Living with co-morbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic : a qualitative study of the heightened physical and psychosocial challenges emerging from the virus

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for people with comorbidities. Those with co-morbidities faced mental and physical health consequences, and their family life, social life and healthcare were affected. The presence of co-morbidities was a compounding factor that led to deleterious consequences for this vulnerable group of people. This study sought to explore the various challenges from the experiences and perspectives of people living with comorbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. A qualitative research methodology was utilised in this study, with an exploratorydescriptive design, as well as non-probability and snowball sampling. Two samples were recruited namely, those affected by COVID-19 and those infected by COVID-19 post three months. Both samples had one or more co-morbidities. A total of 26 participants eventually participated. The study employed a semi-structured interview schedule to attain the required data, that allowed for a good conversational exploration into participants’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was analysed using thematic analysis, which yielded eight themes, all of which had sub-themes. The key findings from the study were multifactorial, as there were considerable effects on participants’ physical health, whereby an intensity of COVID-19 symptoms occurred and long-term COVID symptoms persisted for long periods of time, which resulted in a difficult journey to recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic and the virus had a substantial impact on mental health, as participants endured intense bouts of fear and anxiety with persistent mental trauma post-COVID. Additionally, issues around isolation and concurrent loneliness from lockdown measures took a toll on their health. Empirical evidence shows a worsening of co-morbidities due to declining mental well-being. Family and social lives were vastly affected by the pandemic, causing a multitude of problems relating to finance, bonding, conflicts and bereavement. Obtaining adequate healthcare was difficult during the pandemic, as participants encountered staff shortages, extended wait times, a lack of medication, the sharing and borrowing of medication and a lack of care from medical staff. Participants who were hospitalised faced further challenges that affected their healthcare and overall sense of well-being. Despite the challenges that people with co-morbidities faced, they were hopeful as they began adopting healthier eating habits, exercising and sharing responsibilities iii within the home. Having supportive family and friends proved to be a significant benefit. The lockdown also gave people an opportunity to improve familial relationships. Community and religious organisations assisted those in need and people relied on faith and spirituality for a sense of peace and comfort. The data also indicated that many individuals embraced holistic health by incorporating complementary and alternative medicine into their practices. The use of these practices enabled a sense of good physical health among the participants. This study has provided a new insight into the lives of people with co-morbidities during a period of intense turmoil. The data obtained in this study can be used as a stepping stone to further explore the long-term effects of COVID-19 on people with comorbidities who are vulnerable to the effects of disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby improving their quality of life and health.