Psychological and Health Impacts of COVID-19 in Western Libya: Effects of Loss, Illness, and Chronic Crises

• Najla Binhindi

  Department of Hearing and Speech, Unit of Medical Psychology, Libya

  Author

• Ibtesam Amer

  Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Unit of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Technology-Surman, Sabratha University, Libya

  Author

This study aimed to assess the psychological and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Western Libya within a fragile socio-economic context characterized by prolonged crises. A total of 1,000 participants from Western Libya were included in this study. The pandemic extended beyond a health crisis to become a profound psychological and social burden, manifested through the loss of loved ones, disruption of daily life, and the breakdown of traditional social and mourning practices. A descriptive–analytical design was adopted using two main instruments: a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data on psychological status, health awareness, and adherence to preventive measures, and semi-structured interviews to explore lived experiences related to bereavement, social isolation, and disruption of condolence rituals. The study also examined the relationship between family bereavement and psychological disorders, as well as the impact of chronic diseases (including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases) on mental health in the context of limited access to healthcare services during the peak of the pandemic. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion of participants experienced severe psychological distress characterized by complicated grief, social isolation, and emotional disturbances following the loss of multiple family members within short periods. Restrictions on gatherings and suspension of mourning practices significantly intensified feelings of loneliness and guilt. Individuals with chronic diseases were more vulnerable to anxiety and depression due to persistent fear of infection and barriers to healthcare access. Vaccine hesitancy was also observed. Approximately 11% of hospitalized patients died due to complications, while 6.9% experienced long-term health consequences that negatively affected their quality of life and psychological well-being. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for a comprehensive national intervention strategy that strengthens community-based mental health services, enhances public health awareness programs, improves healthcare system preparedness for future crises, and promotes culturally appropriate and safe mechanisms for collective grieving and coping with loss.

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