The lived experiences of Covid-19 survivors in Uganda: a case study of residents in Seeta, Mukono district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of COVID-19 Survivors in Seeta Mukono district. The study was guided by three objectives namely to find out the key challenges faced by COVID-19 survivors, to explore the lived experiences of COVID-19 Survivors as well as to find out the coping mechanisms adopted by COVID-19 survivors and the community. The study was purely qualitative in nature and employed a purposive sampling strategy to identify the respondents. The sample size of the study was relatively small with a total number of ten primary respondents and two key informants. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis method. The findings of the study were presented in narrative form so as to enhance quicker and better understanding of the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors. The findings of the study highlighted a number of challenges faced by COVID-19 survivors and these among others include domestic violence, food scarcity, and restriction on movement of persons among others. The study further highlighted that the participants adopted family bonding, wearing face masks as well as doing exercise and meditation as coping mechanisms The study concluded with recommending the need to provide social safety nets in form of giving in-kind transfers to local communities in times of difficulties. For instance, during the second wave of the pandemic there was need to provide social safety nets to the local population as this could provide the much needed support to the people who needed it.