The relationships between symptom severity post COVID-19, stress, social support and adaptation in patients with COVID-19 after discharge from the hospital

TL;DR

This study explores how symptom severity, stress, and social support affect the adaptation of patients after recovering from COVID-19.

Contribution

The study identifies key relationships between symptom severity, stress, social support, and adaptation in post-COVID-19 patients.

Findings

81.30% of patients reported post-COVID symptoms, with coughing, phlegm, and fatigue being most common.

Stress and symptom severity negatively correlate with post-COVID adaptation, while social support positively correlates.

Findings suggest strategies to improve adaptation include managing symptoms, stress, and enhancing social support.

Abstract

This descriptive research aims to investigate the relationship between symptom severity of COVID-19, stress, social support, and adaptation in patients with COVID-19 after discharge from the hospital.

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection with varying symptoms and severity, requiring tailored treatment based on individual needs. The virus spreads via respiratory secretions within 1–2 meters, requiring isolation to prevent transmission. Social distancing, work disruptions, and school closures cause psychological stress, disrupt routines, alter roles, and increase dependence on others. Roy’s adaptation theory was employed as the conceptual framework to determine the relationship between perceived symptoms severity post-COVID-19, stress, social support, and the adaptation of COVID-19 patients after being discharged from the hospital.

The sample involved 150 patients with COVID-19 after discharged from the university hospital. Five instruments were employed to collect data, including 1) Personal and health information questionnaire, 2) Symptoms and perceived symptoms severity post COVID-19 assessment form, 3) Stress assessment form, 4) Social support assessment form, and 5) Four aspects of adaptation assessment form for COVID-19 patients The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman Rank Correlation coefficient.

The results showed that 81.30% of the sample reported post-COVID symptoms. The symptoms severity was perceived at a low level. The most frequently reported symptoms were coughing (72.00%), phlegm (69.30%), and fatigue (60.70%). The study revealed stress at an adaptive level and attained social support at a moderate level. The perception of symptom severity and stress had a statistically significant negative relation with to post-COVID adaptation (r = −.355, p < 0.01; r = −.413, p < 0.01, respectively, while social support had a statistically significant positive relation with post-COVID adaptation (r = .518, p < 0.01).

The results demonstrated a significant relationship between selected factors and patient adaptation. These findings can inform strategies to manage symptoms and stress, while strengthening social support within discharge planning for patients recovering from COVID-19, thereby facilitating their post-discharge adaptation.

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