International Academic Research Journal of Internal Medicine & Public Health, vol.3, no.2, pp.11-15, 2022 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the contribution of
social support systems to the bio-psycho-social and economic problems of
patients waiting for lung transplantation in the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods:
Qualitative research was conducted with one-on-one interviews with 21 patients.
Results: 61% of the patients were male, 47.6% were married, and the mean age
was 36.67±14.023 (Median: 39, Min: 18, Max: 61). 85.7% of the patients were
not working in any job. The patients were waiting for lung transplantation due to
boronectasia, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, cystic
fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It has been determined that there is more
fear, anxiety and panic in patients waiting for transplant due to the decrease in
organ transplants during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Covid-19 disease
affecting the lungs. While transplant candidates benefited less from formal
support systems during the Covid-19 pandemic process, they benefited more from
informal support systems. All of the candidates stated that the family is a very
important structure and stated that they would not be able to continue their lives if
they did not have a family. Conclusion: More comprehensive formal and
informal support systems including vulnerable groups should be planned in
disasters.