Until the dawn: everyday experiences of people living with COVID-19 during the pandemic in Thailand

Abstract

Background This study aims to understand and analyze the complex experiences of people living with COVID-19 to support future cases. Methods Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to collect data through in-depth interviews; the data were combined with non-aggregated behavioral observations. The lived experiences of 15 individuals were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. We used the thematic analysis technique to analyze the data. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were performed. Results Through analysis, themes of stress, economic impact, social stigma, social support, and unexpected benefits were identified. Participants further expressed economic and social concerns during the interviews. Conclusion The identified themes can help develop multidisciplinary treatment strategies that would be useful during a healthcare crisis, establish comprehensive support systems that could address economic and social problems, and provide training for employees for post-COVID-19 assistance.