Coping Strategies Adopted by Families during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Nsukka Urban Area, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the coping strategies adopted by families during COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown in Nsukka urban of Enugu state, Nigeria. The design adopted in this study was descriptive survey design. The study was carried out in Nsukka Urban of Enugu state, which covered three communities (Nkpunano, Nru and Ihe-Owerre). Population of study comprised of 417,700 families from the three communities in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state. A sample size of 399 families (133 from each of the three communities) was drawn using proportionate stratified random sampling technique with the aid of Taro Yamane's formula. The study findings indicate that families in Nsukka urban were into making of local nose mask during the COVID‐19 lockdown (= 3.94, SD = 1.26). The study further revealed that families were also using money from saved family income as a means of survival during this period (= 3.94, SD = 1.26). the findings also shows that the families most observed safety measure during COVID‐19 lockdown is regular washing of hands with soap and water and cleaning of hands with hand sanitizer; they also cover their nose with mask (= 3.94, SD = 1.26). This study will help enlighten families, states and the country at large on ways people adopt in order to acquire skills, save money for unforeseen circumstances, and also adhere to COVID‐19 safety measures such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, cleaning hands with hand sanitizer and also cover their nose with face masks.