Exploring the psychological effects of COVID-19 on patients in Iran: a qualitative study

Introduction:
COVID-19, a new disease infecting a large number of people, undoubtedly has psychological effects. This study aimed to explore the experiences of psychosocial effects in patients with COVID-19 in Iran.

Material and methods:
The content analysis qualitative study was conducted from April to September 2021 in Iran. Participants were twelve patients with COVID-19 selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using telephone interviews. After recording and transcribing interviews, data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The rigor of data was assessed using the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln.

Results:
Patients with COVID-19 described the four psychological effects arising from the pandemic: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, sleep disorders, and fear of remaining COVID-19 complications.

Conclusions:
The results showed that patients with COVID-19 experienced a variety of psychological effects during the pandemic. It is necessary to monitor psychological problems in patients after discharge and implement interventions such as psychological counselling and strengthened crisis support systems.