Exceptional achievement by one of DOBA Business School teachers

Assoc. Prof. Dr Daša Grajfoner is the lead author of the published article entitled Perceptions of risk and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic among women and older adults. The journal is ranked in the first quartile of Q1, A1, Scopus, and the impact factor is 3.75 this year, and 4.2 over the last 10 years.

Article abstract

The world’s health, economic, and social systems have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown measures being a common response strategy in most countries, many individuals were faced with financial and mental health challenges. The study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being, perception of risk factors and coping strategies of two vulnerable groups in Malaysia, namely women and older adults from low-income households. The participants were interviewed during Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) regarding the challenges they faced throughout the pandemic. 

Both women and older adults reported similar problems. For women, seven themes emerged, including psychological challenges, family violence, finance-related stress, and insufficient coping strategies. Older adults identified six themes, including adverse emotional experiences, loss of social connections, and the need for psychological support. The findings provide valuable information on the specific burdens faced by these groups, and support psychological interventions and mitigations that would be appropriate to improve well-being during the recovery phase.

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