Examining Long Term Psychological and Social Impacts of COVID-19 among Residents in Mulenga Hills, Kasama District, Zambia

Abstract

The study examined the long term psychological and social impacts of COVID-19 on the psychological and social behavior of residents of Mulenga Hills in Kasama District of Zambia. The pandemic, beyond its direct health implications, significantly disrupted mental wellbeing, social interactions, economic stability, and community life, creating widespread uncertainty and vulnerability among individuals and families. Many residents faced the dual challenge of protecting themselves from infection while coping with income loss, food insecurity, and reduced access to essential services. The study adopted a convergent design incorporating a mixed-methods approach. The target population consisted of adult residents (age ≥ 18 years) of Mulenga Hills, including both males and females who had lived in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and some selected health workers; giving a sample size of 124 participants. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires with both closed-ended and open-ended questions whereas qualitative data were collected through interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations whilst the qualitative data were analyzed thematically to identify common patterns, perceptions, and experiences of the participants. The findings revealed that fear of infection, economic challenges, job losses, and restrictions on movement contributed to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation. In addition, the study established that family dynamics were strained, social cohesion weakened, and coping mechanisms varied across households. The study concluded that the pandemic had profound psychological and social effects on the community and underscores the need for targeted interventions. Based on these findings, the study recommended the integration of community-based mental health programs into local health systems to provide continuous support and resilience-building among residents.