Percepção acerca das dificuldades e de aspetos positivos associados à primeira fase de confinamento por COVID-19 : estudo qualitativo

Abstract

The emergence of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) had a large-scale impact around the world and led to the emergence of containment measures, including mandatory confinement. In Portugal, confinement began on March 18, 2020, restricting the population's rights to freedom of free movement. Several studies have demonstrated the negative impact of COVID-19 and its measures on mental and physical health. However, few focused on population ideosyncratic experiences, and even less on their positive perceptions about confinement and the pandemic. Thus, this qualitative, cross sectional and exploratory study sought to identify the perceptions of Portuguese adults in relation to the difficulties faced at the beginning of the pandemic, but also their potential positive aspects and which values will help them most to face the adversities of it, than during the first confinement by COVID-19. A total of 435 adults participated in the study, of which 74.5% were women between 18 and 71 years of age (M = 40.8; SD = 11.6), who answered an online questionnaire, consisting of open-ended questions during the first phase. of confinement by COVID-19. The results, obtained through content analysis, showed advantages and positive aspects of confinement by COVID 19 such as availability, solidarity, personal development, environmental aspects and the appreciation of health. This study contributed to the understanding of positive and protective factors that allow population to inadequately deal with the malaise generated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	ANA FILIPA GORDINO BEATO (Supervisor)