Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences

Thai Nursing Students’ Experiences with COVID-19 Infection: A Phenomenological Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Pornpun Manasatchakun
Yupares Payaprom

Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chiang Mai, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

10.34172/jqr.1442
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted public service management and the educational administration of health-related professionals, particularly registered nurses. Understanding the experiences of nursing students who are about to graduate and enter the healthcare workforce is essential for mitigating potential negative effects in future pandemics, especially in the context of theoretical and practical training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nursing students who had contracted COVID-19.
Methods: A phenomenological qualitative research design was employed. The study was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of 32 Thai nursing students from first to fourth year enrolled in a nursing science institution. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, and analysis was conducted using hermeneutic phenomenology.
Results: The experiences of Thai nursing students who had contracted COVID-19 were represented in four thematic structures: “Fighters Against Anxiety”, “Individuals Confronting Danger and Promoting Safety”, “Handlers”, and “Responsible Persons”.
Conclusion: The findings of this study may contribute to the development of support and care systems for Thai nursing students, fostering greater awareness of self-protection against COVID-19 infection, enhancing understanding, and reducing residual fear or stigma associated with COVID-19 among both patients and healthcare trainees.

Keywords

Phenomenological research
COVID-19
Nursing students
Lived experiences
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Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Volume 15
Pages 1-8

  • Receive Date 10 February 2025
  • Revise Date 03 February 2026
  • Accept Date 12 November 2025

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