The psychosocial effects of being quarantined following exposure to COVID-19: A qualitative study of Lebanese health care workers

Background: Since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), health care professionals in Lebanon have been diligently serving as the frontline of defense. In the light of challenging economic and political circumstances, putting their community wellbeing as a priority, and abiding by quarant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of social psychiatry 2020-09, Vol.66 (6), p.560-565
Main Authors: Fawaz, Mirna, Samaha, Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude of Health Personnel
Betacoronavirus
Communicable Disease Control - methods
Communicable Disease Control - organization & administration
Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology
Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control
Coronavirus Infections - psychology
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Disease control
Disease transmission
Health care
Health Personnel - psychology
Humans
Lebanon - epidemiology
Medical personnel
Mental Health
Occupational Health
Original
Pandemics - prevention & control
Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology
Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control
Pneumonia, Viral - psychology
Policy making
Professionals
Psychosocial factors
Qualitative Research
Quarantine
Quarantine - psychology
SARS-CoV-2
Stigma
Well being
Workers
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Summary:Background: Since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), health care professionals in Lebanon have been diligently serving as the frontline of defense. In the light of challenging economic and political circumstances, putting their community wellbeing as a priority, and abiding by quarantine and strict infection control measures, health care professionals risk both their physical and mental wellbeing. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the psychosocial effects of being quarantined following exposure to COVID-19 among Lebanese health care professionals. Method: An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, where semi-structured interviews were carried out involving a sample of 13 Lebanese health care providers working at various COVID-19 units. Results: The qualitative analysis has revealed four themes namely ‘Fears of contracting and spreading the virus’, ‘Conflict between professional duty and family obligation’, ‘Stigma of being infected’, and ‘Inadequate or inaccurate information’. Conclusion: COVID-19 quarantine has been posing intense psychological challenges among Lebanese health care workers which are worsened at times by the economic instability; thus, health care policymakers are urged to take proper action nationwide to alleviate longlisting implications and support the health care providers in fulfilling their mission.
ISSN:0020-7640
1741-2854
DOI:10.1177/0020764020932202