Post-COVID-19 survivors' strategies for improving occupational balance: A qualitative study

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused some major changes in occupational patterns that form part of the individual's occupational identity. Due to debilitating symptoms, post-COVID-19 survivors with limitations in the occupational performance areas may experience occupational imbalance. The objective of this study was to investigate the methods employed by patients to engage in their daily activities for regaining occupational balance. Methods: The study used an interpretive paradigm and conventional content analysis. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with 11 patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the past 6 months or less, along with their three primary caregivers residing in Tehran. The sampling method used was purposive and continued until conceptual saturation was reached. Participants with the most tremendous possible diversity in demographic variables were included. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss's recommended Constant Comparative Analysis. Results: The findings showed that patients used different strategies which included self-treatment based on others' recommendations, compensatory, fatigue prevention and adaptive strategies to restore occupational balance. Conclusion: As occupational therapists, we must understand post-COVID-19 survivors' perspectives on occupations and their preferred strategies. Also, findings confirm that occupational balance is a dynamic process that the adaptive capacities of the patients help to restore occupational balance.