A Study On The Experiences of Young Adult Mothers in The COVID 19 Pandemic

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19
MATTHEW ALEXANDREI M. ZOLAYVAR

KEVIN MATTHEW LIM
RITZEL PARO
A Research Paper
Presented to the Faculty of the
School of Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Teacher Education
La Consolacion College Bacolod
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for

Research In Psychology – II
March 2022

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 ii
Approval Certificate
In partial fulfillment of the requirement for Research in Psychology – II, this research paper
entitled, “A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19”
Jose Jeffrey B. Puentespina, LPT, RGC, PhD
Adviser
Panel List
Approved by the committee for Oral Thesis Defense with a rating of Passed in January 16,
2023
Romela R. Aujero, LPT, RPsy, RGC, RPm, PhD
Chairperson
Zilla Rozzi H. Javier, LPT, MAed Rosanne R. P. Jalbuena, LPT, RPsy, PhD
Member Member
Jose Jeffrey B. Puentespina, Accepted as Penny V. Sanchez, LPT, PhD

LPT, RGC, PhD
Dean, SSLATE
Technical Assistant to Program partial
Head
fulfillment of
requirements for the Research in Psychology II with a grade of PASSED.

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 iii

A Narrative Inquiry
Matthew Alexandrei M. Zolayvar
Kevin Matthew Lim
Ritzel Paro
matthewzolayvar@gmail.com
kevinmatthew.lim@lccbonline.edu.ph
ritzel.paro@lccbonline.edu.ph
Bacolod City, Philippines
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused problems for many people, changed lives and also changed our
current way of life, for young adult mothers who got pregnant during the pandemic, this marked
the beginning of a long and difficult 9 months. This research aims to explore the experiences of
young adult women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This pertains to their
difficulties experienced and how they coped with said difficulties. The researchers used
Narrative Inquiry Method to answer the question of what they experienced during that time and
how they coped with the difficulties experienced. The Qualitative research method was used to
detail their experiences and uses thematic analysis to approach the interviews. The findings of
this research will provide insight to other women who may have or still are experiencing
difficulties with their pregnancy regarding 3 themes, Support, Fear, and Difficulty.
Keywords: qualitative research, young adult mothers, difficulty, coping, COVID-19
pandemic

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 iv
Dedication
This research is dedicated to the incredible women who endured many difficulties during their
pregnancy in the pandemic. Their strength in those times inspired us to make this research.
Despite all the inconveniences and problems you had during the pandemic you stayed strong and
carried your child to term.
To future mothers and readers of this research, we hope that by reading what we documented
here may serve as an example to inspire you to hold on until you can hold your child in your
arms.

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 v
Acknowledgements
Lord God almighty, we thank you for the guidance, strength, and patience you imparted
upon us for this journey. Your presence in our lives gave us the will to continue and finish this
research.
To our parents, without their sacrifices we never would have made it this far, thank you
for your unwavering support and unconditional love, and for your unending belief in us.
To our friends, who helped us find our participants for this study, thank you for your
support and understanding of our struggles in this journey.
To our classmates, we are grateful for your suggestions, for your many ideas and
contributions to our research, your different perspectives helped us find ways to finish the
interviews even though we struggled at first. Thank you for being a part of our school year.
To Dr. Jose Jeffrey Puentespina LPT, RGC, we are thankful for your support and
guidance throughout this entire project, your insights, and teachings of how we might improve
upon our research paper is instrumental to our success. Thank you for your time and effort sir.

