Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions among Community Members of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

Azwinndini Gladys Mudau; Bumani Solomon Manganye; Shonisani Elizabeth Tshivhase; Ntsieni Stella Mashau; Takalani Grace Tshitangano; Hlekani Vanessa Mbhatsani; Selekane Motadi; Brenda Baloyi; Anzani Mugware; Zwivhuya Patience Mudau; Rachel Lebese; Lindelani Fhumudzani Mushaphi

doi:10.3390/socsci13070333

Social Sciences (Jun 2024)

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions among Community Members of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province

Azwinndini Gladys Mudau,
Bumani Solomon Manganye,
Shonisani Elizabeth Tshivhase,
Ntsieni Stella Mashau,
Takalani Grace Tshitangano,
Hlekani Vanessa Mbhatsani,
Selekane Motadi,
Brenda Baloyi,
Anzani Mugware,
Zwivhuya Patience Mudau,
Rachel Lebese,
Lindelani Fhumudzani Mushaphi

Affiliations

Azwinndini Gladys Mudau: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Bumani Solomon Manganye: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Shonisani Elizabeth Tshivhase: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Ntsieni Stella Mashau: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Takalani Grace Tshitangano: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Hlekani Vanessa Mbhatsani: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Selekane Motadi: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Brenda Baloyi: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Anzani Mugware: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Zwivhuya Patience Mudau: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Rachel Lebese: Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Lindelani Fhumudzani Mushaphi: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13070333
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 13, no. 7
p. 333

Abstract

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The mental well-being of many community members was seriously impacted by COVID-19, with some experiencing the loss of loved ones and others losing jobs due to lockdown-related company cutbacks. There is evidence indicating that many people faced challenges in accessing essential services, including healthcare. This study aimed at investigating the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions among community members of the Vhembe District, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory design was used for this study. Data were collected from 54 participants through nine focus group interviews with six participants each. This study identified two main themes originating from data analysis: community mental health during COVID-19 lockdown, lockdown regulations, and challenges encountered. The participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 during lockdown. This research underscores the vital necessity of implementing harm reduction strategies and long-term service policies for this group. It also emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in upholding the rights of marginalized populations.

Published in Social Sciences

ISSN: 2076-0760 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Social Sciences
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/socsci

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