Appreciation and coping strategies adopted by children hospitalized for COVID-19 and their primary caregivers.

OBJECTIVES

to analyze appreciation and coping strategies of children hospitalized for COVID-19 and their primary caregivers during the illness and hospitalization process.

METHODS

a qualitative and exploratory study, based on the McCubbin & McCubbin model (1993), with 25 participants: ten children hospitalized for COVID-19 and 15 primary caregivers. A semi-structured interview was used, and data were subjected to reflective thematic analysis.

RESULTS

children reported a predominantly negative appreciation of hospitalization, marked by fear, homesickness, pain, and discomfort with hospital routine. Their coping strategies included play, electronic devices, hygiene, and adherence to treatment. Caregivers also expressed negative assessments related to fear of death, isolation, and distress. Their strategies involved spirituality, religiosity, love for their children, and support from professionals and family members.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: coping strategies differed between children and caregivers, highlighting the importance of care sensitive to the dyad's needs.