Exploring Quality of Life among COVID-19 Survivors in Tshwane, South Africa

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21319973

Tshwene Winnie Rammutla, Mathildah Mokgatle, Kebogile Mokwena, and Muhammad Hoque (Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa)

COVID-19 has now become a chronic illness that not only impacts people physically but also leaves a mark on their psychological wellbeing, socio-economic and sexual functions. Evidence shows that COVID-19 survivors face numerous complications such as fear, trauma, anxiety, weight loss/gain, sleep disorders, financial insecurity and many others. However, there is a scarcity of literature available in South Africa on the effects of the novel coronavirus on the quality of life of survivors in urban areas like Tshwane. The objective of the study is to explore the impact of the novel coronavirus on the quality of life of survivors in Tshwane, South Africa. A descriptive qualitative methodology was used in this study. Nineteen patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were purposefully sampled from an academic hospital in Tshwane. Interviews were conducted using the semi-structured interview guide. In-depth interviews were conducted in English and Setswana language. The results indicated that there were several consequences of COVID-19 on the quality of life of survivors in Tshwane, South Africa. Psychological issues such as trauma, anxiety, fear and grief were common among survivors. Participants expressed physical health complications such as fatigue, weight gain/loss, long COVID symptoms. Survivors faced job losses, financial instability and other socio-economic factors. Stigma and isolation in social lives were also observed by participants. Reduced libido and sexual functions were reported in participants’ sexual health. Moreover, survivors experienced lack of healthcare services after recovery from acute infection of COVID-19. To conclude, there are severe consequences of the novel coronavirus on the quality of life of survivors.