The experiential impact of isolation and quarantine on patients during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in India

BACKGROUND: Most countries around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there are quantitative studies on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-care professionals and other population groups, there are few studies that have evaluated the experiences of patients in the initial phases of the pandemic. AIM: This study aims to conduct a qualitative study assessing the experiences of the patients in isolation and quarantine in the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: The present study was a qualitative study through telephonic interviews with patients in isolation and quarantine due to COVID-19 from April 4 to 12, 2020. Patients in isolation had confirmed COVID-19 and were mandatorily admitted in specially designated COVID hospitals. Patients in quarantine were suspected to have COVID-19 due to symptoms or contact with confirmed patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: The experiences could be classified as having psychological impact, interpersonal impact, social impact, behavioral changes and impact on occupational aspects. The experience was predominantly unpleasant and characterized by anxiety, stigma, ostracization, guilt, and worry about the future. CONCLUSION: The experiences of the individuals in both the groups emphasize the importance of addressing psychological stressors. It could be concluded that individuals and their families would accordingly benefit from effective interventions to deal with the negative experiences they have been through due to the present pandemic.