Is it or is it not? Covid-19 patients’ (mis)understanding of self-talk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/qhc.153231Keywords:
covid-19, interviews, patients, qualitative approach, self-talkAbstract
Background: This study considered self-talk within the context of COVID-19 hospitalization, assuming that patients isolated from their usual social contacts would engage in self-talk to compensate for the change in social interactions. Aim: To explore how patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in select hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya, understood and experienced self-talk as a coping strategy during hospitalization. Methods: We employed a qualitative approach, gathering data through interviews with 15 recovered COVID-19 patients who had been hospitalized in prominent hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. These were selected using both purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Results: Thematic analysis of the data shows that participants used self-talk, though some confused it with thinking and praying. Secondly, while descriptions of self-talk varied, there was a consensus among the participants that the concept refers to talking to oneself. Thirdly, the conversations with the self were either silent or loud. However, there were misconceptions regarding overt self-talk. Discussion: Although participants demonstrated an understanding of self-talk, persistent misconceptions about overt self-talk highlight the need for culturally sensitive health communication interventions. Conclusion: The above findings highlight the need to increase awareness regarding self-talk, especially in health communication and addressing misconceptions that link overt self-talk to mental illness.
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