ABSTRACT
Patients with COVID-19 suffer considerable physical and psychological stress not only during the disease crisis but also after the illness. In this regard, the first practical step is to clearly understand the patients physical and psychological problems. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the physical and psychological effects of COVID-19 on survivors. To achieve this goal, a phenomenological study was conducted. Researchers utilized non-probability convenient sampling, and 12 participants were recruited from a cohort of individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection and experiencing a history of mild to severe symptoms. The collected data was analyzed through themes of Effects on Physical Health, Effects on Psychological Health, and Social Stigma. The study found that contracting and recovering from coronavirus is an experience in which participants oscillate between relief, safety, confinement, and raw fear. A major focus was seen on the physical and psychological aspects of the diseased body. Stigma and financial stress after infection were also expressed. This study provided a better understanding of the physical and mental well-being of COVID-19 survivors after recovery based on real-world experience. Participants experienced their bodies being vulnerable and marked after COVID-19. They wavered between radiant joy in healing and uncertainty in assessing symptoms. Patient’s experiences, therefore, help us better understand how people cope with post- illness challenges and guide us to better ways to support them in the future.
