The Lived Experience of COVID-19 Survivors During the Third Wave of the Pandemic and the Political Crisis in Myanmar: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

When the third wave of the COVID-19 epidemic broke out, the double burden of the pandemic and political instability meant that people in Myanmar did not have access to adequate hospital care. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of COVID-19 survivors in the community. A qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological approach was used, and participants were selected through purposive sampling. Fifteen individuals described their experiences using four themes and 17 categories. The main themes were the aggressive natures of the pandemic, suffering from the disease, receiving vital support for survival, and the hardships due to political pressure. The pandemic and subsequent waves of different variants should not be underestimated, and people’s health should take priority over economic development and political crisis. Knowledge and practices of family members and society should be promoted by providing timely and comprehensive information regarding pandemic diseases.