Psychosocial vulnerabilities of Quebec's rural populations during a pandemic

Abstract

Psychosocial impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including those on mental health, are now recognized. However, the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic differs from one individual, group or context to another and solutions to cope with it must be adapted and contextualized. This study aims to identify factors of psychosocial vulnerability in rural populations in Quebec (Canada). The approach is adapted from previous work on the prevention and reduction of the psychosocial impacts of climate change in non-metropolitan areas. A descriptive qualitative design based on several data sources was used. The data come from a press review, a review of the scientific literature, semi-structured interviews with key actors in the community and municipal domains. Data triangulation and validation by community organization teams (public health department) identified forty-one (N=41) factors (e.g., social cohesion, digital literacy) likely to increase or decrease the psychosocial vulnerability of rural populations in the context of a pandemic. These factors are grouped under six categories of determinants: 1) population's knowledge and attitudes towards the pandemic, 2) previous experience of difficult events, 3) community dynamism, social cohesion and solidarity, 4) citizens, municipalities and government authorities' involvement, 5) health and social services and those from their intersectoral partners, and 6) land use planning. These results are useful for local and regional public health teams in developing local portraits of psychosocial vulnerabilities to support plans to strengthen community resilience and reduce social and health inequalities accentuated by the pandemic.