Abstract
Introduction: Although individuals may recover from the COVID-19 virus, reports indicate that COVID-19 can result in enduring psychosocial hardships for many survivors. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have adversely affected the lives of South African (SA) women. However, the illness experience adds to these challenges, intensifying the psychosocial difficulties they face. Furthermore, women survivors of COVID-19 experience more severe psychological and social issues compared to their male counterparts. It therefore becomes pertinent to understand the challenges and coping experiences encountered by SA women survivors of COVID-19 to inform policies and interventions aimed at supporting women who are still grappling with the after-effects of COVID-19 and future pandemics. Aim: This study explored the psychosocial challenges and coping experiences of SA women who survived the COVID-19 virus. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study employed semi-structured interviews with eleven participants to capture the experiences of SA women COVID-19 survivors at least six months after COVID-19 infection. Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis was utilised to examine and emphasise these women's challenges and coping strategies. Findings: The data analysis illuminated three overarching themes that underscore the complex challenges faced by SA women survivors of COVID-19, namely, the challenges encountered during illness, the ongoing challenges encountered post-illness and the coping experiences of survivors. Employing the Biopsychosocial model, this study highlighted the multifaceted difficulties encountered by SA women. Furthermore, the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping helped capture women survivors' coping experiences. These women demonstrated resilience and adaptability by employing problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies to navigate their recovery journey. These strategies included adherence to safety protocols, vaccination, pacing, avoidance, distraction, adopting a ‘one-day-at-a-time’ approach, positive self-talk, spirituality, psychotherapy, medication and support from others. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of developing and implementing targeted interventions to aid SA COVID-19 survivors who have faced the multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and illness, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.
Keywords: coping, COVID-19, psychosocial, qualitative, South Africa, survivor thematic analysis, women