Abstract summary 

In South Africa, as in many countries, the nationwide spread of COVID-19 caused a public health emergency that resulted in the government implementing necessary restrictive measures such as the nationwide lockdown as a way of containing the pandemic. Such restrictive measure, while necessary, can disrupt many aspects of people's lives resulting in unprecedented psychosocial distress. The present study aims to describe the psychosocial health and situational factors associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa during the first wave of infection. This cross-sectional survey, recruited a total of 203 participants through convenience sampling via online platforms-WhatsApp, Facebook, emails, etc.-during COVID-19 lockdown in the country. Through the snowball technique, participants from across South Africa completed the online survey that assessed socio-demographic information, risk perception, history of mental health, COVID-19-related stress, and fears during the lockdown (first wave). The majority of the participants who completed the survey were young, Black African, and female. Participants reported feelings of stress and anxiety (61.2%); stress about finances (39.5%); and feelings of sadness, anger, and/or frustration (31.6%) during the lockdown. Females compared to males were more likely to perceive COVID-19 as a risk to their household, = 45,844, < 0.001 and community, = 40,047, = 0.005. COVID-19 differentially impacted the mental health of participants with and without mental health diagnosis, = 16.596, = 0.002. Participants with a prior mental health diagnosis reported significant extra stress during lockdown ( < 0.05). The findings may be of significance to assist in the development of targeted psychosocial interventions to help people during and after the pandemic.

Authors & Co-authors:  Lentoor Antonio G AG Maepa Mokoena Patronella MP

Study Outcome 

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