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 vi
Table of Contents
Page
Approval certificate ii
Abstract iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgements v
Table of Contents vi
List of Abbreviations viii
Appendices ix
Chapter 1: Introduction
Background of the study 1
Purpose of the study 3
Significance of the study 3
Scope of the study 3
Chapter 2: Methodology
Design 4
Locale 5
Conversation Partners 5
Sampling Method 5
Inclusion Criteria 6
Research Material 6
Instruments 7
Data Gathering Procedure 8
Ethical Procedure 9

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 vii
Chapter 3: Results and Discussion 17

Chapter 4: Summary of Findings 21
List of Abbreviations
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease)

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 viii
Appendices
A Informed Consent 23
B Summary of Statements per Theme 27

Chapter 1
Background of the Study
Outbreaks of recent and emerging viral diseases have always caused anxiety amongst
individuals and societies at chance for infection. In particular, this has been especially actual for
pregnant women, who worry not only for themselves but often even more so for their unborn
toddlers. Pregnant women, their fetuses, and infants are usually the most vulnerable members of
society at some point of an infectious disease outbreak. The normal physiological, anatomical,
and immunological changes that accompany pregnancy may increase a pregnant woman’s
susceptibility to a newly emergent viral pathogen in addition to increase the severity of infection.
(D.A. Shwartz, 2020)
Pregnant women also experienced anxiety—substantially due to the stress concerning
birth preparation for birth and the leveling doubt and fear with acquiring the viral infection and
the worries of the fetus’ overall health as well during the pandemic, knowing that both the child
and the mother has a relevant possibility for exposure to the virus while on the medical facilities.
(Preis, Mahhaffey, Heiselman,& Lobel, 2020).
The years from 18 to 25 are a time of stunning accomplishments and chilling risks, as a
roller coaster of internal and external changes, including brain changes, propels young adults
from adolescence toward full maturity. Yet we are only beginning to understand how and why

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19 2
this all happens—and sometimes doesn't. (A. Rae Simpson 2018, MIT Young Adult
Development Project)
Obligations of being a mother and a student are the requirements of academic and
personal life; especially, throughout the time of COVID-19 pandemic. According to studies, for
generations, student-mothers in the Philippines, who determined to keep their academic endeavor
regardless of their struggles in academic and parenthood duties. the outcomes imply that
academic institutions may also consider intervention programs for night class student-mothers
who are attending online classes during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, and create webinar
workshops that can empower them to better manage their dual roles of being a mother and a
student. Results found out that most of the participants encountered problems concerning their
personal and academic lives like work and financial issues, attending online classes, distractions
and concentrations during online classes, limited availability of digital resources, and right time
management. To cope with these challenges, the members depended on the support provided by
their classmates, friends, families, and religious beliefs. (J. R. Gonzales & M. A. C.
Pangalingayen 2022)
The researchers have pondered upon the often-overlooked matter of early pregnancy
among young adult women and how this could be a problem and a hard challenge to surpass
within the conception process--- especially during this time of a virus outbreak. Looking at the
financial aspect of the gestating subject, it is hard to deny that conception at a very young age is
such an obstacle, and especially so if they do not have a job yet. With the mentioned studies, the
researchers want to know what the experiences of the young adult mothers here in Bacolod
entailed, and how they coped with the difficulties presented during the two years of the COVID-
19 pandemic.
Purpose of the study
The qualitative research intends to explore the experiences of young adult mothers during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significance of the study
The results of this study may benefit:
Mental Health Professionals like Guidance counselors that may need a reference as to how to
teach their clients to cope or deal with the stress and trauma that comes from early pregnancy.
Students in the fields of Psychology and Guidance Counselling. This study may help them find a
direction to develop skills in response to the challenges posed by being a young mother.
Future researchers may use the records written down here to reference future studies in the
experience and possible traumas of being a young adult mother.
Scope of the Study
The study encompasses mothers aged 18-25 who were pregnant during the COVID-19
pandemic. As defined by The Young Adult Development Project (2018), of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, the age of young adulthood is between the years of 18-25 years old—
analyzed and refined by Rae Simpson, Ph.D. that studies adolescent parenthood and
development.

