A Qualitative Study Inquiring Children's Views on Microbes During the Pandemics

Abstract

The study was carried out employing a phenomenological design to examine the views of children aged five to seven years about microbes during the pandemic. The sample of the study consisted of children aged 5-7 and their mothers. The participating mothers and their children were selected through purposeful sampling method. The "General Information Form," "Child Interview Form," and the pictures drawn by the children were used as data collection tools. The data were collected via phone calls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data obtained in the research were analyzed with descriptive and content analysis methods. As a result of the relevant analyses, it was found that the majority of children described microbes as small/tiny things. According to them, microbes can only be seen with the help of a microscope/magnifier; microbes are harmful and the harm is to cause disease; mostly found outside and transmit through close contact; they have learned about microbes through the media; they can be protected from microbes by following hygiene rules; and the coronavirus is a virus that makes one sick. The participating children were found to draw pictures about "what the microbe is”, "harms of microbes", "modes of transmission", "ways of protection from microbes".