Impact of COVID-19 on celebration of death, mortuary, and funerary customs in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

作者：Rahman MA, Islam MR, Chowdhury M, Asaduzzaman M, Barua P, Haque MA · 发表于：Heliyon · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30369 · 被引用次数：46 · 研究领域：Bangladesh、COVID-19 pandemic、Celebration of death、Emotional reaction、Qualitative、Transition in tradition

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions significantly impacted religious activities related to death celebrations, mortuary practices, and funerary rituals in Bangladesh. Bereaved families faced a harsh reality, unable to perform the full rituals for their loved ones due to the pandemic outbreak. This study explores the adjustments and modifications made in cultural rituals and how they affected bereaved families and close relatives. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the observance of death rituals in Bangladesh and the effects on bereaved families and close relatives. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative approach and gathered data through 3 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 58 in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from three distinct groups: (1) individuals who had experienced the death of a relative during the pandemic, (2) caregivers who provided support to those experiencing loss, and (3) volunteers actively involved with funeral and burial services. This selection strategy ensured a diverse range of perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on death rituals. RESULTS: The pandemic forced people to observe funerals or make significant sacrifices to traditional practices reluctantly. Disruptions to long-standing traditions and widespread emotional toll were as various segments of society struggled to find closure ...