Health, Environment & Infection Research Unit (HEIRU), Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
Department of Population Health, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
N Z Med J. 2021 Jul 9;134(1538):52-67.
This research explores the experience of low-income New Zealanders during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and their advice to the Government about addressing future pandemics. New Zealand had a rapid and effective lockdown that meant the virtual elimination of community transmission.
Twenty-seven semi-structured interviews were undertaken with low-income people in June-July 2020 immediately after lockdown was lifted.
Life during lockdown was challenging for study participants. They were fearful of the virus and experienced mental distress and isolation. Most participants felt safe at home and reported coping financially while still experiencing financial stress. Participants were resourceful and resilient. They coped with lockdown by using technology, self-help techniques and support from others. New Zealand's welfare state ensured participants had access to health services and welfare payments, but there were challenges. Welfare payments did not fully meet participants' needs, and support from charitable organisations was critical. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the Government's response and advised the Government to take the same approach in the future. This is a particularly reassuring finding from some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders.
An early and hard lockdown, the welfare state, compassion and clearly communicated leadership were keys to a successful lockdown for the low-income people in this study. Research of the experience of low-income people during pandemics is critical to ensuring inequities in pandemic impact are mitigated.
本研究探讨了新西兰低收入人群在 COVID-19 大流行封锁期间的经历，以及他们对政府应对未来大流行的建议。新西兰实施了快速有效的封锁措施，意味着社区传播基本被消除。
2020 年 6 月至 7 月，在封锁解除后不久，对 27 名低收入人群进行了半结构化访谈。
对研究参与者来说，封锁期间的生活充满挑战。他们对病毒感到恐惧，经历了精神困扰和孤立。大多数参与者在家感到安全，并报告说在经济上有应对能力，尽管仍面临经济压力。参与者富有创造力和韧性。他们通过使用技术、自助技巧和他人的支持来应对封锁。新西兰的福利国家确保参与者能够获得医疗服务和福利金，但也存在一些挑战。福利金不能完全满足参与者的需求，慈善组织的支持至关重要。参与者对政府的反应非常积极，并建议政府在未来采取同样的方法。对于来自新西兰最弱势群体的一些人来说，这是一个特别令人安心的发现。
本研究中的低收入人群认为，早期且严格的封锁、福利国家、同情心和清晰传达的领导是封锁成功的关键。研究贫困人口在大流行期间的经历对于减轻大流行影响的不平等至关重要。
