BPA Students perceptions of this Covid-19 pandemic

In Partial fulfillment of the

Requirement for the course
PACC-8
Research Method in Public Administration 1

Submitted by:
Yamba, Mylene A.
Manseguiao, Alisa
Pepito, Rudolfo D. Jr.
Yamba, Bergiel A.
BPA-3E

May 2022
 ABSTRACT

Covid-19 Pandemic hits the whole world in any means of

living. Education ministry was just one of the many institutions strike

down by covid-19. As a result, to this challenge, the BPA students of

Bukidnon State University, Medina Satellite decided to conduct a

study gathering the perceptions of students on the effect of covid-19

pandemic to the mental health of the students. According to National

Alliance of Mental Illness (2021), the COVID-19 pandemic has

presented many challenges to students, educators, and parents.

Children already coping with mental health conditions have been

especially vulnerable to the changes, and now we are learning about

the broad impacts on students as a result of schools being closed,

physically distancing guidelines and isolation, and other unexpected

changes to their lives.

The research study was conducted in Bukidnon State

University- Medina Satellite Campus responded by 50 BPA students

who willingly provide information needed for the benefits of the study.

The data used on the research study was gathered through

dissemination of survey questionnaire to the randomize chosen 50

respondents.

After conducting a survey on the perception of BPA

students to the effect of covid-19 to the mental health of the students,

they find out that students have diverse perceptions on the Covid-19

Pandemic resulting to both negative and positive reactions to the new

normal. Some of the students were feeling happy, sad and angry, yet

the study reveals that the largest portion of the number of

respondents say that they were tired and stressed enough on learning

from home.

From the perceptions being provided by the respondents, the study

concludes that learning from home was not really effective for them,

for 78% of the population of the total number of respondents reacts

negatively, either they were tired and stressed, sad and scared of

pandemic.

Only 22% which is made up of 11 respondents said that they were

happy on modular distance learning during pandemic. The study also

concludes that pandemic was not favorable for the mental health of

the BPA students of Medina Satellite Campus if we will be based on

the 78% respondents who felt tired and stressed, angry and scared.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: The Problem and its scope

Introduction----------------------------------------------------------- 1-3

Statement of the problem/objectives of the study -------------- 4

Conceptual framework of a study---------------------------------- 5

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature--------------------------------------- 6-8

Chapter 3: Methodology --------------------------------------------------------- 9

Research Design------------------------------------------------------ 9

Research Locale------------------------------------------------------- 9

Research Participants----------------------------------------------- 10

Data Gathering Method--------------------------------------------- 10

Ethical Considerations---------------------------------------------- 10

Treatment of Data---------------------------------------------------- 11

Chapter 4: Presentation of data-------------------------------------------- 12-13

Chapter 5: Findings of the study---------------------------------------------- 14

Conclusions--------------------------------------------------------- 15

Recommendations-------------------------------------------------- 16
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

The fundamental purpose of this study is to examine the

diverse perceptions of BPA Students’ and express their thoughts and

feelings of this COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus disease 2019

(COVID-19) is defined as illness caused by a novel coronavirus called

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2;

formerly called 2019-nCoV), which was first identified amid an

outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province,

China. It was initially reported to the World Health Organization

(WHO) on December 31, 2019. On January 30, 2020, the WHO

declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. On

March 11, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, its

first such designation since declaring H1N1 influenza a pandemic in

2009 (Cennimo, 2021).

According to the World Health Organization (2020), the

COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the most crucial global health

calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that the

humankind faces since the World War II. The disease has quickly
spread around the world that results to enormous health, economic,

environmental and social challenges to the entire human population

at the present.

According to the Philippine National Volunteer Service

Coordinating Agency (2020), many countries, including Philippines is

now struggling to contain the pandemic. The government has already

declared restrictive measures such as social distancing, localized

lockdown, community quarantine and shelter in place or stay at home

orders to suppress the pandemic at a local level and control the

spread of devastation of this highly communicable disease. While the

Philippines is desperately trying to flatten the curve to decrease the

infection rate and allow the healthcare systems to respond effectively,

the coronavirus outbreak is severely disrupting the Philippine

economy.

According to National Alliance of Mental Illness (2021),

the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students,

educators, and parents. Children already coping with mental health

conditions have been especially vulnerable to the changes, and now

we are learning about the broad impacts on students as a result of

schools being closed, physically distancing guidelines and isolation,

and other unexpected changes to their lives.

According to Baumann,et.al. (2021), Previous works

showed that during an outbreak, individuals experience negative

emotional responses, such as anxiety and depression symptoms;

hence, stressful events and public health emergencies such as the

COVID-19 outbreak are potent adverse environmental factors that can

have more psychological effects among students that can be expressed

as fear, worry, altered quality of sleep and finally altered quality of life.

