A Phenomenological study of the experiences of COVID-19 survivors in City of Dasmariñas, Cavite / by Joanna Mae M. Aupe, Bea Coline P. Bañez, Bryle Adrian A. Cervantes, Joseph Gherico N. Escueta and Jenalyn S. Flojemon.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology) Cavite State University.

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Nursing (CON).

AUPE, JOANNA MAE M., BAÑEZ, 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 Dasmariñas, 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 Dasmariñas, 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 Dasmariñas, 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.

Submitted copy to the University Library. 09/12/2022 T-9005