The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Eugene Koh Boon Yau, Nicholas Pang Tze Ping, Wendy Diana Shoesmith, Sandi James, Noor Melissa Nor Hadi, Jiann Lin Loo


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.5

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has elicited diverse behavioral responses among the Malaysian population, including panic buying, mass travel during movement restrictions, and evasion of treatment facilities. This article seeks to analyze these behavior changes from a behaviorist perspective, aiming to understand the psychological underpinnings driving them. The onset of COVID-19 in Malaysia marked significant psychological shifts among individuals as they navigated their fears and anxieties in the face of a growing health crisis.

The Role of Fear in Behavioral Changes

One critical concept explored in this article is the relationship between fear and behavioral response—specifically how fear of illness and death triggers various coping mechanisms. Individuals often use denial as a psychological strategy to cope with overwhelming emotions or perceived dangers, which can manifest as refusal to acknowledge symptoms or seek testing for COVID-19. Additionally, behaviors such as panic buying—particularly commodities like toilet paper—highlight how collective anxiety may lead individuals to act irrationally in an attempt to mitigate perceived threats. The article suggests that safety-seeking behaviors, including returning to one's hometown for comfort, demonstrate the profound impact of familial attachment and familiar environments on decision-making during crises.

Conclusion

The behavioral responses of Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic reflect complex interactions between individual fears, societal influences, and evolutionary psychology. While some behaviors may seem maladaptive or irrational, they can be understood within the context of fear-driven instincts aimed at self-preservation. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing the psychological state of individuals in crisis situations, suggesting that future research and interventions should focus on understanding these behavior changes to improve public health responses in similar emergencies. By fostering awareness of these influences, it may be possible to guide more adaptive behaviors and mitigate negative psychological impacts during pandemics.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What behavior changes did Malaysians show during COVID-19 pandemic?

Malaysians displayed panic buying, mass traveling despite restrictions, and some absconded from treatment facilities as coping mechanisms in response to the pandemic's uncertainties.

How does behaviorism explain changes in behavior during crises?

Behaviorism posits that actions and emotions are driven by learned associations. In crises, individuals react based on their personal networks of thoughts and associations regarding illness and death.

What role did religion play during the pandemic in Malaysia?

Religion served as a source of information and guidance, providing explanations for the pandemic’s events and helping individuals cope with uncertainty through faith and community support.

How did discrimination manifest during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Discrimination arose from stigma associated with COVID-19, affecting not just infected individuals but also healthcare workers. This led to social ostracism, denial of services, and increased mental health issues.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Death:
Death represents the ultimate loss and is a central concept in understanding human behavior, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The fear of death drives individuals to alter their behaviors to avoid illness and seek safety, influencing decisions related to health and safety protocols worldwide.

2) Fear:
Fear is a powerful emotional response to perceived threats, especially in the context of a pandemic. In the article, fear influences behaviors such as panic buying and non-compliance with health recommendations. This response can lead to maladaptive behaviors as individuals try to manage their anxiety about potential illness.

3) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common psychological reaction during crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic. It manifests in behaviors such as avoidance, excessive precautionary measures, and hoarding supplies. Understanding anxiety's role can help develop strategies to support mental health and promote more adaptive coping mechanisms among affected individuals.

4) Study (Studying):
The term study refers to systematic investigations intended to analyze and understand human behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through research, insights into coping strategies, public responses to health initiatives, and psychological impacts can be gained, enabling policymakers and health professionals to improve interventions and communication strategies effectively.

5) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased stress, anxiety, and social stigma can lead to deteriorating mental health. The article highlights the need for effective psychological interventions to support individuals as they navigate uncertainties related to illness and restrictions.

6) Cina:
China is significant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as the location where the virus was first identified. The global spread initiated health crises worldwide, prompting governments, including Malaysia's, to respond to combat infection. Understanding initial responses in China is crucial for learning and improving future health management strategies.

7) Gathering:
Gatherings represent social interactions where individuals come together, which can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. The article discusses a particular religious mass gathering in Malaysia that contributed to a significant surge in cases, highlighting the struggles of balancing social practices with public health safety.

8) Epidemic:
An epidemic signifies a rapid increase in the number of cases of a disease within a population. The COVID-19 epidemic has profoundly impacted societies, prompting behavior changes, community responses, and governmental interventions. Understanding the dynamics of an epidemic facilitates better preparedness for future outbreaks and effective public health strategies.

