Public perception of social workers as a source for providing help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Summary: The current study examined the contribution of select demographic and psychosocial variables, as well as prior experience with social workers (SWs), to explaining the likelihood of seeking their help by the general public in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the purpose of the study, an online questionnaire was administered to a sample of 582 respondents older than 20. Findings: The findings show that the respondents reported a fairly low likelihood of seeking help from SWs. Women, those not in a significant relationship, people who had prior experience with SWs, and those reporting higher levels of loneliness, had a higher likelihood of seeking help from SWs. At the same time, no association was found between age, employment status, depression, and anxiety, and the likelihood of seeking help from SWs. Applications: When dealing with the mental, health, and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, it is important to identify groups with a lower likelihood of seeking help from SWs and to actively offer them help. Furthermore, it is important to develop a policy aimed at promoting knowledge of SW roles and reducing barriers to seeking SW help, while attending to the unique needs of diverse population groups.