Caribbean Studies Internal Assessment

Theme: Health Care and the Economy

Topic: The effects of the covid 19 pandemic on the socio-economic wellbeing of the citizens of

Claremont Heights.

Problem Statement: An investigation into the effects of Covid-19 on the members of the

Claremont Heights community in Old Harbour, St. Catherine

Candidate Names: Damique Chambers, Ronefha Chambers, Danielle Harris, Tionne Noble,

Jesaunne Smith

Subject: Caribbean Studies

Teacher: Mrs. Wright Dennis

Center: St. Catherine High (1001050)

Territory: Jamaica
 Table of Contents

Theme and Topic 3

Introduction 4
Research Questions 4
Delimitation of Study 5
Technical Terms 6
Educational Value 9

Data Collection Sources 10

Literature Review 12
Presentation of Data 16
Analysis and Interpretation of Data 22
Discussion of Findings 25
Conclusion 28
Limitations 29
Recommendations 30
Bibliography 31
Appendix 33

2
 Theme and Topic

Theme: Health Care and the Economy

Topic: The effects of the covid 19 pandemic on the socio-economic wellbeing of the citizens of

Claremont.

Problem Statement: An investigation into the effects of Covid-19 on the members of the

Claremont Heights community in Old Harbour, St. Catherine.

Thesis Statement: Covid 19 affects the socio economic wellbeing of the citizens residing in the

Claremont Heights district of Old Harbour, St. Catherine.

Variables

Independent: The Covid 19 pandemic.

Dependent: The effects on the Claremont Heights citizens .

3
 Introduction

Research Questions

1. What is Socio economic Wellbeing?

2. What is Covid-19?

3. What are the effects of Covid 19 in Claremont Heights?

4. How does the Covid 19 pandemic affect the socio economic wellbeing of the citizens in

Claremont Heights ?

5. What are some recommendations for the residents of Claremont Heights affected by the

Covid-19 pandemic?

4
Delimitation of Study

The research done for this Internal Assessment is based on the Claremont Heights community

located in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, Jamaica. This community encompasses a total population

of approximately five thousand (5000) residents, in which a sample size of twenty (20) will be

studied. Factors that contribute and affect the proper institution of the research on the Claremont

Heights community include the sample size, geographical location as well as the setting in which

the research took place. These factors along with information gathered through interviews,

questionnaires and from the internet, will be thoroughly analyzed and used to determine the

socioeconomic factors that contribute to Covid-19 and how they affect members of the

community. This research can be beneficial to further studies of the wider society.

5
Technical Terms

Education Level: An indication of the years of schooling completed in graded public, private, or

parochial schools, and in colleges, universities, or professional schools.

Economy: the state of a country or region in terms of the production and consumption of goods

and services and the supply of money.

Factors: a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.

Health: the state of being free from illness or injury.

Income level: Amount of money earned by people over a given period of time

Pandemic: prevalent over a whole country or the world.

Prevalence: the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.

Socioeconomic: relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.

Society: the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

6
Background

According to the World Health Organization , Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be defined as an

infectious disease that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Globally, as of September 24, 2021,

there have been 230,418,451 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4,724,876 deaths,

reported to WHO [ WHO,2021]. In addition, the World Bank Blogs . org reported that Jamaica’s

Economy has contracted due to a halt in tourism,

Claremont Heights is a small community that is situated in Old Harbour, St. Catherine. The

community was developed in the late 1950's and it's population is approximately 5000 persons

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , some residents of the Claremont Heights community

has been affected both financially and physically.

7
Purpose of Research

This research is focused on the theme “Health and Economy” and topic “The effects that Covid-

19 has on the socio-economic. “ Health care is one- sixth of our economy, if the government can

control that, they can control just about everything. We need to understand what is going on,

because there are much more economic models that can be used to give us good health care than

we have now”. This is a renowned quote from the prestigious and eminent neurosurgeon

Benjamin Carson. Our society is facing the deepening effects of the highly contagious virus

Covid 19 that is wreaking havoc and increasing the lives that are lost on a daily basis. Not only

that, the ongoing pandemic has posed severe challenges on the economy which is the life of any

country. The purpose of this research is to focus on the key causes, effects and prevalence of this

plague and to suggest recommendations to curb the issue of the virus on the economy. The

researchers would also like to examine the factors that would have influenced the virus at the

beginning. We are interested in retrieving our information from reliable and credible sources

which can be evident from the use of health websites, various personnels in the health sector,

journals, news articles, news on the radio, television. We have our personal motive in doing this

research as we seek to determine and investigate the impacts of Covid 19 on the socio economy

and as students we are able to use this research to seek and validate the information found.

