Serials - ސިލްސިލާ މަޖައްލާ
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Item Determinants of socioeconomic experiences during COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives(Research Development Office, The Maldives National University, 2020-12) Musthafa, Hawwa Shiuna; Riyaz, Aminath; Moosa, Sheena; Abdul Raheem, Raheema; Naeem, Aishath ZeenThis paper evaluates the individual experiences and perceptions of the public about the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives. The data was collected from a probability sample comprising 1026 respondents using an online survey. The results show that less than 1% of the respondents tested positive for COVID-19 at the time. The fear of the pandemic, in terms of probable health and economic impact, was significantly higher than the actual experience of the pandemic with 6.8 percent reporting loss of employment. Participants who considered religion as very important show a higher psychological wellbeing. Over 12% of the participants believed that the pandemic to be a hoax. The findings showed inclination of the people lay more towards solidarity rather than hostility during these trying times, with at least one third of the respondents identifying with complete solidarity. The findings provide suggestions for health practitioners to communicate more effectively with the public during the crisis.Item Risk communications in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic : the Maldives’ experience(Research Development Office, The Maldives National University, 2020-12) Usman, Thasleema; Moosa, SheenaRisk communication strategies and modalities are at the heart of the pandemic response containment and mitigation. As the pandemic unfolded across the world, a small island country like the Maldives in democratic transition and highly dependent on other economies perceived risks beyond that of health effects to the economic and political spheres. In this context, the multi-media approach adopted in communicating risks and response interventions were effective in building confidence in the national response towards transmission of COVID-19 specific knowledge and prevention behaviour. Despite best efforts, shortcomings were experienced in reaching vulnerable segments such as migrants and persons with disabilities. The prolonged pandemic demands re-focussing risk communication towards empowering institutions for providing low risk modalities for individuals returning to work and daily life with preventive behaviours.