“ … [I]f I can [be] infected now that means I am going to die … ”: an explorative study focusing on vulnerable, immunocompromised groups and caregivers experiences and perceptions of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa

Abstract

In this paper, we explored how vulnerable, immunocompromised groups and caregivers of the elderly experienced and perceived the  onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. Semistructured interviews were conducted remotely between the 5th andthe 18th of April  2020 in the three South African provinces hardest hit by Covid-19, namely Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. In total,  60 qualitative key informant interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted. Study participants expressed concerns for  elderly people and people with underlying health conditions because of their increased vulnerability to Severe Acute Respiratory  Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). People living with HIV expressed an increased fear of infection following the advent of the  Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa. The sidelining of healthcare services and stock-outs of medication proved to be an added concern in  particular for vulnerable and immunocompromised groups. Overall, the data suggest that the fear of infection is ubiquitous for people  who live in unstable environments such as overcrowded townships and informal settlements. Given the increased fears of infection  brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the mental health of vulnerable communities and those caring for them becomes an added  burden for people living in unstable environments.