Management of the COVID crisis in Reunion Island (SW Indian Ocean): representations of COVID-19 and acceptance of public health measures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has caused a major health crisis, requiring the implementation of various public health measures in order to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the associated mortality. However, the success of these measures depends on people’s acceptance of them. This research aimed at understanding people’s representations of COVID-19 and its crisis management, and ultimately at understanding their attitudes toward health measures for counteracting the spread of COVID-19 in Reunion Island together with the behaviours expected of them. Method: Using Random Digit Dialling, a qualitative study was conducted with 53 inhabitants between February and May 2021. The COREQ checklist was followed. A dual textometric and manual thematic analysis was adopted in order to identify representations of COVID and the management of the crisis. Results: Some respondents perceived COVID-19 as a serious disease, while others saw it as a banal virus or even doubted its existence. A perceived ineffectiveness of public health measures and the incompetency of public actors predominated in the participants’ discourse. Conclusions: Thus, there was a considerable lack of trust and negative attitudes toward health measures, possibly influencing people’s acceptance and explaining numerous controversies. This research examines the importance of considering people’s representations of the health situation in order to improve people’s acceptance of protective measures.