Epidemics and Society: A Historical Lens on Public Health and Community Resilience

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to explore the socio-cultural impact of epidemics in healthcare system by considering many influential factors. This research aimed to explore the existing complex relationship among healthcare infrastructure, community engagement, public health policies, mortality rates, epidemiological surveillance, and psychosocial impact through the qualitative exploratory approach. Method: this study has used an axiological approach of qualitative research method by conducting semi-structured interviews. This research has conducted 12 interviews of the experts of medicine field based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the three-step coding analysis process was used to analyze the data in this research. Findings: The findings of this research have showed the unexplored impacts of epidemics in socio-cultural settings and on healthcare systems. The findings not only identified the important factors of healthcare infrastructure, epidemiological surveillance, community engagement, mortality rate, public health policies, and psychosocial impact; but also identified the existing inter-relationship of these factors. Originality/Significance: This study's comprehensive approach to epidemics' cultural and social impacts sets it distinct. Adaptive strategies that account for the complex socio-cultural web that affects infectious disease epidemic health outcomes are some of its significant findings.