Myths, misconceptions, othering and stigmatizing responses to Covid-19 in South Africa: A rapid qualitative assessment

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of virus in the Coronavirus family that has not been previously identified. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, everyone is at risk of catching the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). No one has immunity to the virus. Despite this, misconceptions about specific groups of people who are immune to Covid-19 emerged with the onset of the pandemic. This paper explores South African communities’ misconceptions about who is most vulnerable to Covid-19. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted remotely in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Recruitment of study participants took place through established relationships with civil society organizations and contacts made by researchers. In total, 60 key informant interviews and one focus group discussion was conducted. Atlas.ti.8 Windows was used to facilitate qualitative data analysis. The qualitative data was coded, and thematic analysis used to identify themes. The results show a high level of awareness and knowledge of the transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. Qualitative data revealed that there is awareness of elderly people and those with immunocompromised conditions being more vulnerable to catching Covid-19. However, misconceptions of being protected against the virus or having low or no risk were also evident in the data. We found that false information circulated on social media not only instigated confusion, fear and panic, but also contributed to the construction of misconceptions, othering and stigmatizing responses to Covid-19. The study findings bring attention to the importance of developing communication materials adapted to specific communities to help reduce misconceptions, othering and stigmatization around Covid-19.

Risk communication and community engagement strategies for COVID-19 in 13 African countries

“…The first COVID-19 cases in South Africa were detected on 5 March 2020. 53 The government urged the populace to obey the precautionary measures put in place, including to stay indoors, avoid faith-based, social and sports gathering among others, to curb the impact of the outbreak in South Africa. 54 Many COVID-19 awareness programmes were intensified to address pandemic-related discrimination and stigmatization, fear and disproving myths and misinformation about COVID-19 including the fifth generation wireless technology conspiracy theory.…”

COVID-19 and Common Myths and Policy Intervenes

“…One clicks and messages are sent from one corner to another corner of the world. Therefore we must be cautious about what we are typing or sharing [13]. Digital hygiene or information sharing restrain consist of widespread safe and best practices to be followed while doing work on internet and mobile phones.…”

Perception of Cancer Patients and Their Attendants during Pandemic of COVID-19: An Experience from Tertiary Care Center, Pakistan

“…Mental health of cancer patient is more important during this time because these patients have been advised for social isolation for long time and they have disease related issues as well [11]. Several myths and rumors about this viral infection are being circulated, regarding the treatment and prevention [12]. One misbelief is that this virus affects only elderly [12].…”

“…Several myths and rumors about this viral infection are being circulated, regarding the treatment and prevention [12]. One misbelief is that this virus affects only elderly [12]. Other myths are: this virus is just like normal flu, it is not contagious, this virus is a fallacy and it does not have any existence.…”

“…Other myths are: this virus is just like normal flu, it is not contagious, this virus is a fallacy and it does not have any existence. It has been experienced in previous pandemics such as SARS, 2003 negative attitudes lead to difficult control of spread of infection [12]. The same myths are prevalent regarding Polio virus, which has led to uncontrollable situation of Polio Virus in Pakistan [13].…”