In order to evaluate the findings of our study problem

about their perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, we distributed an

online survey to BPA students.

Statement of the problem/Objectives of the study

The purpose of this study is to examine BPA students' perceptions of

the COVID-19 pandemic and to make them feel that they are not

alone in facing these challenges. Specifically, this study will seek to

answer the following:

1. What are the perceptions of BPA students of BukSU Medina

Satellite Campus to the COVID-19 pandemic?

2. Were the lockdowns that caused distance learning to the students

of BukSU Medina Satellite Campus effective or helpful to their

education?

3. What are the effects of pandemic to the mental health of BPA

students of BukSU Medina?

Conceptual framework of the study

The dependent variables will be the respondents of BPA Students at

BukSU Medina Satellite Campus.

The independent variables will be the questionnaires for online survey.

Dependent variables Independent Variables

Respondents of BPA
Questionnaires for online
Students at BukSU
survey
Medina Satellite Campus

Figure 1. The dependent and independent variables

What are the perceptions of

BPA students of BukSU

Medina Satellite Campus to

the COVID-19 pandemic?

Were the lockdowns that caused distance

learning to the students of BukSU Medina

Satellite Campus effective or helpful to

their education?

What are the effects of pandemic to the mental

health of BPA students of BukSU Medina?

 Figure 2. Schematic diagram of a study

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses some relevant literature as well as relevant

findings from related investigations.

According to Herbert (2021), as the COVID-19 pandemic and

its far-reaching implications continue to unfold globally and in our

community, people experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings and

reactions including: Feeling stressed or overwhelmed, anxiety, worry,

or fear, Racing thoughts, Sadness, tearfulness, loss of interest in

usual enjoyable activities, Physical symptoms, such as increased

heart rate, stomach upset, fatigue, or other uncomfortable sensations,

Feeling helpless, Difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feeling

disconnected from others, and etc. These experiences are all

understandable in the face of this significant challenge. There has

been loss of life, rapid changes to our way of life (e.g., study, work,

social gatherings), and disrupted plans due to travel restrictions and

social (physical) distancing measures in our efforts to slow the spread

of transmission. People are naturally concerned for their own and

their loved ones’ health and safety. There is still much uncertainty.
 According to Rushton (2020) stated that when COVID-19

emerged as a clear and present public health threat, most people felt

the same range of emotions: somewhere along the spectrum of fear

and anxiety. People are still feeling this way of course. But as initial

shock wears off, people are settling into a new normal. As new studies

emerge predicting longer and longer periods of social distancing, we’re

starting to strap ourselves in for the long haul.

The term “pandemic” is used by the World Health

Organization to refer as “an epidemic occurring worldwide or over a

very wide area crossing international boundaries and usually affecting

a large number of people”. According to the World Health Organization

(2020), a true pandemic happens when a simultaneous of

transmission takes place worldwide. Scientists and medical

researchers for years have vary over the exact meaning of a pandemic,

but one thing everyone agrees on is that the word describes the

widespread occurrence of disease, in excess of what might normally be

expected in a geographical region. Simultaneous worldwide

transmission of a disease is sufficient to define a pandemic and is

consistent with the classical definition of “an epidemic occurring

worldwide”. There is then ample opportunity to further describe the

potential range of pandemics in terms of transmissibility and disease

severity.

According to the Philippine National Volunteer Service

Coordinating Agency (2020), the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic

is both a health crisis and an economic crisis. The humanity is facing

a common invisible enemy that has tragically taken hundreds of

thousands of lives, infected millions of people and upended the global

economy. The impact is far-reaching, and the consequences will

reverberate well into the future. A key response on the health front

has been a lockdown and restrictions on activities to contain the

spread of the virus. However, a lockdown also means an economic

shutdown with a decimation of work, livelihoods and income for the

vast majority of people. The Philippines is not the origin of the said

virus yet the country experienced severe impact in decreasing the

economy rate. The country is in the midst of a very difficult times, the

whole world is unfortunately gripped in the garb of a pandemic caused

by the Coronavirus.

According to Atienza (2020), as fast as the contagion, the

rapid and unexpected spread of the virus has caught the Philippines

off-guard causing unforeseen casualties and other associated

comorbidities. Keeping the health of the public in the highest regard,

several meetings such as academic, religious and sporting events have

either been cancelled or postponed. The local economic activities

suddenly stopped for many industries and firms after the Philippine

government placed every affected region under the Enhanced

Community Quarantine (ECQ), which has been the government’s

largest effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus disease (COVID-

19) cases in the Philippines.

