Analysis of behavior in relation to the social isolation of the population of Itaqui – RS

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) motivated measures of social isolation (quarantine), which brought considerable changes to the routine of the general population. With regard to the human being as a member of a society, the realization of mass social isolation requires a broad understanding of the consequences of this distance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of social isolation on the behavior of the population of Itaqui - RS, in the initial period of social isolation recommended by the Ministry of Health. Itaqui, located on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul, is the most distant city of the state capital. The survey consisted of a semi-structured questionnaire, with remote application through social networks. Two questions related to the source and nature of the information received and two related to the experiences and habits during the isolation period were analyzed. It was identified that television, which reaches 49.59% of respondents, stands out as a source of information for the Itaquiense population, and internet sites, with 31.78%. Regarding the emotional state, they were mostly stressed and distressed (61.65%). This demonstrates that, even in a city far from large urban centers, tension on such a worrying issue affects the majority of the population. Regarding what changed in their routine, 40.27% pointed out that it was social / family isolation; 30.14% to hygiene and 8.77% to professional or student routine. It was possible to observe the discomfort caused by the new coronavirus, which interfered in several aspects of the life of the majority of the population of Itaquiense, similarly to the Brazilian and world population.