A scoping review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in Africa

dc.contributor.authorChigeza, Shingairai
dc.contributor.authorFadiji, Angelina Wilson
dc.contributor.authorMatamela, Nyambeni A.
dc.contributor.emailshingairai.chigeza@up.ac.za
dc.date.accessioned2025-07-29T07:54:46Z
dc.date.available2025-07-29T07:54:46Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractDespite the immense interruptions to relationships and family life during the COVID-19 pandemic, only a few studies explicitly focused on family wellbeing. Therefore, the present study aimed to synthesize current evidence in the African context to provide a state-of-the-art representation of the pandemic's impact on family wellbeing. Using a scoping review, 22 articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in Africa were analysed. The results of the study showed a diverse and immense impact of the pandemic on family wellbeing. We noted that there were few studies on this topic and that wellbeing outcomes were measured from a deficit perspective rather than as a positive state of being. The theme of stigma was more pronounced in Western Africa, whereas domestic violence was linked more to Southern African contexts. Furthermore, the economic impact of the pandemic was emphasized in Eastern and Southern African countries than in Ghana and Nigeria in Western Africa. In line with the recommendations from the articles reviewed, a multifaceted policy response is needed to protect family wellbeing. Such interventions need to focus on family functioning, happiness and social wellbeing, and not just reactive and preventative approaches, to promote wellbeing.
dc.description.departmentPsychology
dc.description.departmentEducational Psychology
dc.description.librarianhj2025
dc.description.sdgSDG-03: Good health and well-being
dc.description.urihttps://journals.sagepub.com/home/TFJ
dc.identifier.citationChigeza, S., Wilson Fadiji, A., & Matamela, N. (2025). A Scoping Review of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Wellbeing in Africa. The Family Journal, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480724126950.
dc.identifier.issn1066-4807 (print)
dc.identifier.issn1552-3950 (online)
dc.identifier.other10.1177/1066480724126950
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/103648
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherSage
dc.rights© The Author(s) 2024.
dc.subjectCOVID-19 pandemic
dc.subjectFamily wellbeing
dc.subjectAfrica
dc.subjectImpact
dc.subjectScoping review
dc.subjectCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
dc.titleA scoping review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in Africa
dc.typePostprint Article

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