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Understanding the Response of Canadians to the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Kübler-Ross Model: Twitter Data Analysis
Ruth G Abebe1, Schwab Bakombo1, Anne T M Konkle1,2,3
1Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020, which led to the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions that had inadvertent physical, mental and social effects. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the experiences and responses of Canadians to these interventions on Twitter using the Kübler-Ross Change Curve (KRCC) during the first six months of the pandemic. Tweets were analyzed using sentiment analysis, thematic content analysis and KRCC. The findings highlight that many Canadians attempted to adapt to the changes but had a predominantly negative outlook on policies due to the financial and social repercussions.
Insights
Canadians experienced significant negative impacts from COVID-19 interventions, with financial and social repercussions leading to a predominantly negative outlook despite adaptation efforts. This study analyzed Twitter data to understand these responses.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Digital Communication
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).
- These NPIs had significant, often unintended, physical, mental, and social consequences for the population.
- Understanding public response to these societal shifts is crucial for public health policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Canadian experiences and responses to COVID-19 interventions.
- To analyze public sentiment and adaptation using Twitter data.
- To apply the Kübler-Ross Change Curve (KRCC) framework to understand pandemic-related emotional trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing Canadian Twitter data from the first six months of the pandemic.
- Utilized sentiment analysis and thematic content analysis.
- Applied the Kübler-Ross Change Curve (KRCC) to categorize and interpret tweet content.
Main Results:
- Canadians demonstrated attempts to adapt to the imposed changes.
- A predominantly negative sentiment towards policies was observed.
- Financial and social repercussions were key drivers of negative public outlook.
Conclusions:
- Public response to COVID-19 interventions was complex, marked by adaptation challenges.
- Social media, like Twitter, provides valuable insights into public sentiment during health crises.
- Policy implications include addressing the financial and social impacts of public health measures.
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