A Phenomenological study of the experiences of COVID-19 survivors in City of Dasmariņas, Cavite /
by Joanna Mae M. Aupe, Bea Coline P. Baņez, Bryle Adrian A. Cervantes, Joseph Gherico N. Escueta and Jenalyn S. Flojemon.
- Indang, Cavite : Cavite State University- Main Campus, 2022.
- xiv, 119 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm
Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology) Cavite State University.
Includes bibliographical references.
College of Nursing (CON). College of Nursing (CON).
AUPE, JOANNA MAE M., BAŅEZ, BEA COLINE P., CERVANTES, BRYLE ADRIAN A., ESCUETA, JOSEPH GHERICO N., and FLOJEMON, JENALYN S. A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of COVID-19 Survivors in City of Dasmariņas, Cavite. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite. July 2022. Adviser: Mr. Jonnel P. Andaya, RMT. Co-Adviser: Mrs. Ederlyn P. Destura, RN. The study was conducted in the City of Dasmariņas, Cavite. Due to the current health situation in the country, the study was conducted through online platforms such as Google forms and Facebook Messenger. This study aimed to determine the experiences of COVID-19 survivors in the city of Dasmariņas, Cavite. Specifically, this study aimed to: (1) describe the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors; (2) determine how the COVID-19 survivors view their experiences; and (3) determine how the COVID-19 survivors overcame the disease. This study used an interpretative phenomenological qualitative research design to explore and describe the lived experiences of the selected participants. A total of eight (8) COVID-19 survivors were chosen using a snowball sampling technique. A preliminary questionnaire was disseminated to the selected participants through Google forms and a semi-structured interview was conducted
through Facebook Messenger and Zoom meeting. All of the data gathered through the semi- structured interviews were reviewed, analyzed, and transcribed by the researchers. The participants reported that they have experienced physical symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, headache, fever, loss of taste, sore throat, and shortness of breathing. Along with the symptoms that they experienced were the emotions felt by the participants and their families due to the challenges brought on by COVID-19. According to the participants, they felt the emotions of their families during their treatment which include fear that was rooted in thoughts of losing a loved one; being infected; and unpredicted events in the future. The emotions of the family members aggravated the fear and loneliness felt by the participants during their treatment period. Seeing their families scared and sad made them worry and want to recover even more. On the other hand, the participants also shared the negative emotions that they experienced during treatment. Due to the challenges and the thought of being alone in a facility, the participants felt fear that was rooted in thoughts of dying; leaving their families behind; and infecting other people. These emotions caused anxiety and emotional distress to the participants and their families. Due to contracting the disease, the participants felt alienated by their colleagues; discriminated against; and they received negative comments from people. These experiences were viewed by the participants both as a challenge and as an experience that gave them new perspectives, for them, the experience was traumatizing and horrible; it deprived them of living their lives; realized their helplessness during the time; and made them scared of socializing again. The experience made them change their perspectives in life, it taught them the importance of improving their relationships with their family and friends; giving more value to their family, friends, and self; strengthening their spiritual beliefs; and strengthening themselves. The study served as an eye opener for everyone regarding what patients go through during infection or recovery from COVID-19. It is recommended to explore and determine the post-discharge care and needs of the survivors to help them go back to their normal lives.