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Experiences, Emotions, and Health Consequences among COVID-19 Survivors after Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization

Author

Listed:
  • Ilenia Piras

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences, PhD School in Biomedical Sciences (Public Health), University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
    Emergency Department SS. Trinità Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Maria Francesca Piazza

    (Liguria Health Authority (A.Li.Sa.), 16121 Genoa, Italy)

  • Cristina Piccolo

    (Intensive Care Unit SS. Trinità Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Antonio Azara

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy)

  • Andrea Piana

    (Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy)

  • Gabriele Finco

    (Intensive Care Unit Policlinico Universitario, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
    Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

  • Maura Galletta

    (Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy)

Abstract

Literature suggested that COVID-19 patients experienced hospitalization as a physically and psychologically stressful event, with the risk to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study aimed to understand psychological experiences of COVID-19 survivors with severe complications during and after ICU hospitalization, and any relevant health consequences. From October 2020 to January 2021, a qualitative study was conducted in Italy via semi-structured interviews by phone or video call addressed to COVID-19 survivors, randomly enrolled among people who released their stories publicly on newspapers, television, or social media. Fifteen individuals (three women and twelve men with average age of 56.4 years) were interviewed. Four main themes emerged: (i) emotion of fear; (ii) isolation and loneliness; (iii) unawareness about the gravity of the situation as a protective factor; (iv) “Long COVID” as consequences of the disease on physical and psychological health. During hospitalization, 66.7% of participants had mild or moderate values of anxiety and depression. After discharge, 86.7% moved to normal values. The results suggest that long-COVID is an important problem to manage to improve patients’ quality of life. It is essential to guarantee a holistic take in charge starting before the discharge and continuing care after discharge in the community where they live.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilenia Piras & Maria Francesca Piazza & Cristina Piccolo & Antonio Azara & Andrea Piana & Gabriele Finco & Maura Galletta, 2022. "Experiences, Emotions, and Health Consequences among COVID-19 Survivors after Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:6263-:d:820696
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Haoyu Pei & Qiuping Wu & Yu Xie & Jing Deng & Limei Jiang & Xiaoqin Gan, 2021. "A Qualitative Investigation of the Psychological Experiences of COVID-19 Patients Receiving Inpatient Care in Isolation," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 30(7), pages 1113-1120, September.
    2. Montserrat Venturas & Judith Prats & Elena Querol & Adelaida Zabalegui & Núria Fabrellas & Paula Rivera & Claudia Casafont & Cecilia Cuzco & Cindy E. Frías & Maria Carmen Olivé & Silvia Pérez-Ortega, 2021. "Lived Experiences of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Giovanna Deiana & Antonio Azara & Marco Dettori & Fiorenzo Delogu & Gavino Vargiu & Isabella Gessa & Filippo Stroscio & Marcello Tidore & Giorgio Steri & Paolo Castiglia, 2020. "Deaths in SARS-Cov-2 Positive Patients in Italy: The Influence of Underlying Health Conditions on Lethality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maura Galletta & Maria Francesca Piazza & Stefania Luisa Meloni & Elsa Chessa & Ilenia Piras & Judith E. Arnetz & Ernesto D’Aloja, 2022. "Patient Involvement in Shared Decision-Making: Do Patients Rate Physicians and Nurses Differently?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, October.

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