Republic of the Philippines

Samar State University

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Catbalogan, City

__________________________

Research on

LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ELDERLY PEOPLE

DURING COMMUNITY QUARANTINE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL
APPROACH

Presented to

Dr. ELMER ABAYAN IRENE

Professor

__________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Course
QR 602 ADVANCE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD

__________________________

Submitted by:

Mrs. PERLA S. MANLOLO

Ph.D. EM Student

Summer SY 2019-2020
 Lived Experiences of Elderly People during
Community Quarantine: A Phenomenological
Approach

PERLA S. MANLOLO
Ph.D. E.M.

College of Graduate Studies, Samar State University, Catbalogan City, Samar,

Republic of the Philippines

Abstract

This phenomenological research examines the lived experiences of elderly people

during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically about their daily routines and the
effects of the mandatory community quarantine have made upon their lives. The
study utilizes qualitative phenomenological research and used interview guide
questions. One-on-one interviews were done by phone due to the mandated physical
distancing scheme and Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) limitations on
physical contact. The narratives of the respondents were analyzed using Colaizzi's
method. Results show the process of adjustments of the elderly people, which
includes changes in daily routine, the problems they’ve faced, and ways on how
they complied to the health protocols that is issued by the government, to the
household conditions and community protocols as a consequence of this COVID-19
pandemic crisis. The lived experience of the elderly will be categorized into five
parts that then contain a series of themes and subthemes in order to decrease the
redundancy of experiences different respondents’ live. Their statements are
categorized into five parts : their initial reactions to the in line with the pandemic;
their knowledge about it; the problems they have faced; their adjustments to cope up
with the pandemic; and lastly, the lessons and effects of it.

I. Introduction

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) caused public health concern

threatening people globally. It belongs to a family of viruses that may cause various
symptoms such as pneumonia, fever, breathing difficulty, and lung infection) It can
be transmitted from person to person (WMHC, 2020). It can be transmitted from
person to person or even from mother to child during either pregnancy or delivery.
It spreads through the following routes: touch, exchanges of saliva, coughing,
sneezing, sexual contact, contaminated food or water, and insects that carry it from
one person to another (Singh, 2020). It started when the Chinese health authorities
announced that the cause of the viral pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan City is a novel
type of coronavirus that had never been identified in humans. Twenty-three days
later, the World Health Organization has considered COVID-19 as a Public Health
Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This virus had made a globally
widespread impact exceedingly affecting the worldwide population in a fast-rate.
Progressively, the Philippines has announced the country’s imported COVID-19
transmission then later the cases increased into local transmissions, thus resulting in
the president’s recognition of the virus as a threat to national security. In regards to
the growing number of cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO)
released strict mandatory safety measures to be practiced in all over the world, with
this, the Philippine Government implemented strict mandatory community
quarantine measures to slow down the spread of the virus. This condition involves
strict home quarantine in all households, the suspension of transportation in the
entire city, regulated essential services for food and health, and the heightened
presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures. (Lopez, 2020)
The COVID-19 is disproportionally affecting the poor, minorities, and a broad range
of vulnerable populations, due to its inequitable spread in areas of dense population
and limited mitigation capacity due to the high prevalence of chronic conditions or
poor access to high-quality public health and medical care (Shadmi, 2020).The
pandemic has forced governments to enact drastic public health measures to
minimize the impact of the disease. These include social distancing, but also clear
recommendations of lockdown for the elderly. As stated by the epidemiologists, age
is the most important factor in diminishing one’s chances to survive the COVID-19,
especially after 65 years of age (Daoust, 2020). Hence, governments’ strategy around
the world has notably focused on targeting elderly people and trying to convince
them to comply with the public health preventive measures, given the well-known
greater mortality rate among elderly people. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), the obvious reason why the older people have a high
mortality rate as per contact with the virus is because of the significant risk of
developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes
that come with aging and potential underlying health conditions. In contrast, all age
groups are still at risk of contracting with the virus.

