Understanding Resilience Factors among High-Risk Groups Amidst the COVID-19 Endemic in Malacca

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing resilience among high-risk groups in Malacca, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 endemic. High-risk groups, such as the elderly and frontline workers, face unique challenges and vulnerabilities during the public health crisis, which has brought about significant socio-economic disruptions, psychological distress, and uncertainty. The residents of Malacca have been significantly affected by the endemic, potentially leading to diminished resilience among the population. The study aims to measure the levels of knowledge, family support, media exposure, optimistic thinking, and resilience regarding COVID-19 prevention among the at-risk groups in Malacca. Secondly, it aims to assess the relationships between knowledge, family support, media exposure, optimistic thinking, and resilience within this population. Thirdly, it seeks to identify the best predictor of resilience among these high-risk groups. A quantitative research design was employed to achieve these objectives. A total of 384 respondents participated in an online survey, revealing that optimistic thinking significantly contributed to increasing resilience levels, particularly among those anxious about their safety. Optimistic thinking also positively impacted coping abilities. However, family support and media exposure did not show significant associations with resilience. Developing holistic support systems that consider all factors affecting resilience, including knowledge, family support, media exposure, and optimistic thinking, is essential for high-risk groups in Malacca. This study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing resilience among high-risk groups in Malacca during the COVID-19 endemic. Integrating these findings into public health and social welfare initiatives can create a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable individuals during challenging times.

Keywords: High-risk group; public health; front liner; COVID-19 endemic; resilience

References

Ang, W.H., Shorey, S., Lopez, V., Chew, H.S., & Lau, Y. (2021). Generation Z undergraduate students’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.j.), 41, 8132 - 8146.

Ainur Syahira Johari & Nur Saadah Mohamad Aun. (2023). Tahap Tekanan Emosi dan Sokongan Sosial dalam kalangan Ibu Bapa Semasa Pandemik COVID-19. e-Bangi: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 20(1), 332-342.

Astuti, N., Priyantini, D., Widyastuti, M., Sari, N.A., Yuliastuti, C., & Nurhayati, C. (2022). Motivation and Performance of Cadres to Optimize Resilience of Comorbid Diabetes Mellitus in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era. Journal of Health Community Service.

Barbu, A., Zhu, SC. (2020). Cluster Sampling Methods. In: Monte Carlo Methods. Springer, Singapore.

Cheah, Y. K., Lim, H. K., & Kee, C. C. (2019). Personal and family factors associated with high-risk behaviours among adolescents in Malaysia. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2019.07.012

Eden, A. L., Johnson, B. K., Reinecke, L., & Grady, S. M. (2020). Media for Coping During COVID-19 Social Distancing: Stress, Anxiety, and Psychological Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.577639

Engelen, L., Gale, J., Chau, J. Y., Hardy, L. L., Mackey, M., Johnson, N., Shirley, D., & Bauman, A. (2017). Who is at risk of chronic disease? Associations between risk profiles of physical activity, sitting and cardio-metabolic disease in Australian adults. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 41(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12627

Giri, S. P., & Maurya, A. K. (2021). A neglected reality of mass media during COVID-19: Effect of endemic news on individual’s positive and negative emotion and psychological resilience. Personality and Individual Differences, 180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110962

Goni M.D., Hasan H., Naing N.N., Wan-Arfah N., Deris Z.Z., Arifin W.N., Baaba A.A., Goni, Arfah W. (2018). Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections among Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims from Malaysia in 2018. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health.16, 45-69. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224569

Hall, L. R., Sanchez, K., Da Graca, B., Bennett, M. M., Powers, M., & Warren, A. M. (2022). Income Differences and COVID-19: Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health. Population Health Management, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.1089/pop.2021.0214

Kamaratih, D., Rukmana, G.M., & Haq, A.F. (2023). Improving the Psychological Well-Being of Post-Pandemic Students through Optimistic Thinking Training. Indonesian Journal of Cultural and Community Development.

Karadeniz, G. (2022). During the Coronavirus Pandemic Period Examining Family Resilience by Mothers Risk Factors. Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry & Psychology.

Kingman, H.R., Retzer, K.C., Muñoz, R.F., Liu, N.H., Barakat, S., & Leykin, Y. (2023). Self-harm behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a high-risk group. Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.

Lanfredi, M., Dagani, J., Geviti, A., Di Cosimo, F., Bussolati, M., Rillosi, L., Albini, D., Pizzi, M., Ghidoni, R., Fazzi, E., Vita, A., & Rossi, R. (2023). Risk and protective factors associated with mental health status in an Italian sample of students during the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 17.

Magnano, P., Craparo, G. & Paolillo, A. (2016). Resilience and emotional intelligence: Which role in achievement motivation. International Journal of Psychological Research, 9(1), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.1.1.1077.645&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Mano, R. (2020). Social Media and Resilience in the COVID-19 Crisis. Advances in Applied Sociology, 10(11). https://doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2020.1011026

Marzouki, Y., Aldossari, F.S. & Veltri, G.A. (2021). Understanding the buffering effect of social media use on anxiety during the COVID-19 endemic lockdown. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 8, 47. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-021-00724-x

Micha, G., Hyphantis, T.N., Staikou, C., Valsamidis, D., Arnaoutoglou, E.M., Tzimas, P., Vlahos, N., Daponte, A., Grypiotis, I., Pappa, P., Evangelaki, E., Apostolidou, S., Paschos, V., Varvarousi, G., Bareka, M., Izountouemoi, G., Tsonis, O., Koullourou, I., Kalopita, K., & Kotsis, K. (2022). Prevalence of postpartum depression and antenatal anxiety symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic: An observational prospective cohort study in Greece. European Journal of Midwifery, 6.

Nadia Anuar, Sofea Dayana Indra, Dini Nurina Azhan, Swaylin Anak Andrin, Nurhilleny Rosly & Nurul Syafieqah Jaafar. (2024). Engineering Students’ Lifestyle in a Malaysian Public University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. e-Bangi: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 21(2), 342-358.

Rossi, C., De Salve, F., Biagianti, B., Cavalera, C., Malvini, L., Barbera, S., Pastelli, I., Tagliabue, S.M., Oasi, O., & Percudani, M.E. (2023). At‐risk mental states and personality traits: A cluster analysis approach on a group of help‐seeking young adults. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 17, 1070 - 1078.

Van Breda, A. D. (2018). A critical review of resilience theory and its relevance for social work. Social Work, 54(1), 1-18

Walsh, F. (2021). Family resilience: A collaborative approach in response to stressful life challenges. In S. Southwick, B. Litz, D. Charney, & M. Friedman (Eds.), Resilience and Mental Health: Challenges Across the Lifespan. 149-161. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511994791.012

World Health Organization. (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Wu, Y., Sang, Z. Q., Zhang, X. C., & Margraf, J. (2020). The Relationship Between Resilience and Mental Health in Chinese College Students: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00108

Xin, S., & Ma, X. (2023). Mechanisms of Physical Exercise Effects on Anxiety in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience and the Moderating Role of Media Exposure. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20.