Chapter 2
This chapter includes the methods and instruments used by the researchers in conducting
the interviews and thematic analysis to create this study.
Methodology
This chapter discusses the research design, the locale of the study, the conversation
partners, the sampling method, the inclusion criteria, the research materials and instrument used
to gather data, the data-gathering procedure, ethical procedure, rigors of findings and the data
explication process to identify themes and patterns.
Design
This qualitative research uses the Thematic Analysis method of Braun & Clark (2006)
exploring and interviewing the participants. Thematic analysis is the process of identifying
patterns or themes within qualitative data (Delahunt & Maguire, 2017).
Qualitative research is often based on methods of observation and enquiry; qualitative
research “explores the meaning of human experiences and creates the possibilities of change
through raised awareness and purposeful action” (Taylor & Francis, 2013).

For this study the researchers opted for using Thematic Analysis, obtaining and recording
the experiences of young adult mothers during their pregnancies during the surge of the COVID-
19 pandemic.
Locale
This study on the experiences of early motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic was
conducted with young adult mothers who reside in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental particularly
in these areas: Celine Homes in Fortune Towne, Villa Estefania, and who are residing in Bacolod
City.
Conversation Partners
The conversation partners are young adult mothers that have been qualified based on the
inclusion criteria. The conversation partners in this study must be young adult mothers that had
their children during the covid-19 pandemic. All conversation partners were young adult mothers
ages 18 to 25.
Sampling method
The researchers used a non-probability-based method, more specifically the Purposive
Sampling method, wherein the respondents are only chosen based on their qualifications
according to the inclusion criteria. Purposive sampling (also known as judgment, selective or
subjective sampling) is a sampling technique in which researcher relies on his or her own
judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study.
Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method and it occurs when “elements
selected for the sample are chosen by the judgment of the researcher. Researchers often believe

that they can obtain a representative sample by using a sound judgment, which will result in
saving time and money” (Black, 2010)
Inclusion Criteria:
Salkind, (2010) Inclusion criteria are a characteristic used to identify subjects who will be
included in a research study. Inclusion criteria should respond to the scientific objective of the
study and are critical to accomplish it. Proper selection of inclusion criteria will optimize the
external and internal validity of the study, improve its feasibility, lower its costs, and minimize
ethical concerns; specifically, good selection criteria will ensure the homogeneity of the sample
population, reduce confounding, and increase the likelihood of finding a true association between
exposure/intervention and outcomes.
Young adult mothers were chosen based on the following criteria:
1. Must have given birth during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2021).
2. Must be a young adult mother aged 18-25.
Research Materials
The researchers utilized materials that will be useful in taking down important
information prior to the interview, “Messenger” was used in communicating with the participants
from afar, mobile phones, audio recorder and other devices that aid in storing information that
was gathered from the interview. For any compromising circumstance that may possibly occur
during the interview—extra phones for recording, power bank for power source, laptop for the
general storage of gathered information. The primary and back up phones that were used for
recording the interview are: an android phone—Vivo y21t9(back-up), 2022 model and an Apple

iPhone 11(back-up), 2019 model—both devices have a 128 GB storage capacity. The main
phone that was used in recording is a Samsung a50 with a 1 TB storage capacity.
Instruments
Interviews provide researchers with rich and detailed qualitative data for understanding
participants’ experiences, how they describe those experiences, and the meaning they make of
those experiences (Rubin & Rubin, 2012). Given the centrality of interviews for qualitative
research, books and articles on conducting research interviews abound. These existing
resources typically focus on: the conditions fostering quality interviews, such as gaining access
to and selecting participants (Rubin & Rubin, 2012; Seidman, 2013; Weiss, 1994); building
trust (Rubin & Rubin, 2012); the location and length of time of the interview (Weiss, 1994);
the order, quality, and clarity of questions (Patton, 2015; Rubin & Rubin, 2012); and the overall
process of conducting an interview (Brinkmann & Kvale, 2015; Patton, 2015).
The researchers then used the Four Phase Process to Interview Protocol Refinement (IPR)
The interview protocol framework is comprised of four-phases:
Phase 1: Ensuring interview questions align with research questions,
Phase 2: Constructing an inquiry-based conversation,
Phase 3: Receiving feedback on interview protocols
Phase 4: Piloting the interview protocol.

