COVID-19 Daily Realities for Families: A South African Sample.

Kezia Ruth October,Lisa Rene' Petersen,Babatope Adebiyi,Nicolette Vanessa Roman,Edna Rich

doi:10.3390/ijerph19010221

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected families globally. Empirical research has been explored to understand the impact of COVID-19 on families across countries, however, there are limited findings of how COVID-19 has affected the daily realities of families in South Africa. This study used an exploratory qualitative research approach to explore the experiences of COVID-19 for South African families. Findings suggest that the negative outcomes of COVID-19 experienced by South African families included a shift in the daily routines, restrictions on family events, lack of socialization and loss of connections, family conflicts, financial constraints as well as psychological impacts. On the contrary, the positive outcomes included increased family time and communication, cleanliness, and good health status, and improved financial management. Implications for future research should include research focused on the health impacts of COVID-19 on diverse family structures, family compositions, and family dynamics. In-depth research and findings can assist in developing policies and interventions for families.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many globally
The current study aimed to explore the daily life of families during the COVID-19 pandemic
One of the main themes that emerged from the data analysis included family experiences of COVID-19

Summary

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many globally. In December 2019, the Corona Virus was initially originated in Wuhan, China. The virus known as COVID-19 has since spread globally affecting more than 229 million people, with death rates of over. At the onset of the pandemic, organizations such as the WHO, coupled with governments worldwide, worked together to put contingency plans in place to prevent, combat and support the health care systems, which were under strain as a result of COVID-19. Some of these contingency plans set in place included testing by means of nasal and throat swabs, screening at numerous venues, social distancing, and lockdown only to mention a few. This pandemic and the implemented contingency plans have influenced the lives of many families in numerous ways

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