Lived experiences of patients with COVID-19 infection: a phenomenology study.

Aim To describe experiences of patients with COVID-19 infection. Methods This qualitative research was conducted using a phenomenological approach, and participants were selected via purposive sampling. In total, 14 patients with COVID-19 were selected (nine women and five men) aged 20-60 years. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with open questions and through observation. Data analysis was performed using Colizzi's phenomenological approach. Results Three themes and nine categories were extracted; the main themes were mental strains, physical manifestations, and coping mechanisms. Mental strains entailed concerns, fears and isolation, on the other hand, physical manifestations comprised nervous, respiratory and gastrointestinal system, and systemic disorders. Coping mechanisms included religiosity and home remedies categories. Conclusion Mental strains were the most important issues in the patients with COVID-19, which were interwoven with concerning physical manifestations. Most of the participants used self-medication and spiritual resources to cope with the disease. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out proper planning by healthcare personnel to psychologically and spiritually support these patients, while alleviating physical manifestations of the disease. Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.