In psychological studies, behavioral changes are often observed to an

individual when changed normal accustomed routine. The COVID-19 pandemic has
changed many aspects of the world, including how older persons are treated
(Ayalon, 2020). The sudden implementation of community-quarantine imposes a
huge change not only to the economy of a country but also to the ways and standard
of living of an individual. Various studies have reported that protective effects of
social participation for the health of the elderly is being considered as a stimulus to
increase the level of physical activity and cognitive functions an individual (Loyola,
2017). The social participation has been associated with a better quality of life, more
muscle mass, balance, cognition and lower comorbidities and disability in older
people (Douglas, et al, 2017). That is why participating in social meetings and
activities are stimuli that increase the level of physical activity as well as the
interaction with other older adults stimulating sensory systems, self-esteem,
affectivity, emotional and psychological support (Tomioka, et al, 2015). The absence
of these factors could possibly create a gap to their daily living therefore affecting
their mental health. Several studies have described mental health consequences in
previous quarantines, such as higher risk of depression, emotional disturbance,
stress, low mood, irritability, or insomnia, being also associated with higher rates of
suicide in elderly population (Sepúlveda-Loyola, et al, 2020). According to P.
Pelicioni and S. Lord (2020), social isolation might be an important measure to
protect against COVID-19 infections, however, this may be a “two edge sword”
because there are negative consequences of social isolation for older people due to
lack of social connection and neighborhood engagement that contributes to
increased risk of mental disorders due to loneliness, especially in those who live
alone. 
Despite that a period of quarantine is the best option and recommendation to
stop the rapid spread infections, this may have collateral effects on other dimensions
of the isolated patients´ health, and especially in those mentioned as being at higher
risk (Lavie, 2020). Initiating a sudden quarantine state implies a radical change in the
lifestyle of the population. These lifestyles and behaviors in many cases include a
certain level of physical activity (PA) and exercise to maintain adequate health
status, to counteract the negative consequences of certain diseases, such as diabetes,
hypertension, CVD, respiratory diseases, or even simply to guarantee active aging
by reducing the risk of frailty, sarcopenia, and dementia, as associated diseases in
older people (Carbonell-Baeza, 2020).
Social isolation has such negative impact, that it remains a strong risk factor
for increased mortality in older people after adjusting for demographic and health
factors. Staying at home can lead to additional health problems for elderly people
including their immune system being compromised due to immobility. Therefore it
is critical to monitor the daily routine and lived experiences of the elderly during the
quarantine period whereas individuals within this age group are more susceptible to
different kinds of illnesses not only physiologically, but also mentally. A lot of
change has undergone during this pandemic and the elderly people are more in
need to be educated of the current minimum health protocols that are mostly
broadcasted on social media and television. The lack of capability of the elderly to go
outside to obtain their daily need also became a problem during this pandemic. The
minimum health protocols that were implied by the Philippine Government
especially the community quarantine affected the lives of most Filipinos, especially
the elderly. Thus, the goal of the study is to explore the lived experiences of the
elderly to develop proper interventions and programs for them following the
resolution of this crisis.

This study will be significant to the elderly, the City Government of

Catbalogan City, Samar, and the researcher . This study also provides in-depth
knowledge about the conduct of action research. Lastly, future researchers who
would like to conduct a similar study may use this as their reference, guide, and
literature review.

This study aims to examine the lived experiences of the respondents,

specifically the elderly, during the community quarantine in Catbalogan City.
Specifically, it will have the following objectives:

1) To describe the profile of the respondents regarding:

a) age;

b) sex;

c) members living under the same household

2) To describe the knowledge of the respondents in regards to the Pandemic.

3) To determine the respondents’ way of living in regardsto the community
quarantine.
4) To determine the reactions and effects of community quarantine to the
respondents.

2. Methodology
2.1 Research Design

The researcher utilized a qualitative study, specifically phenomenological

analysis, to collect descriptive data from the people’s own words and behavior
(Taylor, Bogdan, &DeVault, 2015). Collaizi’s Method was used to reliably
understand the respondents’ experiences.

2.2 Conceptual Framework

This study used the input-process-output as a conceptual design. In the

conductof the study, the inputs were:

1) the profile of the respondents;

2) knowledge of the respondents regarding the Virus;
3) respondents’ way of living in regards to the community quarantine;
4) reactions and effects of community quarantine to the respondents.