9) Viru:
Viru relates to the context of viral infections like COVID-19, underscoring the biological aspect of the pandemic. Recognition of the viral threat prompts individuals to adopt preventive measures, reflecting how perceived risks from viruses shape behavior change, compliance with health guidelines, and the prioritization of public health interventions.

10) Family:
Family relationships often serve as sources of support and comfort during crises. The article notes that individuals may resort to visiting family members to find security in familiarity. Understanding family dynamics during the pandemic can shed light on collective behavior and emotional strategies employed in response to external threats.

11) Hand:
The hand symbolizes interaction and communication, which have changed significantly during the pandemic. Social distancing and hygiene protocols, such as frequent handwashing, were emphasized to mitigate the virus's spread. This demonstrates how behavioral changes regarding physical interaction are crucial in controlling infectious disease transmission.

12) Life:
Life represents the existential stakes during a pandemic, where individuals are concerned about their health and survival. COVID-19's impact prompted significant behavioral responses as people attempted to preserve life through various measures, such as isolating and avoiding contact, showing how deeply interconnected health and daily living are.

13) Perception:
Perception influences how individuals interpret and react to risks posed by COVID-19. Variations in public perception, driven by misinformation or social influence, affect compliance with health measures. Understanding perception's role can assist in crafting effective public health messaging to foster appropriate community responses to health crises.

14) Medicine:
Medicine plays a critical role during the pandemic, focusing on the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The article indicates how healthcare providers and the systems they operate within are pivotal for managing public health crises, underscoring the importance of continual medical research and innovation in overcoming health threats.

15) Teaching:
Teaching refers to the dissemination of knowledge, particularly in the context of public health education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective teaching strategies can empower individuals to understand risks better and adopt health-promoting behaviors. The role of education is crucial in shaping public responses to health emergencies.

16) Disease:
Disease signifies the underlying health threat during the pandemic, encapsulating the severity of infections like COVID-19. Understanding disease dynamics influences public health strategies, individual behaviors, and community responses to crises. The article emphasizes the psychological impact of disease and the importance of addressing health collectively.

17) Reason:
Reason denotes the cognitive processes involved in decision-making during crises. Understanding the rationale behind behavioral changes provides insight into human conduct amidst health threats. The article explores how reason influences choices to comply with public health directives while also navigating fear and anxiety in uncertain situations.

18) Banda (Bamda):
Banda represents a geographical location, significant in studying community responses to disasters. Understanding local contexts, such as Banda's reaction during health crises, contributes to a broader understanding of behavioral changes during pandemics, pointing to the interaction between cultural values and public health strategies.

19) Food:
Food plays a critical role in shaping behaviors during the pandemic, influencing decisions like panic buying. During crises, individuals often rationalize stocking up on food supplies as a protective measure against potential scarcity, revealing underlying fears and the need to maintain a sense of security and normalcy.

20) Post:
Post refers to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where behavioral and psychological impacts may linger. Strategies for recovery, mental health support, and addressing social stigma will be crucial as communities navigate the long-term effects of the pandemic experience on individuals and society as a whole.

21) Ter:
Ther is likely a truncated form of 'therapy' or 'therapeutic', relating to interventions aimed at providing psychological support during crises. This notion is vital in addressing mental health challenges arising from the pandemic and can guide the development of supportive frameworks to help individuals cope more effectively.

22) Announcement:
Announcement refers to the communication of vital information, particularly regarding public health measures during the pandemic. Clear, timely announcements regarding health protocols are essential to guide public behavior and ensure community compliance with necessary restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.

23) Surrounding:
Surrounding elements denote the environmental and social contexts affecting individual behaviors during the pandemic. Factors such as community norms and the influence of social networks shape reactions to health guidelines, emphasizing the interplay between personal choices and societal expectations in addressing public health challenges.

24) Developing:
Developing highlights the ongoing nature of psychological and social adjustments during the pandemic. It underscores the need for adaptive strategies as individuals respond to evolving health situations, encouraging resilience and promoting interventions that support mental well-being amid the challenges of a public health crisis.

25) Depression:
Depression signifies a serious mental health concern that may arise due to the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. Understanding its prevalence encourages the implementation of supportive interventions targeting mental well-being, recognizing the need for comprehensive mental health care in response to the widespread emotional impact of COVID-19.

