The perspectives and experiences of patients with COVID-19: a qualitative study

Background
The expansion of COVID-19 and its unique transmission speed created an emergency situation in global health. This disease not only causes public health concerns but also has many psychological consequences for patients. In this situation, maintaining the mental health of individuals is essential. Therefore, focusing on the human aspects of the threat perceived by patients could lead the way for the provision of empathetic and effective care.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives and experiences of patients with COVID-19.

Material and methods
In this qualitative study, 27 patients with COVID-19 were purposefully selected and interviewed in semi-structured in-depth manner. Interviews continued until data saturation. All interviews were recorded and analysed using the MAXQDA 10 software and the contractual content analysis method via the Graneheim and Lundman approach. The accuracy and robustness of the research was obtained based on Guba and Lincoln criteria.

Results
The codes extracted from the interviews led to the emergence of two main themes including “negative emotions” and “sense of cohesion” and five categories of stigma experience, psychological distress, perceived threat, positive perception and spirituality.

Conclusions
Individuals experience critical crises in the face of stressful life events, including COVID-19, from negative emotions to psychological adjustment. Going through the crisis stage and achieving stability and peace requires a change of attitude towards everything around the person and the use of spiritual forces to achieve adaptation.