Jharkhand survey shows support for lockdown

RANCHI: The Jharkhand government has conducted an online survey on Covid-19 in order to gauge the attitude of citizens towards the measures taken by the state and to identify the areas of concern. More than 4,000 persons from across the state participated in the survey. The survey also listed the socio-economic status and the age of the respondents, among others.
The online survey was conducted between April 10 and 30, by Dr Arpita Rai and Dr Nishant of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims).The survey had a total of 26 questions.
As per the findings of the survey, most of the responders were aware of the basic information pertaining to Covid-19. A majority also supported the measures undertaken by the government, including the enforcement of lockdown, to check the spread of the virus. The respondents, however, seemed to be somewhat confused about certain issues like the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.
Talking to TOI, Rai said: “Approximately 2.5% of the total respondents were confused about the main symptoms of Covid-19 and those of the common flu. Also, nearly 25% did not know that the elderly were more susceptible to Covid-19. About one-third had no idea that the virus could spread through close contact. But on the other hand, 90% said that they support the government’s decision to impose lockdown. Sadly, one-fourth of those surveyed are not using the Aarogya Setu app.”
Arpita said the above findings highlight that people know about the pandemic and they even trust the state’s measures on controlling the infection, but they need to have a better understanding of the ways to check the spread of the infection. “Among the respondents, 98% said they are using masks but most had little idea about the desirable concentration of alcohol in sanitizers. People also did not know when one should visit a screening facility,” Arpita added.
The survey also took note of the socio-economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown. “The working population is worried about losing its financial security due to the economic slowdown across the world, whereas senior citizens said that if they get the novel coronavirus, then they will have to face social stigma,” Dr Nishant said.
The state has decided to design IEC material on coronavirus based on the findings of the survey.
State health secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni said: “The very motive behind conducting the survey was to design appropriate IEC material on Covid-19 so that it can help us address the areas of concern in our fight against the disease. We cannot defeat coronavirus without the support of the community.”