Life during Covid-19: An Explorative Qualitative Study of Occupational Therapists in South Africa

Abstract

This article explores the experiences of fifteen occupational therapists during the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants from rural and urban areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were recruited using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews and personal narratives were used to collect data on occupational engagement during the pandemic. Inductive thematic analysis was used. The impact of Covid-19 on occupational engagement, occupational adaptations, factors that negatively influenced occupational engagement and enablers to occupational engagement emerged as themes. Participants experienced role changes at work and home, as well as feelings of isolation. It is essential to advocate for the role of occupation therapy during a pandemic.

Ethical Clearance Number: BREC/00002587/2021

Keywords:

• Mental health
• occupational therapy
• Covid-19
• pandemic
• occupational engagement

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to the participants who were willing to share their personal experiences and to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health for allowing access to their valued occupational therapists. Most importantly, gratitude is extended to the unwavering support structures that aided the authors in producing this paper.

Author contributions

Henna Nathoo conceptualized the study, collected the data and analyzed the data. Henna Nathoo was also involved in the writing of the manuscript. Thavanesi Gurayah and Deshini Naidoo conceptualized the study, assisted with data analysis and were involved in the writing and critical review of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest for the authors of this study