Kimberley Choi1, Namratha Giridharan1, Abigail Cartmell1, Dominique Lum1, Louise Signal1, Viliami Puloka1, Rose Crossin2, Lesley Gray3, Cheryl Davies4, Michael Baker1, Amanda Kvalsvig1. 1. Health, Environment & Infection Research Unit (HEIRU), Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. 2. Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. 3. Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, New Zealand. 4. Health, Environment & Infection Research Unit (HEIRU), Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust, 7-9 Barnes Street, Seaview, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract
AIM: This research explores the experience of low-income New Zealanders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and their advice to the Government about addressing future pandemics. New Zealand had a rapid and effective lockdown that meant the virtual elimination of community transmission. METHOD: Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were undertaken with low-income people in June-July 2020 immediately after lockdown was lifted. RESULTS: Life during lockdown was challenging for study participants. They were fearful of the virus and experienced mental distress and isolation. Most participants felt safe at home and reported coping financially while still experiencing financial stress. Participants were resourceful and resilient. They coped with lockdown by using technology, self-help techniques and support from others. New Zealand's welfare state ensured participants had access to health services and welfare payments, but there were challenges. Welfare payments did not fully meet participants' needs, and support from charitable organisations was critical. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the Government's response and advised the Government to take the same approach in the future. This is a particularly reassuring finding from some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders. CONCLUSIONS: An early and hard lockdown, the welfare state, compassion and clearly communicated leadership were keys to a successful lockdown for the low-income people in this study. Research of the experience of low-income people during pandemics is critical to ensuring inequities in pandemic impact are mitigated.
AIM: This research explores the experience of low-income New Zealanders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and their advice to the Government about addressing future pandemics. New Zealand had a rapid and effective lockdown that meant the virtual elimination of community transmission. METHOD: Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were undertaken with low-income people in June-July 2020 immediately after lockdown was lifted. RESULTS: Life during lockdown was challenging for study participants. They were fearful of the virus and experienced mental distress and isolation. Most participants felt safe at home and reported coping financially while still experiencing financial stress. Participants were resourceful and resilient. They coped with lockdown by using technology, self-help techniques and support from others. New Zealand's welfare state ensured participants had access to health services and welfare payments, but there were challenges. Welfare payments did not fully meet participants' needs, and support from charitable organisations was critical. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the Government's response and advised the Government to take the same approach in the future. This is a particularly reassuring finding from some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders. CONCLUSIONS: An early and hard lockdown, the welfare state, compassion and clearly communicated leadership were keys to a successful lockdown for the low-income people in this study. Research of the experience of low-income people during pandemics is critical to ensuring inequities in pandemic impact are mitigated.
Authors: Cheryl Davies; Carmen Timu-Parata; Jeannine Stairmand; Bridget Robson; Amanda Kvalsvig; Dominique Lum; Virginia Signal Journal: Int J Equity Health Date: 2022-05-17
Authors: Jim Smith; Finn Whittington; Charlotte Ackermann; Regan Clarke; Georgia Hoten-Walker; Yezen Kubba; Chin Low; Karina Partridge; Chris Wang; John D Dockerty; Linda Robertson; Leigh Hale; Debra L Waters Journal: Australas J Ageing Date: 2022-02-04 Impact factor: 1.876