International Journal of General Medicine (Mar 2021)

The Perceptions and Views of Rural Residents Towards COVID-19 Recovered Patients in China: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

  • Chen D,
  • Song F,
  • Cui N,
  • Tang L,
  • Zhang H,
  • Shao J,
  • Qiu R,
  • Wang D,
  • Wang X,
  • Ye Z

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 14
pp. 709 – 720

Abstract

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Dandan Chen,1 Feng Song,2 Nianqi Cui,3 Leiwen Tang,1 Hui Zhang,4 Jing Shao,1 Ruolin Qiu,1 Dan Wang,1 Xiyi Wang,1 Zhihong Ye1 1Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Yunnan College of Business Management, Medical Faculty, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 3The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 4Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Guiyang, Guizhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Zhihong YeAffiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 136 0661 2119Email [email protected]: With the effective treatments of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thousands of patients have recovered from COVID-19 globally. The public perceptions and views are vital to facilitate recovered COVID-19 patients reintegrate into society. In China, the rural population accounts for nearly 70% of the total population. Therefore, we chose to evaluate perceptions and views of rural residents towards COVID-19 recovered patients in China.Methods: Fifteen participants were sampled from a village with the severe COVID-19 epidemic in Zibo city, Shandong Province. The fifteen participants who lived in the village with COVID-19 recovered patients were included. They were over 18 years of age and were voluntary to participant in the study. A descriptive qualitative design using semi-structured telephone interviews was undertaken. Thematic analysis was undertaken.Results: Five main themes emerged from the data: (1) Perceived personal characteristics of COVID-19 recovered patients; (2) Perceived difficulties faced by COVID-19 recovered patients; (3) Perceptions on the social relationship with COVID-19 recovered patients; (4) Views on COVID-19 recovered patients going to public venues; (5) Views on helping COVID-19 recovered patients. Each theme was supported by several subthemes.Conclusion: Our study showed that discrimination and reduced social intimacy exist among rural residents. To improve their views or the situation, relevant departments could lead health educational programs and encourage supportive social connections. Through these strategic messaging, rural residents are expected to recognize that COVID-19 recovered patients need more social support, rather than discrimination and resistance, which helps recovered patients better return to society.Keywords: rural residents, perceptions, views, COVID-19 recovered patients, China

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