2.3 Data Gathering

The researcher developed an interview guide exploring the lived experiences

of the elderly people in Barangay San Pablo, Catbalogan City during the Enhance
Community Quarantine. For the selection of respondents, the researcher used
purposive sampling. The selected respondents were senior citizens. An interview
consent form was made, and signed by the respondent, in order to maintain
agreement and avoid any liable issues.

2.4 Respondents
The respondents of the study were eight (8) senior citizens from Barangay San
Pablo, Catbalogan City, Samar. The barangay has established a Senior Citizen
Organization. The secretary of the said organization happens to be the researcher’s
father. He has the list of all senior citizens in Barangay San Pablo, alongside with
their contact details and addresses. The limited number of respondents is due to the
strictly implemented minimum health protocols such as community quarantine, the
geographical location-related problems, and the fear of other respondents to be in
contact with the virus. Lastly, there were only a few respondents who are qualified
for the criterion set for the purposive sampling technique. The purposive sampling is
a non-random sampling technique that is used to limit the sample based on a
criterion set, also known as judgemental, selective, or subjective sampling.
(Bernardez, 2011). In this study, the purposive criterion is: a) senior citizen,
specifically citizens aging 60 years old and above; and b) citizen of Barangay San
Pablo, Catbalogan City.

2.5 Analysis
In the analysis of the findings, the Collaizi method was used. The method was
usedin determining the profile of the respondents, the knowledge of the respondents
regarding the virus, their way of living, and the effects of the community quarantine
on their daily lives. This method made use of 7 steps in analyzing informationand
gathered evidence for the case study and other qualitative researches. The steps were
as follows: 1) The respondents’ descriptions of their experiences were recorded and
noted. The transcript was reviewed several times for a deeper understandingof the
content; 2) Significant statements were formulated from the transcript. These
statements were written on different sheets; 3) Those significant statements were
interpreted. Each meaning was coded in one categorybased on description; 4) The
formulated meanings are organized. The formulated meanings were grouped into
categories wherein each category represented the structure of the cluster of themes;
5) The organized meanings were integrated into a thorough description; 6) The
essential structure of the phenomenon was formulated. In this step, a reduction of
findings was done. Redundancies, misused descriptions were eliminated; and 7)
Validation of study findings was the last.

3. Results and Discussions

3.1 Profile of the Elderly

Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents. Findings show that the age of most
elderly living in Barangay San Pablo, Catbalogan City range in 60 – 95, male, and are
living with an extended family, usually with their children and grandchildren. Most
of the household members of the elderly are either working from home or
suspended from their jobs. According to the findings of this study, 30% of the
respondents are in charge of the household needs and the retirement funds of the
elderly are the main source of financial needs. 70% are dependent on the household
members’ source of income.
Table 1. Profile of the elderly in Brgy. San Pablo, Catbalogan City

Respondent Age Sex No. of Members of the Household

A 75
B 62
C 78
D 84
E 89
F 87
G 65
H 78
M 3
M 5
F 2
M 2
M 3
M 5
F 2
F 1

3.2Lived Experiences during Community Quarantine

The lived experiences during community quarantine of the elderly citizens of
Catbalogan City are described regarding their answers based on the interview
questions given to them.

Repertory Grid 1 shows the significant reactions of the respondents in line to

the pandemic. The significant statements showed positive statements such as total
understanding to the resulting health protocols regard to the pandemic, negative
statements such as feeling appalled or opposing the facts supporting the health
protocols implemented, and neutral statements such as being considerate to the facts
about the pandemic but are hesitant to follow the health protocols. These results
indicate that the elderly are skeptical about the protocols that were implemented
during the pandemic. Older people tend to be less able to overcome their habitual
responses when unexpected sequences arose (Trewartha, 2011). In a study by J. F.
Daoust (2020), wherein it shows surveys held in certain age groups if that they are
willing to comply with health protocols, this particular age group (60–80 years old),
which is much more likely to die from the disease than their younger fellow citizens,
comply to a lesser extent with the preventive measure of wearing a mask, with for a
discussion on recommendations around the world regarding face masks in
community settings. Elder people are less likely to become more willing to follow
than younger people because of the amount of their experience in this world
(Daoust, 2020) thus, giving them the confidence to not be on the bus of fear towards
the pandemic.

