COVID-19 and the Lived Experience of People Facing it; a Quantitative Study

Abstract

Aims: Due to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19, thousands of people have died, and millions of people have been infected around the world, putting communities at great risk. The present study assessed the lived experience of people infected by COVID-19. Participants & Methods: This qualitative research with a phenomenological approach was conducted in March 2020 in Boroujerd, Lorestan. Using the theoretical sampling method, 18 citizens were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi method was used for data analysis, and Goba and Lincoln validation model was used for scientific validation of research findings. Findings: After qualitative data analysis, seven main themes were identified, including the dimensions of health and education (highlighting the role of health care providers, improving personal health, stagnation of educational activities, the need to improve media literacy), family (family-centered lifestyle, generational convergence and family cohesion), social (disruption of relationships and social interactions of individuals, increasing social trust in health care institutions, reproduction of social inequality), cultural and religious (spirituality, cultural weakness), economic (disorder and recession following disruption of business and production), sovereignty and politics (organizational integrity, bioterrorism), psychological (anxiety and social phobia). Conclusion: COVID-19 has seriously affected people's daily life and mental and social health in Boroujerd.