 According to the study conducted by Hapal, (2021), the

Philippine response to COVID-19 has been described as being one of

the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world. The Philippine

government continues to practice the containment and social

distancing measures to decrease and which also on the other hand

caused havoc on the lives and livelihood of millions of people (Batra,

2020). As dreadful as COVID-19, private sector jobs and incomes has

painfully vanished for a multitude of precarious workers and poor

households. As the number of cases continues to spike, uncertainties

loom. While well-off families have more capacity of surviving when

staying long indoors, there are grave concerns from the poor families

and those with meager livelihoods on how to cope and survive the

lockdown period and beyond. Hence pressures mounted on the

national government to save not only the lives but also the livelihoods

of many to survive the crisis. The government then has announced a

number of relief measures such as an urgent need to generate

information on the ground reality of both the economic impact and the

efficacy of various support measures (Datt et., al, 2020)

According to Lopez (2020), the World Bank has been a partner

of the Philippines for 75 years, which is one of the largest sources of

funding and knowledge for developing countries; taking broad and fast

action to help developing countries strengthen their pandemic

response. They also provide among other forms of support, economic

analyses and updates. Since 1945, World Bank Group has mobilized
funding, global knowledge, and partnerships to support the

Philippines’ efforts to alleviate poverty, upgrade infrastructure,

improve public health, nutrition, and education, strengthen resilience

against climate change and natural disasters, promote peace, and

enhance global competitiveness.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, research

participants, data, gathering method, ethical considerations, and

treatment of data.

Research Design

This study is a quantitative research design which involves asking

BPA students at Bukidnon State University-Medina Satellite Campus.

Quantitative research design relates to the design of a research project

which uses quantitative research methods. The design varies

depending on the method used, which could be telephone interviews,

face-to-face interviews, online surveys, or surveys by post for instance.

Other methodologies include SMS / Test Message surveys, or physical

counts.

Research Locale

This study focuses on the Bukidnon State University-Medina Satellite

Campus students. Bukidnon State University (BSU, BukSU) was

founded in 1924 as the Bukidnon Provincial School. In 1929, the

school was renamed to Bukidnon Normal School until 1976. It took on

its third name, Bukidnon State College, until 2007. Finally, during the

Macapagal-Arroyo Administration, the college garnered a university

status and since then has been called Bukidnon State University.

Research participants

As a result, the respondents are 24 BPA students from Bukidnon

State University-Medina Satellite Campus, ranging in age from 20 to

33 years old.

Data gathering method

In gathering data, the researchers used quantitative data, which is

obtained through surveys. Giving respondents a checklist of their

perceptions or feelings about the COVID-19 pandemic BPA students

are the respondents to this research. The researchers created a survey

questionnaire containing checklist of different perceptions to be

answered by the BPA students of BukSU Medina Satellite Campus.

The questionnaire was distributed through an online survey. The data

being gathered are the information from the answered questionnaire

of the respondents, legally permitted to be used for the purpose of

fulfillment of the study.

Ethical Considerations

 Participants in research should not be subjected to any kind of

harm.

 The dignity of study participants should be a top priority.

 Prior to the study, the participants’ full agreement should be

obtained.

 It is necessary to ensure that the privacy of study participants is

protected.

 The confidentiality of the study data should be protected to an

adequate level.
Treatment of data

This is how the researcher will treat the data using the descriptive

statistical

tools.

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 23 46%
Female 27 54%
Total 50 100%

there were 50 participants in the study, 23 would be Male and 27

would be Female.

Percentage is calculated by taking the frequency in the category

divided by the total

number of participants and multiplying by 100%. To calculate the

percentage of males,

take the frequency for males (23) divided by the total number in the

sample (50). Then

take this number times 100%, resulting in 46%.

 CHAPTER IV

This chapter presents the presentation of data and textual

discussion.

Tabular Presentation of Data:

Perception Descriptio Number of Number of Total for

s of BPA n girls for boys for the
the the
students following
following following
perception perception perception
s s s
Students felt
tired because
Tired and of school work
14 9 23
stressed and could not
hang with
classmates
that made
them forget
their different
problems.

Students felt
Happy happy 4 7 11
because they
preferred
modular
classes over
face-to-face
classes.

Angry Students felt

4 3 7
angry for not
getting what
they wanted.
They did not
want modular
classes.

Sad Students felt 3 2 5

sad because
they could not
enjoy their
studies and
could not see
their
 classmates.

Scared Students felt 1 3 4

scared of
being infected
by the
coronavirus.

Textual discussion:

The research found out that lots of students felt tired and stressed in

this COVID-19 pandemic because of modular classes, and they

couldn't comprehend the modules well. They preferred face-to-face

classes over modular classes, and they had time to bond with their

classmates and forget their personal problems when they were in

school. However, there are also students who feel happy with this

current situation because they can work while studying because they

won't have face-to-face classes and they have to submit their modules

by the exact deadline given by their instructors. So, they have time to

work in this current situation while continuing their studies.

