Findings from a recent study led by researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) showed that the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions severely impacted the mental health of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa.

According to the findings published in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, the South African government’s COVID-19 control measures, including lockdown and social gathering restrictions led to increased experiences of stress and anxiety, coupled with feelings of boredom, frustration, fear and loneliness. Thabiso Tema spoke to Zoe Duby, Socio-behavioural public health researcher, South African Medical Research Council