Experiences of being at high-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on emotional well-being and daily life in people with chronic conditions: a qualitative study.
Caroline Trillingsgaard MejdahlPernille Bjørnholt NielsenLise Arnth NielsenAstrid Fyrstenborg ChristensenBerit Kjærside NielsenPublished in: Journal of patient-reported outcomes (2023)
The risk of COVID-19 impacted the participants' everyday lives and emotional well-being in various ways. Some participants felt vulnerable and at risk causing them and their families to take on far-reaching precautions with significant consequences for their everyday life and emotional well-being. Some participants expressed uncertainty associated with whether they were at increased risk. Such uncertainty gave rise to dilemmas about how to navigate their everyday life. Other participants did not identify themselves as at higher risk and took no special precautions. Such a lack of perceived risk may undermine their motivation for taking preventive measures, which calls for public attention regarding current or future pandemics.