The Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Lockdown: Qualitative Study from a Rural Area in Trichy, India

Abstract

Introduction: Different countries had taken several measures to control the spread of COVID-19. India, being a developing country with a huge population had taken several steps, of which the nationwide lockdown was a major initiative during the start of pandemic in April 2000. Though the main objective was to protect the health and save lives, lockdown itself may have various unintended consequences. Since it was first lockdown of its kind, a qualitative study was undertaken to provide a better understanding of its impact. Objectives: To explore the unintended consequences of COVID-19 lockdown among a rural population in Trichy, India. Methods and Material: A qualitative study comprising of in-depth interviews was done using descriptive (transcendental) phenomenology, between May-June 2020. Interviews were conducted till data saturation occurred. A total of 23 individuals were included and analysis was done. Results: Financial issues and difficulty in buying daily items were the negative study findings but we have also identified several positive impact of the lockdown such has spending more time with family, getting to know the neighbors better, switching over to healthy diet and realizing ones purpose of life. Conclusions: Findings of this study will help all stakeholders in understanding the behavior and psychology of individual residing in a rural area towards lockdown. Analysis of findings from such studies need to be done while implementing lockdown if needed in future to reduce the unintended consequences.