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Exploring the Lived Experiences of Vulnerable Females from a Low-Resource Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Firoza Haffejee

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Rivesh Maharajh

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa)

  • Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya

    (Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Firoza Haffejee & Rivesh Maharajh & Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya, 2023. "Exploring the Lived Experiences of Vulnerable Females from a Low-Resource Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:22:p:7040-:d:1276890
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hennink, Monique & Kaiser, Bonnie N., 2022. "Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research: A systematic review of empirical tests," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    2. Maria Esther Irigoyen-Camacho & Maria Consuelo Velazquez-Alva & Marco Antonio Zepeda-Zepeda & Maria Fernanda Cabrer-Rosales & Irina Lazarevich & Antonio Castaño-Seiquer, 2020. "Effect of Income Level and Perception of Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19 on Stay-at-Home Preventive Behavior in a Group of Older Adults in Mexico City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-16, October.
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