Convalescents' Reports on COVID-19 Experience-A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique medical and societal challenges.
• Mild COVID-19 cases experienced significant social consequences.
• Understanding convalescent attitudes towards plasma donation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the attitudes and beliefs of mild COVID-19 convalescents.
• To explore motivations for therapeutic plasma donation.
• To understand the social role of patients during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research using grounded theory methodology.
• 10 in-depth interviews with recovered COVID-19 patients.
• Analysis focused on individual, social, and organizational dimensions of the patient role.

Main Results:

• The patient role evolved through initiation, maintenance, and departure stages.
• Key categories identified: "ontological uncertainty," "global and individual dimension," and "being sick in a disease-infected environment."
• Mild COVID-19 illness involved institutional and emotional struggles.

Conclusions:

• Mild COVID-19 experiences are significantly influenced by disease institutionalization.
• Understanding the psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 is vital.
• Results shed light on convalescent plasma donation motivations.