Positive influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on community dwelling adults in Trinidad and Tobago: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background

Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic its negative effects have been highlighted globally. There is little literature that examines the positive impact on daily living.

Aims

To examine the positive influences of government-imposed COVID-19 public health restrictions on adults throughout Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and their associated factors.

Method

A cross-sectional study, using an adapted pretested online survey instrument, was conducted amongst non-institutionalised, community-dwelling adults using convenience sampling.

Results

Of 1287 completed and weighted responses, the mean age (S.D.) was 39.2 (14.6) years, 49% were males, and 61% completed secondary level education. The top 5 positive experiences were more time spent with family (80%), more down-time (78%), learning new skills (68%), more time for hobbies (66%), self-care (57%), more time spent with friends (55%) and eating healthier (50%). The importance of religion, working from home, and an increase in marijuana use emerged as positive correlates for certain positive experiences, while participants with chronic illness, and a positive anxiety or depression screen, were negatively associated with most positive experiences.

Conclusions

Despite the negative consequences of the COVID19 pandemic, several positives were highlighted in this study. These findings have implications for social policies toward building resilience within the community.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• pandemic
• mental health
• independent living
• community
• self-care
• exercise

Acknowledgments

Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Planning and Development, The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for providing detailed tabulations that were requested to facilitate the computation of weights to reflect key demographic characteristics of the population of Trinidad and Tobago.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no interests to declare.

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors