Psychological Consequences of Patients With Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Qualitative Study)

1.1 Research Background

The upheaval brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic globally was unexpected being that its impact is beyond health complications. According to Prakash et al. (2020), up to 40 per cent of the individuals infected with Coronavirus show depression and anxiety symptoms indicating a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 patients with mental health issues. In addition, data from longitudinal studies among the affected population highlight the psychological impact of COVID-19 among patients indicated by a rise in the number of substance abuse and suicide cases among COVID-19 victims (Sher, 2020). The persistence of COVID-19 increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders including adjustment disorders in the aftermath of COVID-19 and post-traumatic disorders.

Moreover, the social effect of COVID-19 not only affects individuals but also entails patient discrimination and pervasive stigmatization as shown by statistics from recent data. A study by Sung (2021), shows that instances of social discrimination and ostracism have risen to up to 60 per cent among COVID-19 victims. Fear and misinformation are among the main factors behind the increased attitude of stigmatization among individuals on COVID-19 patients since they hinder the efforts to control the coronavirus spread by fuelling an exclusion and marginalization cycle. COVID-19 stigma has been a great concern, especially for ethnic and racial minorities and marginalized communities who face increased social exclusion and discrimination levels (Strassle et al., 2020).

More studies should be conducted on the relationship between mental health, social stigma and COVID-19 due to the recent trends on the psychological and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic among victims. It is possible to come up with interventions and support services by having an in-depth understanding of the psychological and social impact of the pandemic based on data to be able to tackle the needs of the affected communities and individuals. The study therefore intends to examine the impact of coronavirus on the mental health and social well-being of the affected individuals.

1.2 Research Problem

The current research problem targets the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social well-being and mental health of coronavirus victims. The coronavirus pandemic hit the world greatly ultimately resulting in psychological distress among COVID-19 patients in addition to the pervasive stigma associated with the disease hence more studies have to be conducted to enhance the understanding of these repercussions including the severity and prevalence of mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among victims (Cénat et al., 2021). Furthermore, by understanding the role of fear and misconceptions in contributing to discrimination and marginalization the study aims to identify the extent and nature of social stigma among coronavirus patients. The study intends to fill the gap by examining the impact of coronavirus on the mental status and social stigma of the affected individuals.

1.3 Research Question 

1. What are the effects of COVID-19 on the mental status of the patients?
2. What is the influence of COVID-19 on the social stigma among patients?
3. What are the coping mechanisms for psychological consequences caused by COVID-19?

1.4 Research Objective

1. To examine the effects of COVID-19 on the mental status of the patients
2. To assess the influence of COVID-19 on the social stigma among patients
3. To determine the coping mechanisms for psychological consequences caused by COVID-19.

2.0 Data Collection 

The main method of data collection used in this study will be interviews that will be conducted onCOVID-19 victims that will provide qualitative information on the social stigma and mental health experiences of the affected individuals. To offer flexibility, interview transcripts are used to collect data from the participants who mainly consist of those affected by the virus (Suliman et al. (2021). Purposive sampling is used in the recruitment of respondents from various healthcare centres and community organizations to ensure diversity in the experiences. A sample of 4 respondents was selected to take part in the interview directly. Video conferences were the main methods of conducting interviews allowing collection of data from remote places in addition to following the safety protocols of the respondents. The whole research process ensured ethical concerns by maintaining the confidentiality of the data collected from them in addition to obtaining informed consent before collecting the data.

2.1 Data Analysis 

The process of data analysis includes coding the interview transcripts to aid in the identification of the main themes associated with the influence of the coronavirus pandemic on social stigma and the mental health status of the affected individuals. The responses from the patients provide the basis for identifying and categorizing themes to ensure that common perspectives and experiences are highlighted. A thematic analysis technique was used in the study where the system highlighted and interpreted trends and patterns from the collected data. The themes for the study are provided below;

Table 2.1: Thematic analysis

3.0 Presentation of Findings

3.1 Demographic Data

The results of the study show that there were two males and two females with various ages mainly ranging from 23 to 29 years. The participants had different education levels with the majority having bachelor’s degrees followed by those with Masters’s degrees. This diversity mainly provides for a significant understanding of the psychological impacts of COVID-19 across diverse age groups.

3.2 Mental Status

The finding mainly shows that all the participants showed that they experienced fear and anxiety when they became aware of being infected by the virus. All the respondents felt terrified and amazed as shown below;

Respondent 1:“I experienced mixed feelings of amazement and anxiety upon learning that I had a coronavirus infection. It was a very difficult situation but I was hopeful that it would come to end.”

Respondent 2: “The realisation that I had Covid-19 was terrifying and debilitating.”

Respondent 3: “It was terrifying to learn that I had a Covid-19 infection.”

Respondent 4: “I was shocked to learn that I have COVID-19. I was concerned about how it might affect my family’s health.”

The study also shows that most of them were greatly affected by the pandemic hence it led to changes in their moods and behaviours in the long run. All the respondents fled depressed and stressed due to the virus hence they often had swing moods as shown below;

Respondent 1: “My irritation and stress levels increased as a result of the infection. It was hard to stay in a normal state of mind and conduct.”

Respondent 2: At first, I experienced a great deal of worry and anxiety, but I sought both professional and family assistance. My mood was impacted by the virus.”

Respondent 3: “I was really nervous at first, but I eventually figured out how to control my anxiety and concentrate on getting better.”

Respondent 4: “I attempted to be optimistic for the benefit of my family despite the mood swings and irritation brought on by the sickness.”

