A Qualitative Exploration of COVID-19 through Self-reported Experiences via Digital Media

Abstract Background: Research imperatives around COVID-19 require an embrace of its complexity by the inclusion of multi-dimensional perspectives such as lived experiences of persons diagnosed with the disease. This study documents the symptom trends and timelines of COVID-19 as self-reported by individuals in addition to the psychosocial sequelae associated with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.Methods: This study followed an explorative qualitative design and included curated online dairies and interviews of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Judgemental convenient sampling was used to access 28 self-reports via digital media between 05 March and 05 April 2020. Demographic details were extracted where possible and included a diversity of cases. Data were analysed thematically using inductive reasoning.Results: Reports revealed a plethora of symptoms associated with the pulmonary system like shortness of breath and cough while another group of symptoms shows extra-pulmonary affectations. The lived experience of these individuals as analysed from their self-reports generated five emergent themes followed after analysis which included (i) the variability of the severity and presentation of the disease, (ii) the 3F (fright, fight or flight) response, (iii) moral obligation and personal agency, (iv) voicing vulnerabilities and harnessing hope, (v) silencing stigma.Conclusions: COVID-19 presents with biopsychosocial affectation on the person. A multidimensional approach is required from all concerned to mitigate its effects.