Assessing Happiness among Jamaicans during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

सार

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many lockdowns, downsizing, and reduced economic activities in nations. The economic situation in Jamaica has been declining since 2020 to include increased unemployment. The economic well-being of Jamaicans have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the unanswered question is 'What are the psychological well-being of Jamaicans during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic?

Aim: This study seeks to describe the state of happiness among Jamaicans during COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: (1). to find out whether there was statistically significant difference between the means for happiness among Jamaicans for three time periods (i.e.., 3-months, 6-months, and 12-months). (2). To determine the level of statistical correlations between different periods as it relates to the level of Jamaicans happiness. (3). to establish whether Jamaicans’ current subjective happiness is influenced by their past subjective happiness status and inversely by age.

Methods & Materials: A non-probability descriptive research design determined the research goal of this study through gathering, analyzing, and presenting the collected data, which allowed the researchers to provide insight. The data for this research was collected using a standardized questionnaire that consisted of sixteen closed-ended questions, four of which were subjective happiness scale questions adapted for the study and duplicated three times to measure participants' level of happiness for three months, six months and one year.

Findings: The COVID-19 statistics for Jamaica as of November 23, 2021, recorded a total of 90,855 confirmed cases, 61024 recovered, 2332 deaths, and recovery and death rates of 67.17% and 2.57%, respectively. The majority of the sampled respondents were females (59.4%, n=637), were less than 28 years old (51.9%, 556), and resided in the parish of Manchester (12.8%, n=137). No significant statistical difference emerged among subjective happiness for 1) in the last 3-month and 6-month period (t = -0.284, P = 0.776), 2) in the last 6-month and 12-month period (t = -0.865, P = 0.387), and 3) in the last 3-month and 12-month period (t = -1.133, P = 0.257).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and continues to impact individuals in various ways. Imposed restrictions deemed necessary to curve or slow the spread may have led to a psychological impact resulting in decreased happiness. Jamaica is notorious for being one of the happiest countries in the world, yet it too has suffered due to the pandemic. A balance toward "a new normal" will require continued ease of the current movement restrictions and social interactions. The impact of restrictions during the pandemic has also affected happiness among individuals and social networks worldwide, including Jamaicans.

Recommendation: Health promotion awareness and social interaction with family, friends, and neighbors could increase happiness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government might consider the continued controlled loosening of restrictions that currently limit social interactions, especially among familiar culture groups such as churches and cultural events. Another measure that may be beneficial is the continued education of the population in learning how to "live with the pandemic," as they go about their everyday lives.