Individuals’ positive gains from the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study across 30 countries

Li, Jiaying and Davidson, Patricia M and Fong, Daniel Yee Tak and Li, Yaqin and Lok, Kris Yuet Wan and Wong, Janet Yuen Ha and Ho, Mandy Man and Choi, Edmond Pui Hang and Pandian, Vinciya and Duan, Wenjie and Tarrant, Marie and Lee, Jung Jae and Lin, Chia-Chin and Akingbade, Oluwadamilare and Alabdulwahhab, Khalid M and Ahmad, Mohammad Shakil and Alboraie, Mohamed and Alzahrani, Meshari A and Bilimale, Anil S and Boonpatcharanon, Sawitree and Byiringiro, Samuel and Che Hasan, Muhammad Kamil and Schettini, Luisa Clausi and Corzo, Walter and De Leon, Josephine M and De Leon, Anjanette S and Deek, Hiba and Efficace, Fabio and Nayal, Mayssah A El and El-Raey, Fathiya and Ensaldo-Carrasco, Eduardo and Escotorin, Pilar and Fadodun, Oluwadamilola Agnes and Fawole, Israel Opeyemi and Goh, Yong-Shian Shawn and Irawan, Devi and Khan, Naimah Ebrahim and Koirala, Binu and Krishna, Ashish and Kwok, Cannas and Le, Tung Thanh and Leal, Daniela Giambruno and Lezana-Fernández, Miguel Ángel and Manirambona, Emery and Mantoani, Leandro Cruz and Meneses-González, Fernando and Mohamed, Iman Elmahdi and Mukeshimana, Madeleine and Nguyen, Chinh Thi Minh and Nguyen, Huong Thi Thanh and Nguyen, Khanh Thi and Nguyen, Son Truong and Nurumal, Mohd Said and Nzabonimana, Aimable and Omer, Nagla Abdelrahim Mohamed Ahmed and Ogungbe, Oluwabunmi and Poon, Angela Chiu Yin and Reséndiz-Rodriguez, Areli and Puang-Ngern, Busayasachee and Sagun, Ceryl G and Shaik, Riyaz Ahmed and Shankar, Nikhil Gauri and Sommer, Kathrin and Toro, Edgardo and Tran, Hanh Thi Hong and Urgel, Elvira L and Uwiringiyimana, Emmanuel and Vanichbuncha, Tita and Youssef, Naglaa (2025) Individuals’ positive gains from the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study across 30 countries. Journal of Global Health, 15. pp. 1-22. ISSN 2047-2978 E-ISSN 2047-2986

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Abstract

Background: Given the limited understanding of individuals' positive gains, this study aimed to identify these gains that could be leveraged by policymakers to enhance future health and societal resilience. Methods: We used a global qualitative approach to survey adults over 18 from 30 countries across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions, who detailed up to three personal positive gains from COVID-19 pandemic via an open-ended question. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to identify main themes, and quantitative methods were used for demographic and regional comparisons based on the percentage of responses for each theme. Results: From 35 911 valid responses provided by 13 853 participants, six main themes (one negative theme), 39 subthemes, and 673 codes were identified. Five positive gain themes emerged, ordered by response frequency: 1) improved health awareness and practices; 2) strengthened social bonds and trust; 3) multi-dimensional personal growth; 4) resilience and preparedness building; 5) accelerated digital transformation. The percentage of responses under these themes consistently appeared in the same order across various demographic groups and economic development levels. However, there were variations in the predominant theme across WHO regions and countries, with either Theme 1, Theme 2, or Theme 3 having the highest percentage of responses. Although our study primarily focused on positive gains, unexpectedly, 12% of responses (4304) revealed 'negative gains', leading to an unforeseen theme: 'Distrust and emerging vulnerabilities.' While this deviates from our main topic, we retained it as it provides valuable insights. Notably, these 'negative gains' had a higher percentage of responses in areas like Burundi (94.1%), Rwanda (31.8%), Canada (26.9%), and in the African Region (37.7%) and low-income (43.9%) countries, as well as among non-binary individuals, those with lower education, and those facing employment challenges. Conclusions: Globally, the identified diverse positive gains guide the domains in which health policies and practices can transform these transient benefits into enduring improvements for a healthier, more resilient society. However, variations in thematic responses across demographics, countries, and regions highlights need for tailored health strategies.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	5711/119740
Uncontrolled Keywords:	global; across-country comparisons
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RT Nursing
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2025 14:42
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2025 15:58
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/119740

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