In using these 4 phases the researchers served as the interviewer and used the materials provided.
Their skills were then used to properly gather the information from their conversation partners.
The researchers in this study are currently students in LLCB’s (La Consolacion College of
Bacolod) SSLATE BS-Psychology course and therefore are novices in this field of research,
during this research they recorded their experience in a journal in order to avoid bias and add
credibility to the research. The researchers will conduct an interview with the participants in
order to gather information that are vital to the research study.
Data gathering procedure
The purpose of the research interview is to explore the views, experiences, beliefs and/or
motivations of individuals on specific matters (e.g. factors that influence their attendance at the
dentist). Qualitative methods, such as interviews, are believed to provide a 'deeper' understanding
of social phenomena than would be obtained from purely quantitative methods, such as
questionnaires. Interviews are, therefore, most appropriate where little is already known about
the study phenomenon or where detailed insights are required from individual participants. They
are also particularly appropriate for exploring sensitive topics, where participants may not want
to talk about such issues in a group environment. (Gill, Stewart, Treasure, et al. 2008) In this
study the researchers will be using semi-structured interviews and documentation, the
participants were reached by emails or messaging apps. A guide question was given for the
comprehensive view of what the questionnaire really aims to get a data about. The researchers
conducted the interview in their respective homes in Bacolod City: Celine Homes, Villa
Estefania, and in a dorm of one of the researchers located in Bugnay Street, St. La Salle Avenue,
Bacolod City. The latter addresses are where the researchers desire to conduct their interview
with their participants, if the participants will not demand a specific location for the interview.
Ethical procedure
Ethical guidelines, addresses the general ethical principles of respecting the person’s right and
justice to ensure the soundness of the study.
Social value. When the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world, mental health was one of
the most challenging aspects of human functioning. Due to restrictions, and other protocols,
mental health problems across the world have increased. There is a dire need for mental health
professionals to be equipped with the necessary skills to respond to the compromised mental
health of the populace.
Informed consent. The researcher made sure that participants were oriented about their
point of participation in the study. In the beginning, the participants were oriented toward the
nature and objective of the study. Part of the orientation was informing them that their
participation is voluntary and that they have the right to withdraw anytime from the study. The
participants are of legal age of 18 and above.
Vulnerability of the research participants. The participants may feel that they are being
required forcefully in answering a non-related task. They may also feel anxious on where to
begin. They might also feel that they are forced to answer the questions because they might
suffer from consequences. In order to address this, the research will inform them that there are no
right or wrong answers and they can open up their thoughts on their own peace, and their
responses would never affect their academics. The participants were also needed to answer
honestly by ensuring that only researchers will utilize it for a good purpose. In terms of
emotional/psychological breakdowns by the client post or pre-interview, the researchers will
seek mental health professionals to provide a counseling session for the participants and the

researchers will provide any medications that the participants are taking in—if there are any—to
avoid any repercussions and relapse.
Risks and benefits. The participants might feel that answering three questions would take
a lot of time for them to accomplish. They might also display hesitance in answering the
questionnaires as they might see it unnecessary, and they consider it unnecessary. They consider
their answers are too private. They might also encounter items that could cause them
psychological exhaustion by reliving some memories. To address this, the researcher will give
enough time to the participants to answer the questions. They have the will to answer it in their
free time within the day. The participants will reassure that no one will access their responses
except the researchers.
Privacy and confidentiality. The researcher assured the participants that their identities
will remain anonymous throughout the process. Whatever data they will provide will remain
confidential unless mandated by law or when there are threats to safety involved. The researcher
also adhered to the Data Privacy Act to ensure that actions are lawful. The data obtained from the
quantitative phase was stored in a google drive, whereby only the researcher will have access.
The recordings from the qualitative data were also safeguarded using passwords for both the
researcher's laptop and phone. After processing all the data, the data stored in google drive and
the recordings in the laptop and phone were deleted. Data gathered from the participants will be
kept by the researchers’ using a particular platform or device will only be stored for a month—
enough time for the researchers to transcribe and to establish a narrative report prior to the study.
Justice. For the justifiable quality of this qualitative study, the participants are picked in
accordance to the age range, so that experiences within this age being a young adult mother is
specified as narrated in the research study.