26) Science (Scientific):
Science underpins the understanding of COVID-19, shaping responses through research and innovation. The role of science in the pandemic context emphasizes the need for accurate information and effective public health strategies, reflecting on how scientific advances contribute to collective safety and understanding during health crises.

27) Substance:
Substance usage may fluctuate during crises as individuals cope with stress and anxiety. Recognizing increased rates of substance use disorders during the pandemic necessitates targeted interventions to address underlying issues and promote healthier coping mechanisms that support individual mental health and community well-being.

28) Suffering:
Suffering captures the emotional and physical toll of the pandemic on individuals and communities. Acknowledging the collective suffering experienced can shape empathetic responses, reinforce the need for community support, and highlight the critical importance of mental health interventions in healing from the distressing effects of the crisis.

29) Relative:
Relative factors encompass the relationship dynamics and emotional responses that may arise during crises. The roles of family and social networks in providing support often become more pronounced in times of distress, highlighting the importance of relational context in shaping individual resilience and coping strategies.

30) Channel:
Channel indicates the pathways of communication that disseminate crucial information during emergencies. Effective channels for sharing public health messages ensure community awareness and compliance with safety measures, illustrating the importance of clear communication in guiding public behavior during times of crisis.

31) Dealing:
Dealing refers to the coping mechanisms individuals adopt when confronted with stress and uncertainty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding how people deal with challenges can inform support systems and contribute to developing strategies that promote resilience and mental health recovery in affected populations.

32) Mineral:
Mineral resources, particularly water, represent essential supplies often hoarded during crises. The need for mineral water and other essentials highlights the human instinct for self-preservation, emphasizing the importance of access to basic resources and the psychological aspects of collective behavior in times of uncertainty.

33) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worried encapsulates the emotional state of individuals faced with threats to health and safety. The anxiety driven by the pandemic can lead to various behavioral changes, stressing the need for mental health resources to address excessive worry and foster adaptive coping mechanisms among affected populations.

34) Police:
Police presence is a crucial component in enforcing public safety measures during crises like COVID-19. Their role in ensuring compliance with movement restrictions and health directives underscores the intersection between law enforcement and public health, shaping community responses to health mandates and social responsibility.

35) Water:
Water symbolizes a fundamental human necessity that came under analysis during the pandemic. As panic buying ensued, access to clean drinking water became critical. This highlights how crises impact the availability and distribution of resources, stressing the importance of community support in ensuring basic needs are met.

36) Grief:
Grief encompasses the emotional response to loss, intensified during the pandemic due to illness and death. Acknowledging grief's impact on mental health encourages the development of supportive interventions aimed at helping individuals process their emotions and fostering coping strategies amid the collective losses experienced.

37) Seat (Seated):
Seat may refer to a metaphorical position within a discussion or societal context during the pandemic. It symbolizes the need for inclusive dialogues about public health, mental health, and the role of various stakeholders in addressing the multifaceted challenges that arise during a health crisis.

38) Hadi:
Hadi likely represents a specific individual within the article's context, reflecting insights or anecdotal experiences that add depth to the study of healthcare providers' responses during the pandemic. Recognizing personal narratives enhances understanding of broader trends and behaviors exhibited by various stakeholders in public health.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The Behaviour Changes in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic within Malaysia’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

China, Mental health, Physical illness, General public, Self-preservation, Religious practice, Conformity, Public health, Disaster, Psychiatry, Social stigma, Psychological impact, Altruism, Denial, Religious figure, Social science, Individual perspective, COVID 19, COVID-19 Pandemic, Frontline workers, Psychological trauma, Movement restriction, Emergency medicine, Mental health concern, Social distancing, Covid 19 outbreak, Cognitive behaviour therapy, Psychological intervention, Healthcare provider, Mental health care, Psychosocial considerations, Media Sources, Panic buying, Outbreak, Psychological first aid, Health seeking behaviour, Behaviour changes, Behaviourist perspective, Resilience, Risk perception, SARS epidemic, Novel Coronavirus infection, Qualitative and quantitative studies, Medical staff, Mass gathering, Adaptive behaviour, Self-stigma, Evolutionary psychology, Evolutionary perspective, Hospital employees, Behaviour change, Healthcare worker, Stigma, Anxiety experience.

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