부산대학교 도서관

Over the years, globalization in Taiwan has tremendously grown from increased international trade and relationships to the investment, innovation and movement of people. Taiwan has generated an ecosystem of expatriates (defined as persons who live outside their native country) working in a variety of industries such as social work and technology. As the COVID-19 global pandemic stopped world activities, the expatriate lifestyle has also been impacted- restricting their movement lifestyle. COVID-19 has impacted the health, societal and economic sectors in a disruptive manner. Public health agencies are struggling to mobilize and convene strategies for the public on safe public health practices during a pandemic. Mass information has been produced in a short amount of time, often without a targeted audience, designed for the general public. In the midst of the pandemic, tailored communication and epidemic measures are often forgotten; returning to the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. A gap of research exists in understanding the types of barriers that expatriates face pre-, during and post-pandemic. An online survey was shared with participants' ≥ 18 years to gain a snapshot of how COVID-19 has impacted expatriates that are living in Taiwan by identifying behavior adaptation strategies and information-seeking methods. Results found there is some hesitancy in the public's trust on handling COVID-19, and expatriates need more information on how their status will be impacted by the pandemic. One of the most critical elements of reducing COVID-19 cases is public behavior. We look to call for action and for further research to understand the expatriate population in Taiwan to promote better health services and delivery for expatriate population during the epidemic.