Experiences and influences of COVID-19 confinement on the occupational engagement and mental wellbeing of adults in South Africa: A qualitative meta-analysis

Abstract

A qualitative meta-analysis was carried out to explore the experiences and influences of COVID19 pandemic confinement on the occupational  engagement and mental wellbeing of adults in South Africa. From a corpus of forty-four, 5 primary studies were purposively selected and thematically analysed. The methodological quality scores of the primary studies were between 68.8% and 81.2%, contributing to the body of knowledge on  occupational therapy and mental wellbeing. Five themes were identified: 1) the types of everyday occupations; 2) meaning of occupation; 3) environment  as a space for occupational engagement; 4) rejuvenating connections; and 5) the dark side of COVID-19 confinement restrictions. The findings indicated  that leisure activities enabled the participants to stay fit and healthy, and relieved their mental exhaustion and stress. It was noted that involvement in a  variety of activities provided the participants with opportunities to engage in self-reflection and discover that they are still human. Enablers identified the  environment as a space that facilitated engagement in occupations in a meaningful manner that motivated the participants. The studies indicated that  the use of technology assisted in maintaining interdependent relationships with friends, family, relatives, and colleagues, which was helpful in coping  with the ravaging challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic such as feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression. It was evident in the studies that  rejuvenating connections created a sense of belongingness and community. Overall, the findings of the present study indicated that the synergy between  the COVID-19 pandemic, socio-economic and historical contexts influenced the engagement in activities among the vulnerable adults.