Status and view toward COVID-19 and mental health among vulnerable group: A cross-sectional rapid survey among rickshaw pullers of Bangladesh

Md Mostafizur Rahman, PhD; Abir Mohd Shakib Shahide, BSS; Mohammad Ashikul Islam Redoy; Farzana Rahman, PhD; Md Moshiur Rahman, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.0691

Authors

Md Mostafizur Rahman, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0732-9437
Abir Mohd Shakib Shahide, BSS https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1492-3810
Mohammad Ashikul Islam Redoy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2195-8969
Farzana Rahman, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7512-2745
Md Moshiur Rahman, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8319-395X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0691

Keywords:

COVID-19, informal settlement, Dhaka city, rickshaw pullers, vaccination

Abstract

Bangladesh has experienced the hardest coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact on the socioeconomic sector. The underprivileged group, rickshaw pullers, faced extreme situations due to the pandemic. This rapid cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 rickshaw pullers of Dhaka city. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey was carried out to evaluate their view and COVID-19 response level. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Statistical analyses such as Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U tests, Spearman’s rank correlation, the linear regression model, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were performed where appropriate. The majority of them rated the high impact of COVID-19 on their income and mental health. Age, living with family, accommodation type, income, and COVID-19 infection history were found as associating factors with these impacts. A large number of the study population demonstrated low knowledge level (42.63 percent), moderate attitude level (57.37 percent), and moderate practice level (58.95 percent) toward COVID-19 and the vaccination. Positive attitude could reduce their mental health concern due to the pandemic. The study population mostly used their surrounding people as the main source of COVID-19 information. However, digital media have played a crucial role to disseminate authentic information. Ensuring better socioeconomic conditions can help these highly vulnerable people to be effectively prepared and respond against the pandemic.

Author Biographies

Md Mostafizur Rahman, PhD

Department of Disaster and Human Security Management, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abir Mohd Shakib Shahide, BSS

Department of Disaster and Human Security Management, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Mohammad Ashikul Islam Redoy

Department of Disaster and Human Security Management, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Farzana Rahman, PhD

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Md Moshiur Rahman, PhD

Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh; University of California, Davis, California

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