Evaluation of post-discharge attitudes and behaviors of patients affected to varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19, which has affected the whole world and turned into a global pandemic, is not just a respiratory disease. In our study, the changes in the post-discharge attitudes and behaviors of individuals affected by the disease at varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. Through this study, it was aimed to take the necessary precautions in order to keep our personal and social preparations for the COVID-19, which will apparently continue for many years, active and contribute to future studies. Methods: It was conducted by including patients at the ages of 18 and over who were diagnosed with Covid-19 upon their admission to the Emergency Service between the dates of 03.2020 and 05.2020. Information was obtained by interviewing the individuals who agreed to participate in the study one on one through the phone within the scope of the pandemic period measures. "Sociodemographic Information Form" and "Personal and Social Impacts of the Pandemic Questionnaire" prepared by us were used to collect the research data. We grouped the patients diagnosed with Covid-19 as those who were hospitalized and those who were treated in isolation at home and compared the results. Findings: There were a total of 453 patients who applied to the Emergency Department between the dates of 03.2020 and 05.2020 and were diagnosed with COVID-19. A total of 353 of them were hospitalized, 44 of them being in the intensive care unit, and 100 patients were isolated at home. 35 patients died in the process. The study was completed with a total of 125 patients when those with incomplete data, those who could not be communicated, and those who did not want to be included in the study were excluded. 57% of the patients were male, 44.8% were within the 18-30 age group, and 66% were non-hospitalized. Result: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in social life, professional life, education, and health systems. In this process, which has led people to stock up on food and cleaning supplies (54.4%), 36% of the participants developed a desire to avoid social environments. 46% of the patients no longer use public transport due to the fear of infection. It was determined that 82.4% of the recovered patients apply to the emergency services for control purposes without any reason. Keeping the health system busy due to anxiety that develops psychologically, healthy eating efforts (80.8%), desire to use drugs even when not feeling sick (52.8%), constantly feeling exhausted (40.8%), and disturbed sleep (51.2%) have developed. However, only 24% of the participants received psychological support.