3.3 Social Stigma 

All the respondents mainly provided that they had experienced stigmatizing behaviour from others after they were diagnosed with the virus. Most of the participants felt isolated, and depressed and experienced tensions in their relationships with other individuals due to social stigma. This is mainly supported by the responses below;

Respondent 1: “It was depressing to encounter stigmatising behaviours from others.”

Respondent 2: “Yes, I have encountered stigmatising behaviours, which have made me feel even more stressed and anxious.”

Respondent 3: Yes, I did experience stigmatising behaviours, which caused me great pain and a sense of loneliness.

Respondent 4: “Yes, it’s true that I experienced cruel and isolating acts of stigmatisation.”

Social stigma is found to have different effects on the participants’ relationships with family and friends. The respondents experienced tension with their family being of significant support and motivation as provided below;

Respondent 1: “While social stigma caused tension in certain relationships, my family and friends have generally been encouraging.”

Respondent 2: “While social stigma caused tension in some relationships, it also strengthened others.”

Respondent 3: “Social stigma made some relationships tense, but it also made ties with people who shown empathy stronger.”

Respondent 4: “Although social stigma caused tension in some relationships, it also strengthened the bonds inside my family.”

3.4 Coping Mechanism

The findings of the study show that the participants used various coping strategies to deal with the effects on their mental status. The participants provide that staying connected with family and friends, seeking professional support, setting daily routines and engaging in physical activities are essential for coping with the mental health effects. This is supported by the responses below;

Respondent 1: “I have ensured frequent participation in sporting activities.”

Respondent 2: “To keep track of my mental wellness, I practised mindfulness, counselling and self-activities.”

Respondent 3: “I used deep breathing techniques and went outside to spend time in nature to help me with my anxiety.”

Respondent 4: “I started using artistic mediums like painting and music to communicate my feelings and divert my mind from unfavourable ideas.”

Consequently, the respondents provided for how they cope with social effects. The participants provided that reducing social media exposure, seeking spiritual practices, seeking support from online platforms developing new interest skills and engaging in artistic activities are significant ways for coping with the situation as provided below;

Respondent 1: “I tend to share my problems with my close friends and socialize with new friends.”

Respondent 2: “I sought out professional counselling to address underlying emotional issues and create coping mechanisms, which was really helpful in overcoming the psychological effects of the pandemic. In addition, keeping a schedule and giving self-care activities like working out and eating well priority allowed me to feel in control and normal even in the face of uncertainty.”

Respondent 3: “I looked for help from internet forums where I could talk to people going through comparable struggles about my feelings and experiences, creating a sense of understanding and camaraderie.”

Respondent 4: “In order to control my anxiety, I concentrated on mindfulness and relaxation methods. In addition, spirituality and meditation gave me a sense of calm and fortitude through trying moments, which was consoling.”

4.0 Conclusion

This study examines the psychological consequences of patients with Coronavirus focusing on the individuals who are affected. The study mainly uses interviews for the collection of responses that play a significant role in the effective understanding of various mental and social effects that are mainly caused by the virus. The findings of the study show that the coronavirus led to great effects on mental health as well as social well-being hence providing valuable insights for future researchers.

References

Cénat, J. M., Blais-Rochette, C., Kokou-Kpolou, C. K., Noorishad, P. G., Mukunzi, J. N., McIntee, S. E., … & Labelle, P. R. (2021). Prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological distress among populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry research, 295, 113599. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178120332601.

Prakash, J., Dangi, A., Chaterjee, K., Yadav, P., Srivastava, K., & Chauhan, V. S. (2021). Assessment of depression, anxiety and stress in COVID-19 infected individuals and their families. medical journal armed forces india, 77, S424-S429. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377123721001593.

Sher, L. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 113(10), 707-712. https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/article-abstract/113/10/707/5857612.

Strassle, P. D., Stewart, A. L., Quintero, S. M., Bonilla, J., Alhomsi, A., Santana-Ufret, V., … & Nápoles, A. M. (2022). COVID-19–related discrimination among racial/ethnic minorities and other marginalized communities in the United States. American Journal of Public Health, 112(3), 453-466. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306594.

Suliman, W. A., Abu-Moghli, F. A., Khalaf, I., Zumot, A. F., & Nabolsi, M. (2021). Experiences of nursing students under the unprecedented abrupt online learning format forced by the national curfew due to COVID-19: A qualitative research study. Nurse education today, 100, 104829. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260691721000861.

Sung, C. (2021). COVID-19: Experiences of Racial Discrimination, Scapegoating and Stigmatisation (Doctoral dissertation, Auckland University of Technology). https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/14668.

Appendix: Interview 

Demographic Data

1. What is your Gender?
2. What is your Age?
3. What is your Educational level?

Mental status

1. 1. How did you feel when you realized you were infected with Coronavirus?
   2. How do you evaluate your feelings of fear or anxiety after infection with Covid-19?
   3. What effects did the infection cause on your mood and behaviour?
   4. What effect did Covid-19 have on family attitudes and behaviours with you?

• How do you perceive the impact of Covid-19 on your overall mental health and quality of life?

Social Stigma

1. Have you ever experienced stigmatizing behaviours from others since being diagnosed with Covid-19?
2. How do you feel about how the society views people with the virus?
3. What impact has social stigma had on your relationship with family and friends?
4. Have you ever felt socially excluded after contracting the virus?
5. Have you eve faced any difficulty in accessing resources due to the stigma associated with Covid-19?

Coping Mechanisms

1. What strategies have you used to cope with the mental effects of Covid-19?
2. What strategies have you used to cope up with the social effects of Covid-19?