8
Educational Value

Health care is a human right. No one should face bankruptcy or death because of a lack of

health care- Deb Haaland. Gender, age, education level, income level and housing & amenities

are all socioeconomic indicators. If the people governing our country truly want to keep our

citizens safe, we must invest in a strong, resilient and diverse health care system, despite the

background level or income level of a person. In light of recent developments of the Covid 19

pandemic, many citizens are left under the bus and are not able to keep up in times like this. We

are all required to be meticulous and take the necessary precautions in order to protect ourselves,

our families, friends and other citizens.

Doing an investigation into a topic such as this will aid us, the researchers, in acknowledging the

government’s approach to helping citizens. The researchers will be educated on how the effects

of an individual’s socioeconomic factors help them in spite of the Covid 19 pandemic and how

the health care systems regards them. Moreover, this investigation will be significant to Senator

Nigel Clarke(Economic Minister) and Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton (Health Minister)

and their teams and the researchers as well, as it will provide us and our institution with

sufficient information on these socioeconomic factors. Most importantly, the researchers will be

able to extend such knowledge to others and also help us to apply it in other studies, in pursuit of

attaining the careers we desire.

9
 Data Collection Sources

In order to gather sufficient data, the researchers used various research methods that would

guarantee sufficient and accurate information. The researchers issued (20) questionnaires and

conducted (10) interviews. The respondents were selected randomly using the random sampling

method.

A questionnaire is an instrument consisting of a list of questions for the purpose of gathering

useful information from respondents for a research and an interview is a method of data

collection that involves two or more individuals exchanging questions and answers to gather

information on a topic or situation. Questionnaire was chosen and administered as an instrument

as it allows for fast, efficient and quantifiable information while the interview was chosen and

administered because of its purpose of exploring the experiences, opinions and behaviors of

respondents.

With our will to keep respondents’ identities private and to keep this research confidential, we

did not ask for names, religions or other personal information. We ensured that all secondary

sources of information used in this research were reliable, valid and credible. Reliability and

validity are shown in the case that the researchers used an article from the World Health

Organization, an organization that has proven its trustworthiness by “attaining the highest

possible level of health to all peoples”, since the past 73 years of its establishment. The use of an

article from the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, an agency that is among the most

widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations in the world, with a presence in 192

countries and territories, proves the validity of data used in this research.

Utilizing a questionnaire and an interview as primary sources in this research served to be

purposeful as it aided the researchers in collecting first hand information that would contribute

10
greatly to the topic being investigated. Secondary sources such as articles from the web proved to

be useful as well, as they added relevance and purpose to the research.

11
 Literature Review

In conformance to Johns Hopkins Medicine Home, (2022) Covid-19 is the disease caused

by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019. It has been proven to be

severe and have caused millions of deaths across the world as well as lasting health problems in

some who have survived the illness. It is a respiratory disease and can spread from person to

person.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global

pandemic. Since then, measures have been set in place to control the spread of the novel

coronavirus (SARS CoV-2 or CoV2). This research aims to look at the impact of covid on the

socio-economic wellbeing of the citizens under study. Similar to the previous sources presented,

Dishnika Perera (2021) stated that when the coronavirus pandemic began spreading across the

world just over a year ago, it spared no community or society. COVID-19 rapidly caused

devastating socio-economic impacts such as income loss, business impacts and health concerns.

