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Table 5 Overall behaviour and attitude changes in each community as a result of the intervention

From: Description of a telephone and Internet-based intervention to improve community responses to COVID-19 spread

Activity

Trincomalee

Monaragala

Anuradhapura 1

Anuradhapura 2

COVID-19 related

1. Reduced number of times they went out and visits to neighbourhood with the marking of corona calendar

2. Active engagement of children in assessing the COVID-19 risk

3. Fear and stigma towards COVID-19 infection reduced over time and people were united, started sharing, supporting and caring for others

1. Reduction of selling cigarettes in village shops

2. Active participation of families after seeing the improvement in other families the participants (e.g. reduction of cigarette and alcohol consumption, increased family unity and happiness)

‘Many families requested and joined the intervention when they got to know about it.’ (CM 02)

1. Reduction of selling cigarettes in village shops (5 in total). Men reduced alcohol consumption or quit smoking

2. Attitude change—reduced stigma towards persons suspected to be infected with COVID-19 and increased compassionate care and support for those under quarantine

1. Reduction of smoking

2. Three village men reported they quit smoking at the end of the intervention, and said they will maintain this behaviour

3. Attitude change –

‘Tobacco use is stupid/foolish.’ (P 05)

Non-COVID-19 related

1. Established new habits for day-to-day life (e.g. Frequent hand washing before meal and after using the toilet)

2. Reduction of respiratory tract infection and common cold due to good hygienic practices

‘Public Health Nursing Sister and some hospital staff said that there is a reduction of common cold and respiratory infections like flu among village children, perhaps due to good hygienic practices.’ (P 01)

1. Reduced other diseases like influenza and diarrhoea as a result of adherence to safety precautions

‘Out of 129 families, 52 families (40.3%) reported that they have reduced other diseases like influenza and diarrhea’ (CM 02, Diary notes)

2. Avoided buying unhealthy food items

‘We introduced the ‘healthy bag’ and ‘foolish bag’ concept when buying things. Many villagers started home gardening.’ (CM 02)

1. Family happiness and unity increased

1. Reduction of respiratory tract infection and common cold due to good hygienic practices

2. Saving money by cutting down unnecessary purchases or visits to doctor

3. Family happiness and unity increased

4. Attitude change—Mothers started caring for their babies more than before, spent more time with them and paid attention to the illnesses of their children

‘We understood that children should be protected almost every day. Not only during this period.’ (P 05)