Recovery experience of older adults with COVID-19: A grounded-theory study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the lives of recovered COVID-19 patients from the viewpoints of people over the age of 60. Methods: The participants were 15 recovered patients aged over 60 who had been infected with COVID-19. Data were collected individually through in-depth interviews from September 12, 2022 to February 27, 2023. Contents of the transcribed interviews were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss’s grounded theory approach. Results: Analysis of the psychological recovery experience for older adults with COVID-19-resulted in six themes, 14 sub-themes, and 41 codes. The core category revealed was turning crisis into opportunities throughout making meaning of living in the time of COVID-19. The causal conditions included feeling disrupted due to unknowns during a crisis. The contextual conditions were a lack of support system for COVID-19 groups. The central phenomenon was a life shattered amidst COVID-19-related helplessness. The intervening conditions were rebound for changes for transformation. As a result, the action/interactional strategies were employed to find a breakthrough. In consequence, enhancement of resilience was achieved after overcoming obstacles. Conclusion: The findings provide important recommendations for healthcare professionals regarding older patients who have had COVID-19. We encourage healthcare providers to improve patient care by gaining a deeper understanding of their recovery experiences.