An Unprecedented Experience: Personal and Socio-Political Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores how the COVID-19 lockdown affected people in Saudi Arabia, focusing on personal emotions and societal changes.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the socio-political and personal impacts of the pandemic in a specific cultural context.

Findings

Participants experienced a range of emotions from fear to acceptance during the lockdown.

Behavioral and societal norms significantly changed due to the pandemic.

The study highlights the need for culturally tailored interventions in future health crises.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to understand the experiences of different cultures and the application of preventive measures during a pandemic. That understanding can lead to the development of important evidence to grasp the global situation and prepare for future health crises. This qualitative study explores the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on individuals in Saudi Arabia, focusing on personal and socio-political effects. Employing semi-structured interviews with 28 participants, the research delves into the lived experiences during the early stages of the pandemic, highlighting emotional coping mechanisms, behavioral changes, role responsibility adaptations, and perceptions of governmental actions. The findings reveal a spectrum of emotional responses, from worry and fear to acceptance and contentment, and significant shifts in behavior and societal norms. The study underscores the importance of understanding cultural contexts in pandemic responses and offers insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Saudi community. It suggests the need for tailored interventions that consider the complex interplay of emotional, behavioral, and socio-political factors in managing future health crises.