The effect of COVID-19 on students’ mental health during quarantine and isolation

Tiisetso Chuene, Seponono Raesibe Mampa, Teresa-Anne Mashego, Eric Maimela, Makololo Mogane and Thabe Matsebatlela
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Tiisetso Chuene: Student Health and Wellness Centre, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Seponono Raesibe Mampa: Student Health and Wellness Centre, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Teresa-Anne Mashego: Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Limpopo, Polokwane campus, Private bag X9315, Polokwane, South Africa.
Eric Maimela: rofessor, Department of Public health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Makololo Mogane: Doctor, Centre for Student Counselling and development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Thabe Matsebatlela: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2023, vol. 12, issue 2, 472-480

Abstract: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a global public health and mental health disaster and a massive negative psychosocial experience for students. The counteractive measures are mainly on epidemiology, prevention, and management of the COVID-19 infection, with little attention on mental health. From this background, this study sought to assess the effect of COVID-19 on students’ mental health during quarantine and isolation. An exploratory qualitative research design was applied to determine how COVID-19 affected students' mental health during quarantine and isolation. Purposive sampling was used to obtain cases deemed rich in information to ensure that saturation was reached. Thus, 12 students participated in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. The trustworthiness of data was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. The study revealed that participants experienced behavioural changes during quarantine and isolation. Irregular sleeping patterns, difficulty in sleeping, and decreased appetite were the behavioural changes that the participants reported. The study also highlighted the coping techniques used by the participants during their quarantine and isolation periods. Religion and support from healthcare workers, family, and friends were some coping strategies that most participants believed to be beneficial. It is concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented threat to students’ mental health during quarantine and isolation Key Words:Mental Health, Students, COVİD-19, Isolation, Quarantine

Date: 2023
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International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478) is currently edited by Prof.Dr.Umit Hacioglu

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