Basic consumer needs were affected. Similarly, the World Health Organization article in 2021

stated that, in some countries, fitness centers and other locations where individuals are normally

active will be temporarily closed. Sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity can

have negative effects on the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals. Self-quarantine

can also cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens. As a result of the

pandemic, some businesses and organizations reduced their activities, which resulted in

decreased work hours, temporary layoffs, and permanent employment termination (STATIN,

2020). Women, youth and persons residing in rural areas are more vulnerable to the adverse

12
socioeconomic effects of the virus. The article further stated that COVID-19 differs across

demographic groups.

To begin with, (Impact of COVID-19 on Economic Well-Being and Quality of Life of the

Vietnamese During the National Social Distancing, April 2020), the nationwide partial lockdown

has shown effectiveness in stopping the community transmission of COVID-19. According to

Bach Xuan Tran et al. Front Psychol. 2020, cross-sectional study using a web-based approach

was conducted in the second week of April 2020 to examine the influence of the national social

distancing on the quality of life and economic well-being of persons worldwide under COVID-

19 pandemic. The results showed that among 341 participants, 66.9% reported household income

loss due to the impact of COVID-19.

Secondly, sources such as Connie R. Csillag et al, 2020 share the same sentiments as

previous. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. In addition to posing a major health

threat, the pandemic has also had a strong influence on the economy. Such abrupt, major change,

coupled with uncertainty surrounding the future, has the potential to damage psychological well-

being.

New research (Wanberg et al., 2020) examines how levels of psychological well-being

have changed during COVID-19. The authors used data from a survey administered to a large,

nationally representative sample. The results suggest that the psychological well-being has

become lower during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Researchers used data from a

survey administered to a large, nationally representative sample. Additionally, COVID-19 has

significantly impacted the educational services sector in Jamaica. The closure of schools was one

of the first measures implemented by the Government of Jamaica to control the spread of the

virus. In addition to this, there were disruptions and cancellation of assessments at all educational

13
levels due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. However, some educational institutions provided

online teaching and sent assignments via email, WhatsApp or personal delivery to students.

Additional sources such as, (Mena, G. E., et al (2021), added the fact that, People living

in municipalities with low socioeconomic status did not reduce their mobility during lockdowns

as much as those in more affluent municipalities. Testing volumes may have been insufficient

early in the pandemic in those places, and both test positivity rates and testing delays were much

higher. Finally, we show that infection fatality rates in young people are higher in low-income

municipalities. Together, these results highlight the critical consequences of socioeconomic

inequalities on health outcomes. Martin, Amory et.al, (2020) stated that, Socio-economic impacts

of COVID-19 on household consumption and poverty.

If fully implemented, the combination of UI and CARES could keep the increase in

poverty close to zero, and reduce the average recovery time, for individuals who suffer an

income loss, from 11.8 to 6.7 months. Some communities are more affected than the average and

could take more than a year to recover.

Lastly, as it relates to the impact that this pandemic has had and will continue to impose

on the educational welfare of children, George, G., et al (2021), gives light to the fact that, The

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can affect more than a child’s biological health. Lack

of in-person schooling and increased stress can affect neurodevelopment, mental health, and later

life outcomes, especially for students who are from low socioeconomic status (SES) households.

Insights from neuroscience on child development reveal potential neural mechanisms and

educational outcomes likely disrupted by the pandemic—and how this will disproportionately

affect low-SES children.

14
According to a World Health Organization article in 2021, as new COVID-19 cases

continue to emerge in the WHO European Region, many healthy individuals are being requested

to stay at home in self-quarantine. Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable

tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time. Furthermore,

WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity

physical activity per week, or a combination of both. These recommendations can still be

achieved even at home, with no special equipment and with limited space.

In January 2021, the spirit of volunteerism is what drives the selfless people who have

during the COVID-19 pandemic, extended kindness to their neighbors, supported access to

medical care for those in need, shopped for the elderly and other vulnerable people, among other

acts of generosity, according to Lucy Ndungu (2021). Moreover, the most recent

commemoration of the International Volunteer Day (IVD) recognized the contributions of such

volunteers. Across this region, governments, UN partners, academia, civil society and volunteer

involving organizations enumerated several benefits of volunteerism including; support building

skills and services particularly in far-flung areas and ensuring building community resilience.

