The Effects of Covid-19 and its Control Measures on Gender, Children and Household Relationships in Tanzania

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted family routines, relationships, projects, and sociability giving rise to multiple outcomes threatening the health, income, social cohesion, and well-being of individuals and their families. This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on gender, children and household relationships in Tanzania.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Unguja and Pemba employing multi-stage exploratory sequential mixed-methods study design. Data were collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. Participants were community health volunteers, traditional healers, traditional birth attendants, community members, community leaders and health workers. The information collected focused on the effect of COVID-19 on gender, children and household relationships. The recorded Indepth interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic analysis was used, followed by identification of codes. The codes formed the themes that were used in presenting the findings.

Results: Overall, the findings demonstrated a range of effects of COVID-19 pandemic. Many families reported increased gender-based violence, children engaging in child labour, household conflict due to economic hardship and strained family relationships. On the other hand, some positive benefits were reported which included strengthened household relationships, as movement restriction provided ample time for family to stay together during the day. Spouse/partners had increased time together as well as with their children when COVID-19 control measures were in place.

Conclusion: Although Tanzania implemented COVID-19 control measures without exercising total lockdown, the pandemic had substantial effects on gender-based violence and household relationships. The results emphasise the need for government and other stakeholders to strengthen social welfare interventions in response to epidemics and other emergencies.