The adverse psychosocial effects of post-Covid-19 in dismantling family structures leaving children heading families in Mavalani village, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Globally, there were 5 million COVID-19 deaths between March 2020 and October 2021, and approximately 5·2 million children lost a parent or caregiver because of COVID-19-related deaths. This has left so many orphaned children that had to navigate life without parental supervision. This paper aims to demonstrate the adverse social effects of covid-19 in the lives of children in child-headed families in a small village called Mavalani in Limpopo province, South Africa. We employed a qualitative study utilizing an explorative research design to get deeper knowledge of the adverse effects of Covid-19 on child-headed families in Mavalani village. Purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling technique was used to purposefully select the participants that are suitable for the research study. A sample size of 10 teenagers aged 13-17 years old were randomly selected within the population of child-headed families in Mavalani village. Thematic data analysis was utilized to analyse the adverse social effects experienced by child-headed families because of covid-19 parental death. Main findings of the study demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on family dynamics, resulting in the loss of parents and leaving children to care for their siblings in child-headed households. These children often face discrimination and social isolation due to the stigma associated with being a part of a child-headed family, leading to feelings of anxiety when interacting with their peers. Taking on the responsibilities of a parent at a young age has also had a significant impact on their childhood experiences and overall well-being.

Keywords: {'name': 'Child-headed, orphan, covid-19, adverse effects, Dismantling family structure, children'}

Authors & affiliations

Jeaneth Reanetse Thema
Affiliation not supplied

Kamogelo Meriam Mphahlele
Affiliation not supplied

Ntshuxeko Hennie Ritshuri
Affiliation not supplied

A.P. Ramanyimi
Affiliation not supplied

Mercy Mushwana
Affiliation not supplied

Maphuti Chueng
Affiliation not supplied

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