Noting that volunteers at times work in challenging environments, they also advocated for

support and care for volunteers. Ndungu also averred that volunteers have been at the forefront

of medical, community and societal responses across East and Southern Africa. The COVID-19

Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan developed by the WHO identifies community

volunteers as key stakeholders for risk communication, community engagement and in provision

of health services.

15
 Presentation of Data

Figure 1. Doughnut Chart depicting the percentage of respondents being affected by Covid-19

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the respondents stated that they were affected by Covid -19, while

the remaining forty-three percent (43%) of the respondents stated that they were not affected by

Covid -19.

Figure 2 . Column Graph showing the extent to which respondents are being affected by Covid-

19

16
Fifty percent (50%) of the respondents stated that they were highly affected by Covid-19, while

thirty-two percent (32%) of the respondents indicated that they were barely affected by Covid-

19. However, the remaining eighteen percent (18%) of the respondents stated that they were not

affected by Covid-19.

Figure 3. Column Graph illustrating ways in which the respondents are being affected by

Covid-19

Thirteen percent (13%) of the respondents selected the option "Mentally", while sixty-two

percent (62%) of the respondents selected the option "Economically". Lastly, only twenty-five

percent (25%) of the respondents selected the option "Physical Health".

17
Figure 4. Pie Chart depicting the impacts of Covid-19 on the work environment of respondents

18
Thirty-three percent (33%) of the respondents selected the option “Relocation of

workspace,” while twenty-six percent (26%) respondents selected the option “Increased

working hours.” Twenty- two percent (22%) of the respondents chose the option

“Decrease in pay,” while nineteen percent (19%) of the respondents selected the option

“Decreased working hours.” However, none of the respondents selected the option

“Increase in pay.”

Figure 5. A table showing the negative impacts of Covid-19 on persons living in the

community of Claremont Heights, Old Harbour, St. Catherine

NEGATIVE IMPACTS EXPERIENCED BY PEOPLE IN

RESPONDENTS SURROUNDINGS

Negative Impacts Percentage of Respondents

Increased Unemployment 4%
Inability to provide for themselves or family 26%

Decreased health stability 4%

Disruption of school and vocational education 9%

All of the above 57%

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the respondents selected the option “All of the above”,

while twenty-six percent (26%) of the respondents selected the option “Inability to

provide for themselves or families”. Additionally, nine percent (9%) of the respondents

selected the option “Disruption of school and vocational education”. On the other hand,

four percent (4%) of the respondents selected “Increased Unemployment” and

“Decreased health stability” as their

option.

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Figure 6. Bar Graph showing the positive impacts of Covid-19 observed the

respondents

Thirty-six percent (36%) of the respondents chose the option“Increased level of

innovation and technology”. In addition, thirty-four (34%) of the respondents chose the

option “More time with family” , while twenty-three percent (23%) of the respondents

selected the option “Development of medical systems”. Lastly, seven percent (7%) of the

respondent selected the option “Reduction in level of crime”.

Figure 7. Column Graph showing strategies that government can implement to maintain

economic well being suggested by the respondents

20
Thirty-two percent (32%) of the respondents suggested that the government should increase the

average income to maintain economic well-being. Additionally, twenty-nine (29%) of the

respondents suggested that the government provide governmental grants, while twenty-five

percent (25%) of the respondents suggested that the government should support production and

local services to maintain economic well-being. Lastly, only thirteen (13%) of the respondents

suggested reinforcing ideal social behaviors.

Figure 8. Pie Chart showing ways to alleviate the impact of Covid-19 on well being

Thirty-six (36%) percent of the respondents selected the option "Focus on their mental health",

while thirty-one percent (31%) of the respondents selected the option "Learn a new skill". Only

twenty-two (22%) percent of the respondents selected the option “Create entrepreneurial

opportunities”, while eleven percent (11%) of the respondents selected the option "Engage more

with family and community".

21
Figure 9. Showing how long respondents have lived in the community of Claremont

Heights, Old Harbour, St. Catherine

Eighty-two percent (82%) of the respondents indicated that they lived in the community

for over five years , while eighteen percent (18%) respondents indicated that they have

lived in the community for one to four years .