Nevertheless, there are also students who felt angry in this time of

pandemic because they couldn't do what they wanted to do and they

did not want modular classes either. Additionally, there are also

students who feel sad because of these happenings because they

cannot enjoy their studies, cannot see their bonds, and they feel sad
whenever they see lots of modules. Lastly, students felt scared too.

Because of this deadly virus, they were scared of being infected by it.

They preferred to stay at home rather than interact with others.

Indeed, researchers found out that students have diverse perceptions

during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, and they observed that

researchers' perceptions were the same as other students'

perceptions.
 CHAPTER V

This chapter presents the findings, conclusions, and

recommendations based on the findings of the study.

Summary of findings

The study conducted aimed to find out the perceptions of BPA

students about the COVID-19 Pandemic. To identify their perceptions,

the researchers conducted an online survey and some interviews. An

online survey and interviews were utilized to gather data among BPA

students' perceptions of this COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys provide a

checklist and some questions on what they felt during this pandemic.

Based on the results of the 50 BPA student respondents, the majority

are feeling tired and stressed. According to them, they are used to

feeling scared when the virus starts, but now they are feeling tired of

staying at home, having modular classes rather than having face-to-

face classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their studies are affected

because of this pandemic. Some answered that they felt tired and

stressed from answering a lot of modules, and that they could not

enjoy their studies more than before when the virus had not arrived.

They found it difficult as well in the face-to-face classes, but they felt

enjoyed and challenged as students. Furthermore, students felt

happier in this time of pandemic because they were able to work while

answering the modules and they preferred modular classes to face-to-

face classes. Also, some students are feeling angry about the situation

right now because they could not do what they wanted and did not

want modular classes. However, some students are sad because they

are unable to enjoy being a student and are unable to see and bond

with their classmates. A respondents have different perceptions and

perspectives at this time of the pandemic and how the COVID-19

Pandemic affected their studies.

Conclusions:

From the data being gathered by the researchers, the study

reveal that students have diverse perceptions on the Covid-19

Pandemic resulting to both negative and positive reactions to the new

normal. Some of the students were feeling happy, sad and angry, yet

the study reveals that the largest portion of the number of

respondents say that they were tired and stressed enough on learning

from home. From the perceptions being provided by the respondents,

the study concludes that learning from home was not really effective

for them, for 78% of the population of the total number of respondents

reacts negatively, either they were tired and stressed, sad and scared

of pandemic. Only 22% which is made up of 11 respondents said that

they were happy on modular distance learning during pandemic. The

study also concludes that pandemic was not favorable for the mental

health of the BPA students of Medina Satellite Campus if we will

based on the 78% respondents who felt tired and stressed, angry and

scared.
Recommendations:

 The BukSU should have a limited number of face-to-face classes

for students who meet the requirements, such as vaccination

card copies and the MDR's Phil health.

 The instructors should understand the students' situations.

 Instructors will provide an explanation for the BPA students

who find difficulty in their subject.

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 APPENDIX A

To our respondents,

This study aims to collect personal information about your household.

It is to provide data in our research study “BPA STUDENTS
PERCEPTION OF THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC”. This study is part of
our requirements as Public Administration Students. The researchers
are in charge of this part. The survey questionnaire will be conducted
by MYLENE A. YAMBA, ALISA MANSEGUIAO, RUDOLFO D. PEPITO
Jr., and BERGIEL A. YAMBA.

STATEMENT OF CONSENT

I have read the consent form, and I am familiar with and fully
understand the purpose and procedures of the study, the methods,
the study aims, and the use of the data. I am aware that my
participation is based on informed consent and that I may discontinue
it either during the study or later if I so decide. The condition for my
approval is that the information thus gathered will be handled with
confidentiality. I will be informed of the results of the study. By
signing this statement, I give my consent to the information I provide
during the survey that will be used for the research study.

Name of the subject (optional):

___________________________________________

Address of the subject:

____________________________________________________

Phone: _________________

Date ___________________

Signature: _______________
 APPENDIX B

Please choose one and check according to your feelings/mental status

during this Covid-19 pandemic.

FEELING YES NO

Angry

boredom

Calm

happy

Sad

Scared

Tired and depressed

Q1. What are the perceptions of BPA students of BukSU Medina

Satellite Campus to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Q2. Were the lockdowns that caused distance learning to the students
of BukSU Medina Satellite Campus effective or helpful to their
education?

Q3. What are the effects of pandemic to the mental health of BPA
students of BukSU Medina?