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

• Published in: International journal of social psychiatry Vol. 66; no. 6; pp. 560 - 565
• Main Authors: Fawaz, Mirna, Samaha, Ali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-09-2020; Sage Publications Ltd
• 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; Lebanon; COVID-19; Psychosocial effects; health care workers; quarantined
• ISSN: 0020-7640; 1741-2854
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764020932202

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.