22
 Analysis and Interpretation of Data

Figure 1 depicted the percentage of respondents being affected by Covid-19, which

revealed that fifty-seven percent (57%) of the respondents were affected by Covid-19,

while the remaining forty-three percent (43%) of the respondents were not affected by

Covid -19. Therefore it can be postulated that the majority of the respondents were

affected by Covid-19. In relation to Figure 1, Figure 2 showed the extent to which

respondents are being affected by Covid-19. The vast majority being, fifty percent

(50%) of the respondents indicated that they were highly affected by Covid-19, while

thirty-two percent (32%) of the respondents indicated that they were barely affected by

Covid-19. However, the remaining eighteen percent (18%) of the respondents stated

that they were not affected by Covid-19.

Figure 3, is in correlation with figure 2, as it illustrated ways in which the respondents

are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which revealed that thirteen percent

(13%) of the respondents were affected mentally, while sixty-two percent (62%) of the

respondents were affected economically. Lastly, only twenty-five percent (25%) of the

respondents indicated that Covid-19 affected their physical health. Therefore , Covid-19

affects the majority of the respondents economically, this may be due to the rising

inflation as well as unemployment. Additionally, some of the respondents' health might

have been affected by the on-going lockdowns which can lead to an increase in

inactivity, thus putting persons at risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

On the other hand, Covid-19 had menial effects on the respondents’ mental health as

only thirteen percent (13%) of the respondents indicated that they were affected

mentally.This was an anomaly as it was expected that more people would be affected

23
mentally with all the lockdowns and curfews as well as the pause on the entertainment

industry.

Figure 4 depicted the impacts of Covid-19 on the work environment of respondents.

This revealed that the majority being thirty-three percent (33%) of the respondents

experienced a change in their workspace as it was relocated. This might have been a

result of Covid-19 restrictions that have been enforced by the government. Additionally,

twenty-six percent (26%) of respondents stated that their working hours have been

increased, which could be due to an increase in workload within the business, as a result

of workers getting infected by the Covid-19 virus. In addition, twenty-two percent

(22%) of the respondents indicated that their pay had decreased. Similarly, nineteen

percent (19%) of the respondents reported that their work hours decreased, while none

of the respondents indicated that their pay was increased as a result of Covid-19.

Therefore, persons might have experienced a decrease in pay, as well as a decrease in

work hours as a result of the business struggling economically due to Covid-19.

Moreover, in Figure 5, the table shows the negative impacts of covid 19 pandemic on

persons living in the community of Claremont Heights, Old Harbour, St. Catherine.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of the respondents indicated that they observed all of the

above, while twenty-six percent (26%) of the respondents selected the option “Inability

to provide for themselves or families”. Additionally, nine percent (9%) of the

respondents selected the option “Disruption of school and vocational education”. On

the other hand, four percent (4%) of the respondents selected “Increased

Unemployment” and “Decreased health stability” as their options. Therefore, it can be

24
said that the majority of the persons living within Claremont Heights, Old Harbour, St.

Catherine are experiencing difficulties in providing for themselves or their families, as

well as disruption in school and vocational education, unemployment and a decrease in

health stability. On the contrary, Figure 6 showed the positive impacts of Covid-19

observed by the respondents. Most of the respondents indicated that Covid-19 increased

the level of technology, while the minority indicated that Covid-19 pandemic has

reduced the level of crime. This could be because of the curfew imposed by the

government so most person were at home.

Moreover, figure 7 showed strategies that the government can implement to maintain

economic well-being. Most of the respondents suggested that the government should

increase the average income to maintain economic well-being, as well as provide grants

and support production and local services. However, only a few respondents suggested

reinforcing ideal social behaviours. Similarly, figure 8 showed ways to alleviate the

impact of Covid-19 on their own well- being and the well being of others . Majority of

the respondents suggested focusing on mental health, learning a new skill, and creating

entrepreneurial opportunities, while only a few respondents suggested engaging more

with family and community. Lastly, Figure 9 showed how long respondents have lived

in the community of Claremont Heights, Old Harbour, St. Catherine. This revealed that

most of the respondents lived in the community for over five years, while the remaining

respondents lived in the community for less than four years. Seeing that the majority

has lived in the community for five years and more, observation of the environment can

be deemed valid.

