Park H, Lee N, Lee JH, Lee D, Kim KA, Kim HS, Oh E, Ha JH, Hyun SY, Lee J, Kim J, Jeon K, Kim HT, Sim M. Stress Experience of COVID-19 Patients as Reported by Psychological Supporters in South Korea: A Qualitative Study.
Front Psychiatry 2022;
13:834965. [PMID:
35422718 PMCID:
PMC9002112 DOI:
10.3389/fpsyt.2022.834965]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
COVID-19 patients experience various stressors during the quarantine period and after release from quarantine. However, stressors experienced during each period remain unclear.
Methods
A total of 15 mental health experts from the integrated psychological support group for COVID-19participated in this study. Psychological support was provided for the total 932 confirmed COVID-19 patients and their families. Qualitative data were collected using Focus Group Interview (FGI). The participants were divided into two groups and semi-structured questions were used to allow participants to speak their minds.
Results
During the quarantine period, difficulties of being diagnosed with COVID-19, concerns about recovery from COVID-19, stress related to quarantine, issues related to the treatment environment, and limited information about COVID-19 and communication were frequently reported. After release from quarantine, the reported main stressors include reinfection or reactivation, concerns about complications, and financial difficulties. Confusion as vectors and victims, stigma and discrimination, and conflicts within a family were observed during both periods.
Conclusions
COVID-19 patients suffered various stressors during the quarantine period and after release from quarantine. Moreover, returning to their daily life required timely psychosocial support, intervention, and treatment for COVID-19 infection.
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