The lived experience of healthcare professionals' spouses during the coronavirus epidemic: A phenomenological study

This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of healthcare workers" spouses regarding their vulnerability to infection and concerns for their partners as a high-risk population before vaccine distribution. The method of this study was qualitative-descriptive phenomenology. The study sample consisted of ۱۰ individuals whose spouses were part of the treatment staff and were selected through purposive and snowball sampling in August ۲۰۲۰, before the time of vaccination. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, which were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Five main themes were identified: Corona exposure experience, personal and interpersonal changes, distinctions from non-medical families, coping with COVID-۱۹, and post-traumatic growth. According to the results, it can be said that the presence of one of the spouses with the treatment staff strongly influences the life of the other party. Understanding the experiences of this group of people can play a fundamental role in designing appropriate psychological interventions for medical personnel and their families.

کلیدواژه ها:

healthcare professionals ، Coronavirus ، psychological tension ، relationship ، lived experience ، qualitative study