Lived Experiences Among Critically Ill and Near-Death Survivors Relating to the COVID-19 Infection: A Phenomenological Study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe illnesses worldwide. Around 655.5 million cases were having been confirmed, including 6.6 million deaths. The extreme cases experienced near death in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study explored the survivors' experience of being near death while critically ill with the infection. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive phenomenological study was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants from Northeastern Thailand. Content analysis was applied by using Creswell's strategy. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: (a) anxiety and fear of dying alone, (b) environmental chaos, (c) using Thai Buddhist teaching in coping, and (d) returning from the brink of death. Moreover, the patients felt great gratitude and were grateful to the health care team. DISCUSSION: Traumas experienced by patients in the ICU included physical and psychological distress, coping strategies, and an understanding of cultural awareness. CONCLUSION: Psychological and culturally congruent care should be implemented for patients in the ICU.

Physical as Well as Psychological Distress and Coping with Situational Dilemmas Experienced by People Infected with COVID-19: A Mixed Method Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious health problems that affected people around the globe. This study aims to understand the physical distress (PhyD), psychological distress (PsyD), and coping experiences among people infected with COVID-19, develop a grounded theory, and examine PhyD, PsyD, and coping among people infected with COVID-19. A sequential exploratory mixed methods strategy is employed. A qualitative procedure is based on a grounded theory; data collection includes observation and in-depth interviews with 25 participants, aged 18 years and above. The quantitative one included 180 participants. Content analysis was applied using the Strauss and Corbin method, and ATLAS.ti software. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and the independent t-test were used. Results: The six major themes, including (1) severity of COVID-19 symptoms, (2) death anxiety, (3) uncertainty, (4) barrier to healthcare access, (5) compliance and self-regulation coping (6) post-COVID-19 effects. PhyD, PsyD, and coping were all at a moderate level. The relationship between PhyD, PsyD, and coping was positive. The prevalence in post-COVID-19 effects was 70% (95% CI 63.3-76.4%). There were higher amounts in women than men. The most frequent residual symptoms were decreased activity tolerance (40%), fatigue (33.3%), anxiety and fear of abnormal lungs (33.3%), dyspnea (27.8%), allergy (24.4%), and lung impairment (22.2%). Moreover, the prevalence of more than two symptoms was 54% (95% CI 47.2-61.7%). This study considers that the healthcare providers should be concerned with sufficient healthcare services. Interventions are needed for supporting their recovery from COVID-19 effects.

Lifestyle and Cultural Factors Related to Longevity Among Older Adults in the Northeast of Thailand.

Introduction: Healthy longevity is important in older adults. The lifestyle and cultural background are likely related to longevity. This study explored lifestyles and Buddhist Thai culture relating to longevity, and evaluated activities of daily living (ADL), body mass index (BMI), and mental health. Method: A mixed method using concurrent embedded strategy was employed. Qualitative data collection included observation and in-depth interviews with 30 older adults aged 80 years and above from Northeastern Thailand. Quantitative data: Barthel ADL, BMI, and Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment (T-GMH-A) were assessed. Content analysis was applied using the Strauss and Corbin method. Results: Four major themes were, promoting physical activities, prevention and control of diseases, mental health management, and Buddhist socio-Thai culture. Means of Barthel ADL, BMI, and T-GMH-A were 19.0 (SD 1.1), 21.34 (SD 3.07), and 53.53 (SD 7.22), respectively. Discussion: These factors greatly influenced longevity and well-being. Culturally congruent care should be implemented to health care services.