Impact of fatalistic approaches in the health crisis: COVID-19 example

Abstract

BACKGROUND: When faced with a health crisis, most people tend to seek solutions through modern or traditional medicine. However, there is a group of people who tend to take a fatalistic approach to health crises and tend not to do what is necessary. When such approaches are exhibited in disadvantaged groups, there may be a chain reaction resulting in much more important problems. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether the fatalistic approach is realized during a health crisis period in people 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers who are considered disadvantaged. Researchers also examined whether there were sociodemographic characteristics that made a difference in these attitudes among those who were determined to have a fatalistic approach. METHODS: The research was conducted with a quantitative method. The sample calculation was performed and it was decided to reach 196 people. A self-report scale was used for fatalism. RESULTS: It was determined that the participants had a moderate level of fatalism. It was seen that there was a difference between the groups in terms of fatalistic behavior. It was observed that women, divorced people, people without alcohol and smoking habits, people who live alone, and people who think their health is poor tend to behave more fatalistic. CONCLUSION: The tendency to show fatalistic behavior was found to be higher in the group of 65 years and older. Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with fatalistic behavior.