Repertory Grid 1. initial reactions

Themes Subthemes Significant Statements
Positive Totally understanding “maaram gad
akongakinahanglansumunod ha polisiya
and willing to follow
kay lagasna
health protocols akongammaluyadapatakomaghirot”“Dir
i man makuripagsunod kay ha
ikauupayko”“maupaynga may ada
health protocol ngaginpapasunod an
gobyerno”
Translation: I know that it is
needed to follow protocols because
I’m old and weak and I need to be
 careful; It’s not hard to follow; it’s
good that there are protocols.
Negative Appalled and opposing “kakuri man mag quarantine kay di
kamakagawas man la”“diri man
the facts
nakakatapon an virus
ngacovidnanhahadlok la hira”
Translation: It’s hard because we
can’t go out; The virus can’tbe
transmitted they’re just scaring us.
Neutral Considerate about the “tama man
ngamaghihirotkasokakuribaganpriso ha
facts but hesitant to follow
balay”
protocols “maaram gad akongamakakatapon an
virus pero kay
anomnngapuydegumawas an
akibangaanakako dire”
Translation: It’s correct to be careful
but it’s like I am being imprisoned
in my own house; I know it’s(virus)
transmittable but why can’t I go out
and my children can?

Repertory Grid 2 shows the experienced problems of the respondents’ during

community quarantine. Findings show that there was lacking of the food supply in
the household, as well as not being able to help in the daily tasks needed in their
families, inability to perform physical exercises such as jogging and walking, and
other physiologically healthy activities, and being unable to visit the hospital to
attend medical needs. All of these problems have resulted in the implementation of
community quarantine. These results indicate that serious matters are being faced by
the elderly that could affect their health and result in serious illnesses. The effects of
community quarantine greatly affected the economy, not only in the Philippines, but
also worldwide. According to Khan (2020), quarantine plays an important role in
corona virus control but on the other side disturb the business activities which affect
the price level of different commodities, and create unemployment problems, thus
creating a financial crisis. Quarantine has led a lot of people to become immobile
because of the social isolation. This affected the physical activities of everyone, but,
greatly impacted the elderly due to their physiological problems. Staying at home
can lead to additional health problems for elderly people including their immune
system being compromised due to immobility. Poor access to physical exercises,
when combined with illnesses, fear of falling, and poor motivation can lead to an
entrenched sedentary lifestyle, and in subsequent declines in both physical and
mental health (P. Pelecioni, 2020).  Therefore, while still unknown, the effects of
social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on older people may be
substantial.

Repertory Grid 2. experienced problems

Themes Subthemes Significant Statements
Financial Lack of food supply “danaynauubusanpagkaon”
“kulang an pagkaonnamon”
“may adlawngawaraysura”
Translation: Insufficient food;
Some days we don’t have any food
Physical Physical help for the “diri na ak nakakakadto ha merkado
pagpalit ha mga kinahanglanon,
household
makukurian anak ko hiya nala pirmi
nagmemerkado”
Translation: I cannot go to the
market to buy our daily needs and
I felt that my child will
beexhausted in performing all the
tasks needed in the household.

“dirinaakonakakapagwalking ha
Unable to practice
gawas”
physical activities Translation: I cannot go outside to
have long walks.
Medical Problems Unable to visit “dirinaakonakakakadto ha doctor pagpa
check up”
Hospital
Translation: I can’t visit my doctor
to have me checked
Repertory Grid 3 shows the respondents' initial knowledge regarding the
pandemic. This includes the minimum health protocols and the mortality rate of the
virus to the age group encompassing the senior citizens. Findings show that there
80% of the respondents are well informed about the information needed by an
individual during this pandemic such as knowing the minimum health protocols
and ways the virus can be transmitted. The rest of the respondents lack information
about how the virus can be transferred from person-to-person but they are well
informed of the set minimum health protocols. These results indicate that the elderly
are well informed about the principal information to the pandemic. The use of
television and social media for the propagation of announcement of the government
has been a great help for this crisis. During the ongoing outbreak of corona virus
disease (COVID-19), people use social media to acquire and exchange various types
of information at a historic and unprecedented scale (L. Li, et al, 2020). The World
Health Organization has created platforms in order to easily reach the world
population. Even though in these breakthroughs in technology, most of the elderly
Filipinos still prefer the television as a main source of information. In a survey
conducted by media intelligence firm Kantar Media (2016), 96.6 percent of Filipinos
watch TV daily from 91.2 percent in 2014. According to R. Davis (1982) older people
watch a great deal of television (more than any other age group, including children).
These findings create a great impact due to the fact that it is needed at this day’s
crisis that the elderly must be informed and must know the general knowledge
about the pandemic.

