Abstract
IntroductionCOVID-19 has spread globally, thereby contributing to substantial hospitalisation rates and morbidity. However, little or no information is available on the experiences of patients with COVID-19 in an African-setting. The study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with COVID-19.Methodssemi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone with eleven individuals who were managed and discharged due to COVID-19. A descriptive phenomenological approach to qualitative research was employed and participants were mainly asked about their experiences before, during and after hospitalisation for COVID-19. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Resultspatients' viewpoints were suggestive of community and secondary transmission of COIVD-19 in the study area. A few participants experienced severe symptoms. Most participants tend to resign their condition to fate; while some displayed unfounded conspiracy theories. Nevertheless, precautionary measures to prevent infection were largely observed. COVID-19 also negatively affected activities of daily living of the participants. Furthermore, the participants were generally satisfied with quality of care provided. However, areas of patients' education, isolation centre set-up and caregiver-patient interaction needed further improvements. Lastly, experience of fear and stigma during post-hospitalisation were common.ConclusionCOVID-19 impacted negatively on the lives of the studied population. However, their experience during hospitalisation was generally positive.
Highlights
COVID-19 has spread globally, thereby contributing to substantial hospitalisation rates and morbidity
According to the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 1.6 million confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 recorded in Africa as of mid-October, 2020, out of which over 39,000 individuals had died; while some 1.3 million patients recovered from the disease [7]
The major outcomes of this study indicated that both community and secondary transmission are the major modes of transmission of COVID-19 among the participants
Summary
COVID-19 has spread globally, thereby contributing to substantial hospitalisation rates and morbidity. Little or no information is available on the experiences of patients with COVID-19 in an African-setting. The study aimed to explore the experiences of patients with COVID-19. A descriptive phenomenological approach to qualitative research was employed and participants were mainly asked about their experiences before, during and after hospitalisation for COVID-19. COVID-19 negatively affected activities of daily living of the participants. Conclusion: COVID-19 impacted negatively on the lives of the studied population. Their experience during hospitalisation was generally positive. According to the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 1.6 million confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 recorded in Africa as of mid-October, 2020, out of which over 39,000 individuals had died; while some 1.3 million patients recovered from the disease [7]. In Nigeria, over 60,000 positive cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed as of 14th of October 2020, out of which, about 1,100 died due to the disease [8]
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