PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID AMONG COVID-19 SURVIVORS – A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 influenced individuals throughout the universe, in terms of physical, psychological, social, economic and spiritual health. This had in turn affected the well-being of the individuals. Hence the present study aimed to explore the psycho-social impact of COVID-19 among survivors, focusing on their reaction, experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, with in-depth interviews as source of data collection, using purposive sample.  The participants (N=30) were selected based on their diverse demographic characteristics, including age, gender, and occupation. Thematic analysis was employed to  identify the recurring themes and patterns from the information obtained from participants. Results: The findings revealed a complex array of psycho-social challenges faced by COVID-19 survivors. The participants reported experiencing a range of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and pandemic stress symptoms. However few have turned the situation to be more optimistic as they understood the value of life. They also described social isolation, stigmatization, and difficulty in resuming their daily routines and roles. Several coping mechanisms emerged from the participants’ responses. Additionally, some survivors found comfort in religious or spiritual practices, which provided them with a sense of meaning and hope. Conclusion: The study implied the importance of conducting more research on “long COVID” as it had an impact on mental health and cognition. It also implied the importance of providing psychosocial education to optimize the health behaviour and to enhance the mental well-being.