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https://hdl.handle.net/10321/5226
Title: | Exploring the lived experiences of vulnerable females from a low-resource setting during the COVID-19 pandemic | Authors: | Haffejee, Firoza Maharajh, Rivesh Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula |
Keywords: | COVID-19;Lived experiences;Mental health;Social interaction;Stressors;Women’s health;Toxicology | Issue Date: | 9-Nov-2023 | Publisher: | MDPI AG | Source: | Haffejee, F., Maharajh, R. and Sibiya, M.N. 2023. Exploring the lived experiences of vulnerable females from a low-resource setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20(22): 1-12. doi:10.3390/ijerph20227040 | Journal: | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health; Vol. 20, Issue 22 | Abstract: | The onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of women in vulnerable settings. Currently, there is limited evidence that explores the wellness of elderly women under the associated restrictions. This study explores the lived experiences of elderly women in a vulnerable community in Durban, South Africa. A face-to-face, in-depth qualitative approach was implemented to interview 12 women aged 50 years and over. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that social interactions, the effect of a high death rate, and financial strain predominantly affect stress and anxiety levels. Despite the women being in receipt of pensions and/or other grants, their supplementary income was reduced. This, together with the additional expenses incurred during the lockdown, resulted in anxiety over finances. The lack of social interaction, with limits on visiting family and other loved ones when they were ill, along with the limit on the number of people attending the funerals of loved ones were also stressful. This study also reports on the resulting coping mechanisms, which included using hobbies such as baking and sewing as a means of self-care. Religious beliefs also relieved stress while home remedies were used as preventative measures during the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19. |
URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/10321/5226 | ISSN: | 1661-7827 1660-4601 (Online) |
DOI: | 10.3390/ijerph20227040 |
Appears in Collections: | Research Publications (Health Sciences) |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Haffejee_Maharajh_Sibiya_2023.pdf | Article | 569.49 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
IJERPH Copyright clearance.docx | Copyright clearance | 155.12 kB | Microsoft Word XML | View/Open |
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