Adaptation of Chronically Ill Elderly in Tublay, Benguet, with the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

With the lockdowns and community quarantine imposed in the Philippines, most social relations and activities were misaligned. It includes the need for physical distancing, wearing masks, and the prohibition of social gatherings. Unbeknownst, ill elderlies in the rural, especially those who have maintenance medications and check-ups to keep, were significantly affected by these protocols. This study was conducted to explore the experiences of the chronically ill elderly and how they adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes their healthcare experience and health-seeking behaviors, and other factors that may have shaped their adaptation. The data were gathered through a face-to-face interview, with compliance to imposed health protocol, to the elderly members of Tublay, Benguet. There were 18 participants recruited to fulfill the study. A qualitative research design was used in the study. All data were analyzed through Transcendental Phenomenological Approach using the Modified Van Kaam Analysis by Moustakas (1994). Provisional codes were utilized for the initial review of the interview data to cluster relevant statements into themes. The study revealed 6 themes and 13 sub themes relating to the elderly with chronic illness’s adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The themes were: Theme 1- Adaptation as an Unwavering Perseverance: Seeking to Seek, Theme 2- Adaptation as Resourcefulness: “Remedyo para ni bakdang”, Theme 3- Adaptation as Independently Dependent: “Integrity Vs. Despair”, Theme 4- Adaptation as Adherence: “Pamati ni Dinteg”; Theme 5- Adaptation through Social Connections: “Aduyon”; and Theme 6- Adaptation through Social Consciousness: “Shamshamag”. With the findings of this study, it is recommended to future researchers to have a large scale of analysis to confirm results to a larger community and to continue further exploring on how the elderly with chronic illness adapt to future pandemic, as well as the development of new approaches to support health and social impact to the elderly with chronic illness.