The Novel Corona Virus disease 2019 arrived late last year and has continued to plague the world, bringing with it not only economic challenges but difficulties in livelihood as well. During the lockdown period, many individuals have been left without food, including individuals from backward communities who are often self-employed or work for daily wages, leaving them grappling with social insecurity. Extreme poverty has become a major problem amongst these vulnerable societies, with COVID-19 threatening to affect them both directly and indirectly. Moreover, the lasting physical conditions suffered by survivors can lead to ongoing complications similar to those experienced by chain smokers.

Individuals who are COVID survivors are more prone to numerous health complications in the aftermath of the disease. Recent reports have indicated that individuals who tested positive and were hospitalized across India have reported fever, nausea, high blood pressure and diarrhea. Socialization has also come to a halt, which can lead to an increase in crime, deviance, and addiction among the population.

“For most patients with severe illness requiring hospitalization, COVID-19 has been a frightening and life-changing experience. At the peak of the pandemic, health care teams focused on saving lives and protecting health services from being overwhelmed. Those who survived were often discharged without a robust process of follow-up. The prevalence of post–COVID-19 complications is not yet fully known and may only become apparent in the months and years to come” [1].

Statement of the Problem:

The future of backward communities is threatened by the feasibility of hunger and extreme poverty, disproportionately affecting those who have been stricken by this dreadful disease. As humans, people need basic necessities such as food, clothes, and shelter for their survival, making it even more crucial during these trying times. When basic needs are not met, it becomes nearly impossible to lead a healthy and stable life. The pandemic has caused a lot of damage to people's lives and taken the breadwinners from their families, leaving hidden diseases in its wake that can affect the entire dimension of health.

General Objectives:

The main goals of this study are to:

1. Study the demographics of COVID-19 survivors from backward communities.

2. Determine the physical health conditions faced by survivors once they have tested negative for COVID-19.

3. Evaluate the psychological struggles that these survivors face.

Research Questions:

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the financial stability of survivors from backward communities?

2. Does hunger and extreme poverty lead them to oppression and violence?

3. To what extent will the Government of Kerala be accommodating towards COVID-19 survivors?

4. What is the social worker’s role in this scenario?

Limitations of the Study:

The research proposal was prepared during the lockdown, so there were limitations to find respondents and conduct surveys.

Research Methodology:

This study will rely on secondary data collected by the investigators from multiple sources, including previous research articles and editorials. First, this study will review the problems faced by COVID-19 survivors from backward communities and evaluate their sources of income.

References:

1. Hui DS, Joynt GM, Wong KT, et al. Impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life in a cohort of survivors. Thorax. 2005;60(5):401-409. doi:10.1136/thx.2004.030205.