Primary healthcare nurses’ experiences in managing chronic diseases during COVID-19 in the North West province

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization, stated that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic not only affected the socioeconomic well-being of millions but also had adverse effects on public health, particularly in the management of chronic diseases at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. What remained unknown was the experiences of professional nurses(PNs) working in PHC regarding this issue.

Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of PHC nurses in managing chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting: The study was conducted in the North West province, South Africa.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed to collect and analyse data. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and audio recorded with 16 PNs from five high-volume PHC facilities selected purposively.

Results: The study’s findings reveal four themes: suboptimal care for patients with chronic disease, a lack of resources, mental health challenges experienced by PHC nurses, and stigma and discrimination from both family and community members.

Conclusion: The neglect of PHC and its frontline healthcare staff has impeded the mental health of PHC workers and the management of chronic diseases thus any progress made in reducing the burden of chronic diseases is likely to have regressed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contribution: Policymakers should prioritise strengthening PHC by implementing integrated disease management policies, ensuring ethical clinical standards, providing supportive supervision, fair resource allocation and capacity building for PHC staff. In addition, addressing stigma and discrimination, and raising awareness among families and communities is crucial for future pandemics to effectively manage both chronic and infectious diseases.