Repertory Grid 3. Initial knowledge

Themes Subthemes Significant Statement
Observant Watches “nakikita ko ha TV an pasamwak han
DOH”“mayda news ha TV nasiring
announcement of
magmask” “siring han DOH nga puyde
the Department of matapnan bisan nagiisturya la” “May ada
ito ha TV”
Health
Translation: I watched the
announcements of the DOH that it is
needed to wear a mask; even while
talking, the virus can be transmitted

“ginsidngan ako han anak ko nga pirmi

Informed by the
magmask” “nakit an ko ha celpon han akon
children anak nga kinahanglan humarayo ha tawo”
Translation: My children told me to
wear masks; I saw the protocol on my
child’s phone that social distancing
must be applied.
Doesn’t know Not well informed “kun kakaptan ko an nakaptan han may
virus matatapunan ako” “diri ako maaram,
the facts about about the virus
diri ako nagkikita hin TV”
the virus transmission Translation: if I touch something that
has been touched by someone infected,
I’ll be infected too; I don’t know, I do
not watch the television”
Repertory Grid 4 shows the adjustments made by the respondents to their daily
living during the community quarantine. Findings show that most of the elderly
have changed their lifestyle such as their diet, constant home physical exercises, in
order to fight diseases especially the COVID-19. These healthy adjustments could
help, not only the elderly, but also younger people to maintain their immune system
and fight deadly diseases. Unhealthy changes in diet due to home isolation could
lead into cardiovascular diseases. That is why increased level of physical activity is a
great help in order to fight diseases (Jimenes-Pavon, 2020).

The elderly has been also following the health protocols such as wearing face masks
outside their homes and observing social distancing whenever necessary even inside
their household. These results indicate that the elderly are following the minimum
health protocols of the government for their own household' safety and has lived a
more healthy lifestyle in order to fight COVID-19. These adjustments are very
important in order for the pandemic to come to an end. Having said, in a study, a big
percentage in the world population is greatly supporting the scientific facts laid out
by the World Health Organization about the transmission of the virus (Khan, 2020).
Despite to the big downfall in the economy, full participation in minimum health
protocols must be prioritized.

Repertory Grid 4. Adjustments made

Theme Subthemes Significant Statement

Lifestyle Change of diet “diri ako nakaon hin diri masustansya nga
pagkaon”
Changes
“puro utan na la”
Translation: I stopped eating unhealthy
food; we eat vegetables often.

“naglakatlakat nala ako balikbalik ha sulod

balay” “para di ako manluya nageexercise ak
Doing Physical
diri ha balay”
Exercises at home Translation: I walk around the house; I
do exercises at home to avoid being
weak.
Observance of “diri ako nadaop ha akon anak nga tikang
pala ha gawas” “pirmi ako naghuhugas han
Health Protocols
 kamot nga nakarigo” danay facemask kami
didi ha balay labi na kon tikang hira ha
guwa”
Translation: I observe social distancing
when my children just came from
outside; I always wash my hands and
take a bath; We wear facemasks when
someone just came from outside.

Repertory Grid 5 shows the effects of the implementation of community quarantine

to the respondents' daily lives, and what were the lessons they have learned during
this pandemic. Findings show that half of the elderly said the pandemic has
provided them awareness to stay healthy and follow what the government has
implemented. In psychological studies, people can be categorized as which of how
they perceive certain happenings, may it be good or bad. Older people, relative to
their younger counterparts, attend to and remember more positive than negative
information due to the positive stimuli in their cognitive processing favors the
negative stimuli (A. Reed, 2012). Thus, seeing negative events as a lesson that can
benefit to their daily living (Carstensen, 2012) in which is a suggested mentality for
everyone during this pandemic (WHO, 2020)

