ready itself for similar battles in future.