Perceptions of the Phenomena of Quarantine as Experienced by Saudi Arabian COVID-19 Patients

Background: During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected Saudi Arabia, vacated hotels were employed to provide care for positive-testing patients and their contacts. Contact tracing and quarantine of positive and suspected cases were employed to limit community spread of COVI D-19 infections. Each patient was isolated separately in a hotel room until they were deemed non-contagious. The present study aimed to gain insights into personal perceptions of the quarantine experience and was undertaken with the hope of providing illumination to health care providers concerning this experience. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with these patients via telephone were used to extract themes and concepts related to their quarantine experience. Results: Results were conceptual themes that fell into two broad categories positive and negative beliefs and experiences. Positive aspects were: commitment to serving society, safety derived through faith, social support from families, and desire to learn ways to gain access to media for information and family interaction. Negative impact categories were: psychological stress, financial and social stress, physical effects, and fear. Conclusions: Difficulties with media use for communication with loved ones and access to entertainment were considered important concerns among patients.