Experiences of quarantine for individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak in Kashmir: A qualitative study

Abstract

Context: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak originally occurred from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and gradually spread to other countries in different parts of the world. The COVID-19 outbreak has led many countries ask people who have potentially come into contact with the infection to isolate themselves at home or in administrative quarantine facilities. Thus, quarantine at different levels, from individual to community, was seen as an effective measure of preventing the spread of this disease. Aims: The aim of the present study is to explore the experiences of quarantine for individuals returning from Bangladesh during the COVID-19 outbreak in Kashmir. Settings and Design: This study follows qualitative narrative design. Subjects and Methods: This study used an in-depth, semi-structured interview guide. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants who varied in terms of gender and age. Results: Despite individual differences, the experiences narrated by participants followed stages beginning before, during, and after ending the quarantine. The government authorities adopted a policy of mandatory quarantine to all the incoming passengers with the aim of preventing the spread of this pandemic. However, participants reported facing several issues such as shock and fear, feeling of isolation and loneliness, frustration and boredom, and loss of routine activities during this period. Conclusions: Quarantine as a method of preventing transmission of severe disease outbreak should be carefully used after effectively weighing its potential benefits and risks. The results of the study can be used to devise a proper policy framework and practice for effectively managing future quarantine and isolation-related health emergencies.