THE ROLE OF OPTIMISM IN THE HEALING PROCESS OF COVID-19 SURVIVORS WITH COMORBID HYPERTENSION
Comorbid hypertension is at risk of causing severity or death in patients with COVID-19. Optimism has an important role as a psychological reinforcement to support healing. This study aims to examine the role of optimism and factors of optimism in supporting recovery in COVID-19 survivors with comorbid hypertension. A qualitative approach with the case study method was used in collecting data through semi-structured interviews. The three subjects in the study were COVID-19 survivors with comorbid hypertension who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 and were aged 50 years and over also had hypertensive condition of level 1 or above. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques and tested the validity of the data using a triangulation model of document data sources and significant others. This study revealed three main themes, namely experiences as survivors of COVID-19 with comorbid hypertension, the role of optimism in healing, and the factors that influence optimism. Subject experiences include positive confirmation, symptoms experienced, self and environmental responses, and post-COVID-19 changes. The role of optimism in healing shows the dimensions of determination and breadth consistent with the subject as well as the dimensions of personalization optimism. Social support and religiosity/spirituality are constant factors influencing the subject's optimism in this study.