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How Did People with Functional Disability Experience the First COVID-19 Lockdown? A Thematic Analysis of YouTube
Karen A E Hall1, Blanca Deusdad1, Manuel D'Hers Del Pozo1
1Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Rovira I Virgili University, 43003 Tarragona, Spain.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 9, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 lockdown intensified barriers for people with functional disabilities, highlighting issues in healthcare access, social isolation, and mental health. Peer support emerged as a crucial coping mechanism during this period.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Disability Studies
Background:
- People with functional disabilities face significant barriers to services and social participation.
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these existing inequalities and discrimination worldwide.
- Understanding the lived experiences of this population during the pandemic is crucial for improving support systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the experiences of individuals with functional disabilities during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- To identify key challenges and support mechanisms discussed in online comments related to functional disability and COVID-19.
- To assess the adequacy of societal and legal responses to the pandemic's impact on this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of the first 100 comments on a VICE YouTube video about functional disability and COVID-19.
- Comments were collected during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period (Spring 2020).
- Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and experiences.
Main Results:
- Four major themes emerged: lack of access to care and services, increased isolation and lifestyle changes, negative mental health consequences, and the importance of peer support.
- The pandemic highlighted deficiencies in healthcare and social support systems.
- Online comments revealed significant challenges faced by individuals with functional disabilities.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the inadequacy of care systems and legal protections for people with functional disabilities.
- Enhanced social protection policies and accessible healthcare services are urgently needed.
- Online platforms can serve as spaces for sharing experiences and fostering peer support among vulnerable populations.
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