Community Behavior and Outreach Communication in Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the approach and development of extension communication in accelerating community behavior in breaking the chain of Covid-19. The main focus in this research is the lack of implementation of counseling communication in people's behavior amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Extension communication as an approach is an effort to increase motivation, awareness, and empowerment of the quality of human resources (people centered development). Methods: This study used a qualitative research approach to analyze in depth the content of sources of information regarding counseling activities and community behavior in the transmission of Covid-19. The primary data collected was obtained through observation and in-depth interviews (depht interviews) with 106 informants in 90 villages in 18 districts/cities of South Sulawesi. Meanwhile, secondary data was obtained by searching documents at the Covid-19 service post in South Sulawesi Province. Results: This research study shows that people's behavior in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic can be known from their knowledge about Covid-19. Some are still unfamiliar with the dangers and threats of Covid-19 and are very worried about this situation. Many have experienced termination of employment (PHK) and find it difficult to make a living economically as well as the many horrendous news about the disease so that they are afraid to go anywhere and their work automatically stops Conclusions: Community behavior is disciplined in maintaining cleanliness and health during the Covid-19 pandemic, but they are still worried and anxious and lack interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government education and motivation through counseling communications to the community to change behavior is well respected by the community.