Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa.
Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Nov 9;20(22):7040. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20227040.
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.
2019 年冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行的爆发影响了弱势环境中妇女的心理健康和福祉。目前，几乎没有证据表明在相关限制下老年妇女的健康状况。本研究探讨了南非德班一个弱势社区中老年妇女的生活经历。采用面对面的深入定性方法对 12 名年龄在 50 岁及以上的妇女进行了访谈。使用主题分析对数据进行分析。研究结果表明，社交互动、高死亡率的影响以及财政紧张主要影响压力和焦虑水平。尽管这些妇女领取养老金和/或其他津贴，但她们的补充收入减少了。这加上封锁期间的额外支出，导致了对财务的担忧。社交互动的缺乏，当他们生病时，限制了与家人和其他亲人的探视，以及限制了参加亲人葬礼的人数，这也带来了压力。本研究还报告了由此产生的应对机制，包括利用烘焙和缝纫等爱好作为自我保健的一种方式。宗教信仰也缓解了压力，而在 COVID-19 封锁限制期间，由于 COVID-19，家庭疗法被用作预防措施。
