The Outbreak of COVID-19 and its Manifold Socio-psychological Implications: A Case Study of District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

After the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent suspension of trade, closure of international borders and restrictions on movement and quarantines, economic and social crisis — coupled with psychological distress — fomented worldwide. The pandemic has caused unprecedented educational, social, economic, psychological and political impacts with varying implications around the globe. The current study was conducted to guage and asses the socio-psychological impacts of COVID-19 in District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Primary data was collected for the current study from 200 participants through face to face interviews. The data was analyzied under the “Thematic Content Analysis”. The findings of the study shows that the disease and the subsequent social distancing have put at stake the social cohesion and normaldom. In the wake of the disease, domestic abuse, aggression and violence increased making women prey to the predators’ anger, abuse and battering; religious events suffered suspension or disruption; The schools’ closure has had profound negative impacts on children’s conduct; the deteriorating economic situation and the swelling poverty of the masses have lead to a hike in the crimes’ rate; the transgender community has suffered economic plight; women’s regular health care services such as contraceptions, safe abortions and other maternity ailments have suffered notably; schools closure has set off hazardous implications for girls such as harassment, abuse, rape, teen-age pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Resultantly, the people of the area have been suffereing acute trauma, videlicit boredom, fear, anxiety, frustration, and insomnia enticing them towards unhealthy activities viz. use of sedatives, smoking, alcohol usage, and, above all, internet and online unethics. The recommendations should be implemented to help people avoid the downright negative impacts of the COVID-19 and, besides, to help the government to devise a mechanism to combat the pandemic.