Half of the respondents’ said that the pandemic did not cause any good effect
because it is hard for them to do their daily tasks such as going to the market and
their household is facing a financial crisis. These results indicate that the elderly are
coping with the new normal but is having a hard time not being able to go out to
help in taking care of the food and financial needs of their household. The financial
crisis is extensive nowadays, that is why it cancels out most positive thinking.
Sudden changes in daily events affect the behavioral thinking of an individual
(Tomioka, 2015). In a study it is said that Filipinos during the pandemic are in a state
of panic. Results show that people expresses panic through the following behaviors:
Health Consciousness, Optimism, Cautiousness, Protection, Compliance,
Composure, Information Dissemination, Worry on Self/Family/Others, Relating to
Past Pandemics, Anxiety, Government Blaming, Shock, Transmission of Virus, Fear,
Sadness, Paranoia, Nihilism, Annihilation, and Indifference (Nicomedes & Avila,
2020). Yet even though the elderly have personal complaints against the protocols, it
is still important that they follow the rules implied for their own safety.

Repertory Grid 5. Effects and lessons

Themes Subthemes Significant Statement

Positive Provided awareness ”nahibaroako magin malimpyo ha
lawas”
“nagin healthy ha adlaw adlaw”
Translation: I am now practicing
good hygiene; I became healthier
everyday.
Negative Did not cause any good “waray ini bulig ha akon” “waray na
kamikuwarta puro kakurian” “kon
effect on their living
waray magtratrabaho damo
mamamatay”
Translation: Did not cause any
good; We don’t have any money,
there are only hardships; If no one
will work we will all die.

There are a lot of differences in reactions each respondent has given due to different
mindsets that is supported by psychological studies. Older people tend to be less
able to overcome their habitual responses when unexpected sequences arose
(Trewartha, 2011) such as the sudden implementation of the community quarantine
has initially made the elderly skeptical about the minimum health protocols. The
problems that the elderly are facing are very common among everyone in which
includes the financial crisis and inability to perform physical activities and daily
tasks due to the community quarantine. It greatly impacted the world economically.
There were disturbances in business activities which affect the price level of different
commodities, and create unemployment problems (Khan,2020). In line with the
respondents’ knowledge about the pandemic, most of the elderly are well informed
by the minimum health protocols. With the help of technology, it is easier for the
WHO to reach the world population which is important in order to take control of
the spreading of the virus. Adjustments also had taken place in the elderly people’s
household such as having a healthier diet and becoming more responsible in
following the rules implemented by the government. Addition to this, they are
having small physical exercises done at home which is important to avoid diseases
and boost their immunity system to fight the COVID-19 (Jimenes-Pavon, 2020). The
effects of this pandemic vary among the elderly due to different mindsets and the
environment that may affect their thinking. Sudden changes in daily events affect
the behavioral thinking of an individual (Tomioka, 2015) especially when these
includes financial crisis that may also be contributed by panic, which was initially
discussed as being associated and can be observed when stress, anxiety, sadness, etc.
is present (Nicomedes & Avila,2020).

4. Conclusions

Based on the findings of this study, the elderly of Barangay San Pablo, Catbalogan
City are, first of all, skeptical about the protocols that were implemented during the
pandemic. Their initial reactions in the first category of the data, (which can be seen on
repertory grid 1) are categorized into three themes, first of which are the positive
statements, whereas the elderly totally understood the protocols and are willing to
comply. The second theme is the negative statements, in which the elderly are
appalled of opposing the facts supporting the health protocols. Third theme is the
neutral statements in which the elderly considering the facts but are hesitant to
follow the protocols due to the problems that were stated in the analysis of
Repertory Grid 2. The elderly are accepting the facts of the dangers of the virus
while a small percentage of the elderly do not acknowledge it. They understood the
fact that the mortality rate of the virus to their age group is high that is why most of
them are following the minimum health protocols that are implemented by the
government.