25
 Discussion of Findings

Covid-19 on the economy and moreover the wellbeing of citizens, has proven to be

pervasive since the moment it hit Jamaica in 2020 to presently in 2022. Information used

during this research, if unearthed, can prove to be credible and valid based on the

feasibility and reliability of the sources used as evidence.

The research done by the World Health Organization in 2020 that was cited in the

literature review, stated that when Covid-19 hit, it spared no community or society. Based

on our findings, this can be proven factual as 57% of respondents were affected by

Covid-19 and of those respondents, the vast majority of 50%, were highly affected. It can

only be discussed that the economy of citizens was devastated and really had no time to

prepare for the big hit of impact left by Covid-19. To further add on, WHO in 2021 stated

that many fitness centers and other similar locations, where citizens could stay active,

were temporarily closed. The World Health Organization also stated that this might cause

negative effects to the physical health level of countries. Our primary research gathered

26
information that supported as it shows that 25% of respondents, the second highest

number, had their physical health affected.

Equally important, STATIN in 2020, mentioned that some businesses and organizations

had no choice but to reduce their activities. As a result of this, working hours decreased,

temporary layoffs were issued and employment contracts were permanently terminated,

causing people to suffer economically. In our primary research, we asked residents of

Claremont Heights the ways in which they were affected and 62% of respondents

answered that they were affected economically. We further asked residents to inform us

of the negative impacts they were experiencing. Results show that 26% were unable to

provide for their families and 4% were suffering from an increase of unemployment.

Both of these are socioeconomic factors and are as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

Moreover, Connie R. Csillag, 2020, one of our sources, shares the same sentiments that

the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world. While the pandemic had posed a major

physical health threat and strong influence on the economy, coupled with future

uncertainties, damage to psychological wellbeing is on top of that. Although other

sources have used surveys to say that the pre pandemic rate was higher than the peri

pandemic rate, our primary research results displayed only a 13% mental health effect.

This can be interpreted as citizens of other countries being affected differently to Covid-

19 in terms of mental/psychological health.

While there are many negative impacts of the pandemic, there are quite a number of

positive impacts to balance out the scale of impacts. From the questionnaires collected,

the option with the highest level of impact proved to be that of innovation and technology

at a high of 36%. The out turn of innovation and technology seemed to have increased

27
majorly as observed by residents of Claremont Heights. As businesses and organizations

closed or laid staff off, employees opted to start their own establishments at home, online.

With employees at home more, there was time to spend with family, and that option was

second highest chosen by respondents with 34%.

Furthermore, the researchers asked residents of Claremont Heights firstly; what they

would suggest the government implement in order to maintain the socioeconomic

wellbeing of citizens and secondly, asking them some recommendations they would give

to other residents to alleviate the impact of Covid-19. To the former question of

suggestions to the government, residents suggest the government increase the average

income, implement government grants, give more support to domestic productions and

services and reinforce the ideal social behaviors. To the latter question of

recommendations to citizens, they recommend residents to focus on their mental health,

learn a new skill, create entrepreneurial opportunities and engage more with their families

and community. In comparison to what the residents recommend citizens to do in the

previous statement, the World Health Organization proposes and advises people to stay

home and self quarantine and engage in physical activities and relaxation techniques in

order to maintain their physical and mental health.

The findings of this research are significant to policy development that could be geared at

helping citizens to pivot in this difficult time. The research gives a Caribbean perspective

on an worldwide pandemic and as such illuminates issues that have been plaguing our

society. Based on the findings, more research is needed to ascertain the far-reaching

effects of the pandemic on people wellbeing particularly children and other vulnerable

groups.

28
 Conclusion

Conclusively, according to the findings of the research, it is safe to say that residents

were negatively impacted economically, due to the Covid- 19. Furthermore, conforming

to the findings of the research, it is certain that Covid-19 has affected the members of the

Claremont Heights not only economically but mentally and physically, which in turn

affected the socio-economic well-being of the residents. This was evident in the research,

as some residents reported that persons were unable to provide for themselves or families,

as well as disruption in school and vocational education. Additionally, some residents

indicated that there was an increase in unemployment and decrease in health stability as a

result of Covid-19. Moreover, Covid-19 has had a negative effect on some of the

residents' work environments as their work place was relocated. Apart from this,

residents reported that there was an increase in work hours for some workplaces, as well

29
as a decrease in pay. On the other hand, some residents reported a decrease in work

hours. However, none of the respondents indicated that they had an increase in pay. To

sum everything up, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted citizens of Claremount Heights both

positively and negatively. The researchers’ questions were answered and it is safe to say

that this research is completed.

