Living in the same house with a healthcare worker in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative research

Living in The Same House with A Healthcare Worker in The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research INTRODUCTION AND AIM: As the COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals in many ways, one of the most affected groups is healthcare workers. Family members of healthcare workers are also significantly affected by the effects of the pandemic. In our study, we aimed to investigate the psychosocial effects and experiences of individuals living in the same house with a healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was carried out between 1 April 2021 and 30 May 2021, using a qualitative method with 19 individuals who were living in the same house with a healthcare worker who was working with COVID-19 patients in Sakarya. Data were collected using a questionnaire for socio-demographic data and a semi structured interview form consisting of three open-ended questions. The data obtained by the in-depth interview technique were grouped under themes and sub-themes. RESULTS: Of the participants, 73.68% were females and 26.32% were males. The mean age was 39.73 ± 10.01 standard deviation (SD) years. We found that the participants cohabitating with a healthcare worker experienced attitude and behavioral changes, excessive attention to symptoms, excessive cleanliness, changes in dietary and sleep patterns, and they blessed the profession of the healthcare worker relative. We also determined the participants developed emotional reactions, such as fear and anxiety, insecurities, feelings of safety, hopelessness and pessimism. The thought of losing a loved one, uncertainty in working order, victimization, worrying about the health of family members and stigma were among the stress factors experienced by the participants. The participants stated that, in addition to their social restrictions, they were also restricted by their healthcare professional relatives, and that the changes in the home environment during the pandemic caused discomfort.CONCLUSION: Individuals living in the same house with a healthcare worker in charge of the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly affected by the changes created by the pandemic in their social life. The negative impact on the health worker's family may have been reflected on the health personnel as an additional psychosocial burden due to the mutual interaction. Therefore, considering that the society is indirectly affected, it is important to reduce any negative situations experienced by healthcare workers, to provide interviews with their families, and to conduct research on the causes of psychological stress and distress. Key Words: COVID-19, Qualitative research, Pandemic, Psychosocial effects, Living in the same house with a healthcare worker