Qualitative Research CAUSES OF RESISTANCE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE WAKE OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN PAKISTAN. A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to understand the reasons for resistance or a casual approach among people of Lahore towards COVID-19 guidelines of social distancing.

Material and Methods:

An exploratory research design and qualitative research methodology was selected for this study based on the philosophical foundations of interpretivism. Fifteen participants living in Lahore who were aware of the preventive measures against COVID-19 in
general and social distancing were interviewed. Purposive sampling was utilized to short-list and approach the participants. The data collected, was analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's approach.

Results:

Through the qualitative data analysis, four major themes were derived, namely Knowledge about COVID-19 and Social Distancing, Role of socio-religious values; Role of Education; Nature of Work and attitudes toward social distancing.

Conclusion: The study concludes that most of the people were aware of the disease and adhered to SOPs about social distancing; however, a low literacy rate in certain segments of the population, preferring religious and cultural values and practices over SOPs, led some people to resist social distancing.