Experiences on the frontline: Qualitative accounts of South African healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Health SA = SA Gesondheid Vol. 29; no. 5; p. 2339
• Main Authors: Kazadi, Angela, Watermeyer, Jennifer, Besharati, Sahba
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS 2024; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd; AOSIS; AOSIS Publishing on behalf of University of Johannesburg
• Subjects: Coping; COVID-19; Disease transmission; Epidemics; Health Care Sciences & Services; Health Policy & Services; healthcare worker; Interviews; lived-experience; low-to-middle income country; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; Mental health; Original Research; Pandemics; Public health; qualitative; Qualitative research; Research design; Social aspects; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; Workers; South Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa; COVID-19; low-to-middle income country; qualitative; mental health; South Africa; lived-experience; healthcare worker
• ISSN: 1025-9848; 2071-9736; 2071-9736
• DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2339

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted people's mental health significantly. Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) were arguably most affected, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries like South Africa. Understanding their experiences is important to inform interventions for social and psychological support for future pandemics.
This study explored the experiences of frontline HCWs in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sample included HCWs from various professions and health sectors who worked with COVID-19 patients across South Africa.
An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 frontline HCWs recruited via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using principles of inductive thematic analysis.
Four major themes were identified in the data: (1) Working during COVID-19 was an emotional rollercoaster; (2) Working during COVID-19 was physically and mentally exhausting; (3) Participants held negative attitudes towards the Department of Health; and (4) COVID-19 had a transformative impact on the daily life of HCWs.
HCWs' experiences were diverse and marked by contradictions. Limited psychological support and resources aggravated experiences. However, a positive narrative of hope and gratitude also resonated with participants. Qualitative methodologies provided depth and insights into the diverse realities of frontline HCWs.
This study provides significant insights into the experiences of a diverse group of frontline South African HCWs during COVID-19. It demonstrates a shift in the definition of a 'frontline' HCW and highlights the need for greater psychological support and individualised public health interventions during future pandemics.