Exploring the Psychosocial Impacts on COVID-19 Survivors: A Qualitative Study of Life after COVID-19 Diagnosis and Quarantine in South Korea

COVID-19 infection and subsequent quarantine experiences during the pandemic may have profoundly affected many aspects of life among COVID-19 survivors. However, limited research has explored the changes these survivors experienced once they returned to their daily lives. This study aimed to explore COVID-19 survivors' psychosocial impacts and their lives following infection and social quarantine during the initial phase of the pandemic in South Korea. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted in June 2021, involving 15 COVID-19 survivors. All participants contracted COVID-19 between February 2020 and April 2021 in South Korea. This study used a qualitative methodology from phenomelogical perspectives to explore and understand the participants' shared lived experiences. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes and 12 subthemes among Korean COVID-19 survivors: (a) self-concept transformation; (b) changed relationship dynamics; (c) life perspective shifts; and (d) health awareness evolution. Recognizing the life changes experienced by COVID-19 survivors can inform the development of targeted peer support services and person-centered education. Focusing on health awareness and empowerment, these initiatives can promote personal growth, facilitate positive changes, and alleviate traumatic experiences for future survivors of diverse infectious diseases. Future research could investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 on individuals' lives and explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.