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How Have Members of Edmonton’s Islamic Community Been Doing During the Pandemic? A Summary of Survey Results

Abstract
The Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA) conducted a survey of Edmonton's Muslim community to understand their specific needs and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just under 20% of the community had partial knowledge, no knowledge, or an uncertain amount of knowledge about COVID-19, where the two most popular information sources were the government and social media. A third of respondents did not have adequate resources for physical distancing. Mental health was the highest reported concern for the community, and the IFSSA proposes recommendations for improving mental healthcare access and information sharing.
Authors: Omar Yaqub,Asheika Sood Publication Date: 4/1/2021

Publication Type: Newspaper Article

URL:https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FACTIVIST_V3_APRIL_2021_FINAL.pdf
Notes

Future research / gaps identified:

This initial survey was only carried out by IFSSA with their clients. IFSSA hopes to expand this research to the overall social services sector in Edmonton who serve the Muslim community.

Integration timeline: not defined

Key populations: the Islamic community in Edmonton

Community organizations:

  • Edmonton Social Planning Council
  • Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA)

Key findings:

  • 19.35% of the Islamic community in Edmonton had partial knowledge, no knowledge, or an uncertain amount of knowledge about COVID-19.
  • 32% of respondents did not have adequate resources to practice physical distancing.
  • The 2 largest sources of information on COVID-19 for the respondents was government sources and social media.
  • The 2 biggest challenges the community faces due to COVID-19 are mental health concerns, and feeling lonely, trapped, and/or isolated.

Key recommendations:

  • Increase mental health services access for the Islamic community in Edmonton.
  • Adapt communication strategies on COVID-19 to be tailored for Muslims in Edmonton.

Location:

  • Edmonton
  • Alberta

Open access: Yes


Collections covid-19 , physical-and-mental-health , resettlement-integration , social-services

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