Coping Strategies Among Persons with COVID 19 Infection, Treated at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t301010Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2a (SARS-CoV-2a). The disease was declared a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Persons who contracted COVID-19 experienced social stigma. Even after they survived the disease, some were not readily accepted back into the community. Some experienced feelings of desperation amid uncertainty because of limited information regarding diagnosis, treatments, outcomes, and long-term effects. This study endeavored to document the coping mechanisms employed by patients who contracted the disease and were treated at the Kenyatta National Hospital. An exploratory study design was used to bring out the individual experiences and coping strategies with the COVID-19 infection. A structured key informant interview questionnaire was used to collect data. Purposive sampling method was used to get eligible participants for the study. Data collected was analyzed using NVivo® software. There were 794 patients admitted and treated for COVID-19 at KNH between 1 March 2021 and 31 August 2021. Of these, 617 recovered and were discharged. From the study results, a 50% response rate was registered, with more female respondents at 53% (n = 8). The majority (n = 9, 60%) of the respondents were aged 40 to 60 years, while 6 (40%) were younger than 40 years. Twelve (80%) of the participants had university education, 11 (73%) were married, and 14 (93%) worked in full-time employment. At least 3 (20%) of the respondents remained in the hospital for more than 15 days, and 8 (53.3%) of the respondents were on supplemental oxygen therapy for between 3 and 11 days. The coping strategies among them included: Family support system (n = 15, 100%), information given by healthcare providers (n = 8, 53.3%) and knowledge about COVID-19, largely obtained through the internet (n = 7, 46.6%). Coping strategies among persons following a COVID-19 infection were multifaceted and individualized. The family support system, information given by healthcare providers, and knowledge about COVID-19 played a major role in coping well after diagnosis. Social groups formed during these stressful times were a source of encouragement for many of these individuals.
Keywords: Coping Strategies, Persons with COVID 19 Infection, Treated, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
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