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Mental Health Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Primary Healthcare Nurses in Durban, South Africa

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  • Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu

    (Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya

    (Division of Research, Innovation and Engagement, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi 4031, South Africa)

  • Mokgadi Ursula. Makgobole

    (Department of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South Africa)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals globally, and primary healthcare (PHC) nurses play a critical role in providing mental healthcare services. However, limited research has explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the experiences of PHC nurses in providing mental healthcare services during the pandemic in Durban, South Africa. The aim was to identify the challenges faced by healthcare providers and the potential for innovative approaches to improve access to care. A qualitative, exploratory design guided the study, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with twelve PHC nurses purposively selected. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings from interviews with PHC nurses reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, including medication adherence issues, fear and uncertainty among patients, vaccine hesitancy, decreased clinic visits, and the mental and emotional toll on both patients and healthcare workers. PHC nurses adapted their services by increasing outreach efforts, prioritizing patient care, and utilizing technology and non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs) support. Challenges included reduced patient visits, complexities in healthcare provision, and a lack of adequate support. Positive changes observed include increased mental health awareness among healthcare professionals and younger generations. Recommendations include implementing outreach and awareness campaigns, providing accurate information about COVID-19 and vaccinations, and promoting cultural sensitivity in mental healthcare provision.

Suggested Citation

  • Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu & Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya & Mokgadi Ursula. Makgobole, 2023. "Mental Health Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Primary Healthcare Nurses in Durban, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6683-:d:1228790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jelena Stojanov & Marina Malobabic & Goran Stanojevic & Milos Stevic & Vuk Milosevic & Aleksandar Stojanov, 2021. "Quality of sleep and health-related quality of life among health care professionals treating patients with coronavirus disease-19," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(2), pages 175-181, March.
    2. Gabriele Giorgi & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Federico Alessio & Georgia Libera Finstad & Giorgia Bondanini & Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli & Giulio Arcangeli & Nicola Mucci, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-22, October.
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