Limitations

While conducting this research, minimal challenges were faced. Information was readily

available to the researchers. On the other hand, the researchers experienced hitches that

posed slight challenges to the research process, which included the questionnaires taking

a longer time than expected to fill out. In addition, the questions had to be reviewed in

order to come up with substantial and accurate information. Even though information

needed was on the internet, it took the researchers quite some time to gather relevant

information that related to the topic of research as it is very broad and involves subjective

opinions.

30
 Recommendations

The government should increase the average income to maintain economic well-being, as

well as provide grants and support production of local services. There must be more

support for budding entrepreneurs to start and grow their business. There should be

greater collaboration with residents and the local government to find ways to improve the

lives of the people by meeting the needs of the mass.. The researchers would like for

these recommendations to be taken into consideration from all necessary parties, in order

to alleviate, improve and maintain the strains that Covid-19 has caused on the economy

and on the economy’s socioeconomic wellbeing.

31
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communities

Statistical Institute of Jamaica (2020). Impact of Covid-19 retrieved from

https://statinja.gov.jm/covidPDF/Jamaican%20Labour%20Market%20Impact%20of

%20COVID-19.pdf

UNICEF (2020). The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Jamaican Children retrieved

from https://www.unicef.org/jamaica/media/2646/file/UNICEF_Covid-Impact-on-

Children_to%20distribute%20FINAL.pdf.pdf

Wanberg, C. R., Csillag, B., Douglass, R. P., Zhou, L., & Pollard, M. S. (2020).

Socioeconomic status and well-being during COVID-19: A resource-based examination

retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-77456-001

WHO (2021). Stay physically active during self-quarantine retrieved from

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/

publications-and-technical-guidance/noncommunicable-diseases/stay-physically-active-

during-self-quarantine

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 Appendix

Questionnaire

I. What is your gender?

● Male
● Female

II. What age group do you belong to?

● 12-15
● 16-19
● 20+

III. How long have you lived in the community?

● 6 months- 1 year
● 1- 4 years
● 5 years+

1. Are you being affected by covid-19?

● Yes
● No

2. To what extent are you affected by covid 19?

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● Barely affected
● Highly affected
● No affected

3. In what ways are you being affected by covid 19?

● Physical Health
● Mentally
● Economically

4. Has Covid- 19 affected your work environment?

● Decreased working hours
● Increased working hours
● Decrease in pay
● Increase in pay
● New work environment
● Not at all

5. Have you observed any negative impacts of Covid-19 on the people in

your surroundings?
● Yes
● No

6. If yes to the above question, what are some of the negative impacts you’ve
observed?
● Increased Unemployment
● Inability to provide for themselves or their families
● Decreased health stability
● Disruption of school and vocational education
● All of the above

7. From your observation, what are some of the positive impacts of Covid-
19?
● More time with family
● Increased level of innovation and technology

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● Development of medical systems
● Reduction in the level of crime

8. Has the government implemented policies/programmes in your

community to alleviate the strains of the pandemic?
● Yes
● No

9. If yes to the above question, how long have these policies/programmes

been in operation?
● 2-6 months
● 7 months- 1 year
● 1 year+

10. What would you recommend residents do to alleviate the impacts of

Covid-19 on their well being?
● Create entrepreneurial opportunities
● Learn a new skill
● Focus on their mental health
● Engage more with family and community

11. What are some other recommendations you would suggest apart from the
options given above?

12. What are some of the strategies that you would suggest the government
implement in order to maintain the economic wellbeing of citizens and to
reduce the socio economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic?
● Government grants
● Increase average income
● Support domestic production and local services
● Reinforcing ideal social behaviors

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37