Emotional Changes in Hospitalized Patients in the COVID-19 Ward: Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Theory as an Analytical Framework

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine emotional changes in hospitalized patients in the COVID-19 ward based on the Kubler-Ross theory. Background: Humans exhibit different behaviors in response to crises. COVID-19, as a health crisis, was accompanied by widespread changes in the behavior of patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2021 using a census method on 139 hospitalized patients in the COVID-19 ward of the 22 Bahman Hospital in Khorramshahr, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire to determine the stages of change in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and one-sample t-test, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Pearson correlation coefficient at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The minimum age was 27 and the maximum age was 67 years. The levels of denial were moderate, while anger and bargaining were lower than average, and depression and acceptance were higher than average. The average denial, anger, and depression scores in male patients were significantly higher than those in female patients (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between denial and anger scores and age (p < 0.001) and a significant positive correlation between acceptance and age (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Since contracting COVID-19 and hospitalization in COVID-19 wards are associated with various behavioral changes, screening patients for behavioral changes is recommended to health policymakers and managers. Understanding these changes can help accurately diagnose and effectively treat these patients.