Fear of the Unknown: Pandemic Concerns Among Non-hospitalized COVID-19 Infected or Quarantined Norwegian Adults.

Publication date: Jul 07, 2025

We aimed to explore concerns and feeling of safety among quarantined and non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We conducted a qualitative study of free text answers from participants of an online survey. The survey was conducted between March 2020 and June 2021. COVID-19 positive adults in home isolation and adults in quarantine were eligible for participation. 698 participants answered one or more of three open-ended questions about concerns and safety. We analyzed free-text answers using thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke with an inductive approach. Analysis of the free-text answers from all participants identified three main themes: (1) Fear of the unknown, (2) Views on personal care and public health measures, and (3) Concern for the future of a country in crisis. Participants’ feelings revolved around health-related concerns and societal related concerns. They were concerned about their own and other’s health, and possible long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection. Some participants were satisfied with the health care system, others thought follow-ups, testing, vaccination, and information would increase their feeling of safety. People quarantined and isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic had concerns regarding personal health and societal consequences of infection control measures. Health care follow-ups and individualized information would increase participants’ feeling of safety.

Concepts Keywords
Home Adult
June Aged
Norwegian COVID-19
Pandemic COVID-19
Vaccination Fear
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Norway
Pandemics
Primary Health Care
Public Health
Qualitative Research
Quarantine
Surveys and Questionnaires
Surveys and Questionnaires

Semantics

Type Source Name
disease MESH COVID-19
disease IDO country
disease MESH infection
disease MESH Long Covid

Original Article

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