Coping with COVID-19 Isolation in Kerala, India: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

COVID-19 has had a negative impact on all areas of human life. Populations both directly and indirectly affected faced similar challenges to a certain extent. This article explores the emergent attitudes and healthcare practices of COVID-19-affected people during the period of their isolation after positive infection, following a qualitative research design. A total of ten participants from Malappuram District, Kerala State, India were selected for the study by the convenience sampling method. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to understand their emergent attitudes and health care practices. The results show that the attitudes and vulnerabilities of the individual during quarantine, environmental factors, and access and availability of resources, are the individual and social factors leading to major psychological impacts on participants during COVID-19 quarantines. Coping strategies and healthcare practices, mental health related practices, social connectivity, socioeconomic status and social support are individual and social factors that helped participants to overcome negative psychological impacts. Keywords: Emergent attitudes, Healthcare practices, COVID-19 survivors