The Mental Health of Coastal Communities during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Corona Virus Disease in 2019 (Covid-19) is the new type of coronavirus with serious effects on the physical and mental health of coastal communitiesin particular.The virus is also impactful on the community’s income and economy. This present study aimed to explore the mental health of coastal communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. This quantitative research relied on a descriptive method with a descriptive survey approach towards 173 heads of family. The sample was selected by employing the purposive sampling technique. The data collection instrument used in this study was a questionnaire. Moreover, the applied instrument was a questionnaire of the Mental Health Inventory (MHI). Data analysis used was univariate analysis. All family heads (1,107 people) in the coastal area of Ponelo Kepulauan Village, North Gorontalo Regency were involved as the population. Nevertheless, only 173 people were selected as the sample through the purposive sampling technique. The results indicated that out of 173 respondents, 92 of which (53.2%) experienced psychological distress, and 81 respondents (46.8%) were in a state of psychological well-being. Based on each characteristic, there were 54 (31.2%) out of 101 respondents aged 41-60 years who experienced psychological distress. In addition, 84 (48.6%)of 144 male respondents felt such distress. Viewed from the educational background (mostly graduated from elementary school), 70 respondents (40.5%) from a total of 102 respondents were in a state of psychological distress.Lastly, based on occupation, the majority of coastal people (82 respondents) working as fishermen experienced psychological distress (47.4%). The people have quite high psychological distresscompared to psychological well-being due to different factors, one of which is the Covid-19 pandemic. Most coastal communities are in a state of psychological distress amid this pandemic.