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“People Will Continue to Suffer If the Virus Is Around”: A Qualitative Analysis of Sub-Saharan African Children’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Samantha Watters Kallander

    (Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

  • Rebecca Gordon

    (Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

  • Dina L. G. Borzekowski

    (Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

Abstract

Children are particularly impressionable and at risk during a global public health crisis, making it important to examine their unique perspectives. To hear and understand sub-Saharan African children’s experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted an exploratory qualitative analysis based on interviews with 51 children, ages 9 to 13, from Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone. Applying the organization of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, we reveal how COVID-19 affected children’s daily lives and domestic challenges, schooling and neighborhood issues, media use (and its relationship to knowledge and fear of the disease), perceptions of the country and government response, and thoughts of religion and hope. Children’s responses differed greatly, but patterns emerged across sex, age, household size, religion, and country. This study offers guidance and recommendations for meeting the needs of children, especially in times of crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Samantha Watters Kallander & Rebecca Gordon & Dina L. G. Borzekowski, 2021. "“People Will Continue to Suffer If the Virus Is Around”: A Qualitative Analysis of Sub-Saharan African Children’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5618-:d:561455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Bentzen, Jeanet Sinding, 2021. "In crisis, we pray: Religiosity and the COVID-19 pandemic," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 541-583.
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    4. Victor Ombati & Ombati Mokua, 2012. "Gender Inequality in Education in sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of Women's Entrepreneurship and Education, Institute of Economic Sciences, issue 3-4, pages 114-136.
    5. World Bank, 2020. "Response to COVID-19," World Bank Publications - Reports 33738, The World Bank Group.
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