Covid-19’s Socio-Economic Impact On Small and Medium Enterprises and Household Income in Enugu State, Nigeria: The Political Economy Perspective (Published)
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the world economy and brought about a new normal; among other things, businesses suffered a setback, with household incomes decreasing as a result of job losses and company closures. The main objective of the study is to examine how COVID-19 has affected small and medium-sized companies in Enugu State from a socioeconomic perspective and how that has affected household income. Both primary and secondary sources were employed to gather the data. Small- and medium-sized business owners as well as households in the Enugu metropolitan area received hundred (100) surveys. A percentage and frequency table was then used to assess the data that had been gathered. The results show how the COVID-19 epidemic has impacted consumers’ short- and medium-term purchasing power as shown by the rise in demand for critical commodities at the expense of non-essentials due to panic buying. Second, SME operators have a sizable problem as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic-related fall in crude oil prices and the country’s currency’s subsequent depreciation. Thirdly, the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate is harmed and/or they have severe liquidity issues as a result of a steep and rapid decline in demand and revenue. Consumers also experience loss of income, fear of the disease spreading, and greater uncertainty, all of which have a negative impact on their spending and consumption. The study found that by ensuring investment and providing relief to households, the government and big businesses should maintain acting to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on businesses and household income.
Keywords: COVID-19, Political Economy, Socioeconomics, and household income, small and medium businesses
Evaluation of Government Communication Interventions for Public Trust and Acceptance of the COVID-19 Astrazeneca Vaccine in Ebonyi State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated government communication intervention for public trust and acceptance of the AstraZeneca vaccine for Covid-19 treatment in Ebonyi State. The study was anchored on Agenda setting theory and health belief model. Survey research method was adopted using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study adopted Online Australia calculator to select a sample size of 385 from the population of 1,348,027. Four research objectives were raised and four corresponding research questions were posed to guide the study. Data collected were analyzed using tables and simple percentage. Findings reveal high level of awareness of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the state, but only few people accept to be vaccinated, most people are not willing to take the vaccine due to misinformation surrounding the vaccine, also fear of safety of the vaccine and lack of trust on the government by the people because of previous disappointments as it concerns the general welfare of the citizens. The study recommends more sincerity on the part of the government so as to gain citizens trust; as well as more education through workshops, seminars, and/or symposia on the dangers of vaccine hesitancy.
Citation: Kenneth Adibe Nwafor,Nweze Samuel,Basil-Eze, Patience,Aneke Maurine Chika, Nwamba Jane Irene , Asogwa Joel , Oraeme, Stella (2020) Evaluation of GovernmentCommunication Interventions for Public Trust and Acceptance of the COVID-19 Astrazeneca Vaccine in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, International Journal of Public Health, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Vol. 5, No.2, pp.25-37
Keywords: AstraZeneca vaccine, COVID-19, communication intervention, public trust, vaccine hesitancy/acceptance