In the second category, concerning the problems faced by the elderly during
community quarantine (shown in repertory grid 2), it is discussed in the first theme
that their household is having difficulties in sustaining their financial needs, resulted
by this, the elderly experience lack of food supply that then may affect the problems
discussed on the third theme, which are the medical problems. The elderly also faced
physical problems, which is the second theme of the category, due to the social
isolation, which made them immobile. The elderly couldn’t have long walks and
other physical exercises that could affect their health. Most of the elderly of
Barangay San Pablo, Catbalogan City are with their children, most of them are
employees, and are usually busy, that is why it is their tasks to buy the daily needs
that were needed in the household. The implementation of the community
quarantine and restriction to the senior citizens to go out of their household gave the
elderly worry and concern to their children or the other members of the household
that they will be exhausted in doing everything that is needed in their families. Some
of the elderly are dependent on their children. That is why even before the
community quarantine, they are already used to not going outside their houses. In
the third theme, the medical problems faced by the elderly people were discussed.
They are unable to visit the hospital to attend to their medical needs, also because
they are scared to be in contact with the virus, and it is prohibited for them to go
outside. This problem is very crucial because this will affect the health of the elderly.

The third category, the initial knowledge of the elderly toward the pandemic (which
is shown in repertory grid 3) ,is very helpful not only to themselves, but also to those
who surround them. In the findings of this study, the first theme of the data shows
that most elderly are well informed about the minimum health protocols and the
facts that are supported by it. While the rest of the elderly, as discussed on the
second theme, lack information on how the virus can be transmitted, which is crucial
because they may not take some of the minimum health protocols seriously, even
though they are well-informed about it.

There are a lot of problems the elderly are facing during the community quarantine,
not only financially, but also mentally and physiologically. The fourth category, the
adjustments made by the elderly, (which can be seen in repertory 4) were connected
usually to the betterment of their health such as practicing good hygiene, constant
physical movements and changing into a healthier diet. These adjustments are based
on the first theme comprising the lifestyle changes made by the elderly. In the
second theme, it shows the observance of the elderly to the health protocols as an
adjustment they have also made during this lived experience while currently in
community quarantine. Given are the observance of social distancing when
members of the elderly people’s household just came from outside, wearing of face
masks, and constant disinfecting of surfaces.
In the fifth category, the effects and the lessons the elderly have learned (which can be
seen in repertory 5), are categorized into themes, first of which are the positive
statements. Most of the elderly see the pandemic as awareness that COVID-19 has a
higher mortality rate in their age group therefore they should be careful and follow
the health protocols for their own good. While the rest of the elderly, as categorized,
having negative statements, didn’t have any good effect on their live because they
have experienced difficulties especially on the financial need of the household.

Some of the elderly do not accept facts about COVID-19, that is why the local
government must be strict and clear in implementing certain rules and must always
make sure that all of the citizens, especially the elderly, are well aware of the facts of
the virus, to avoid more misunderstanding that could lead to serious growth in
many cases and, unintentionally, higher death rate. Still, with the conclusions and
limitations, the researcher is highly recommending that the output of this study be
utilized in other researches or can be a support for further government intervention
for the improvement in the fight against COVID-19 of the city.

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 Republic of the Philippines
SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY
LEADERSHIP I EXCELLENCE IDISCIPLINE ISERVICE
Certificate No. AJA18-
1089

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Catbalogan, City

Program: Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Management

Course Code: QR 602
Course Description Title: Advance Qualitative Research Method
Academic Year: Summer 2020
Professor: Dr. Elmer Abayan Irene
Student’s Name: Mrs. Perla S. Manlolo

RESEARCH INTERVIEW CONSENT FORM

Research Title: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ELDERLY PEOPLE DURING COMMUNITY
QUARANTINE

I agree to participate in a research study “Lived Experiences of Elderly

People During Community Quarantine” under the following conditions:
1) Sufficient information about the research“Lived Experiences of Elderly People
During Community Quarantine” is given and the purpose of my participation
has been explained clearly.

2) As an interviewee, my participationis voluntary and there is no explicit or

implicit coercion whatsoever to participate.

3) Participation involves being interviewed by the researcher herself. The

interview will last for approximately 1 hour where I allow the researcher to
take down notes and record(audiotape) during the interview. However, in case
I do not want the interview to be taped I am at any point in time fully entitled to
withdraw from participation.

4) I have the right not to answer some of the questions orwithdraw from the
interviewIf I feel uncomfortable in any way during the interview.

5) I have given the explicit guarantee that, if I wish so, the researcher will not
identify me by my name in any reports using information obtained from this
interview, and that my confidentiality as a participant in this study will remain
secure
_______________________________________
Signature Over Printed Name of the Respondent

_______________________________________
Date