Transparency. The researchers during the span of the research process will truthfully
commit to the flexibility and transparency of the data gathered in terms of mitigating the research
results to its participants who desire to know the outcomes, as well as ensuring its legitimacy by
virtue of conduct of honesty being implemented within the timeframe of the study. For the
benefit and for disclosure of to the client prior to the interview, the researchers will hand out a
set of guiding questions a day before the interview proper. The guide questions are as follows:
Guide Questions
1. Could you please share what sorts of experiences you had during your pregnancy in the
COVID-19 pandemic?
2. Were you able to cope with what difficulties you did experience? And how did you deal
with them?
3. Who would you say helped you most throughout the experience and how did they help?
4. Which part of your trimester did you feel the most amount of difficulty and why?
5. Can you tell us how you may have changed the way that you think about said experiences
now?
Qualification of the researcher. The researchers are Psychology students of La
Conscolacion College-Bacolod, and by this reputable academic and educational institution--- the
researchers are well-educated with handling the participants without the factors of biasness and
discrimination or any other unethical conducts that will lead to the imprudence of the study. The
researchers are well-taught by the school with the morality of being human, for the institution is
a Catholic institution that produces bright and morally functional and academically competent
individuals.
Adequacy of facilities. The researchers are well-rounded with their mobility and tools that
will aid in the effectivity of their research study, since the new normal dawned upon the
society--- online materials, digital and virtual platforms, social media, internet and other factors
that are of trend in the new normal are needed by the researchers; all of which are within the
reach of the researchers for they have all the utilities and basic materials such as a laptop, a
mobile phone, pencils, papers, social media accounts for communicating with the participants are
just available. The researchers only need the basic modern gadgets and tools in gathering data.
Rigors of Findings
Rigors, in a qualitative standpoint, is a medium to corroborate the truthfulness of the data
and information gathered by the researchers. This aspect of the research enables the researchers
to follow a consistent and accurate path to their objectives--- rigors are the guidelines of their
methods utilized within the research study. (Thomas & Magilvy, 2018)
Credibility
According to (Bueno, 2016) credibility is the measure and an indicator whether the data
and the data analysis done by the researchers are accountable, knowledgeable, reliable and
trustworthy. To guarantee the consistent credible attributes of the research study, the researchers
will use the process of “member checking”. Member checking is also known as respondent
validation--- wherein results or outcomes of the study are handed to the participants and checks
if the results are congruent and accurate prior to their experiences. (Birt et al., 2016). This
process will not only improve the reliability of the study but will also review and verify if the
researchers communicated properly with their respondents---supplying definite and precise
language within the research and data gathering process.

Dependability
It articulates and imposes the flexibility of the research study as time progresses and over
the vague interchangeable circumstances within the research process (Polit &Beck, as cited by
Conelly, 2016). This also magnifies the vital role of the researcher in making the study
innovative, convenient and flexible towards the contexts touched by the study, as the study must
be gravitated towards the same outcome regardless of the contexts (Bueno, 2016). Thorough
articulation and brief expression of details must be applied and observed to maintain the stability
of data over time regardless of the conditions that varies (Elo et al., 2014)
The researchers will use Triangulation to further build foundations of dependability on
the research process. Triangulation represents a variety of data and evidences to support the main
objective or the main research interest of the researchers. (Lindlof & Taylor, 2011)
Transferability
Sharing an evident analogy with external validity, it conveys that the outcome of the
study can be generalized (Bueno, 2016). To avoid misconceptions and misinformation, the study
must be exact and precise prior to the context of their respondents and their situation.
It is the responsibility of the researchers to thoroughly describe their participants and is
accountable with the flow of their research process (Korstjens &Moser, 2018).
In this study the researchers will briefly discuss and disclose the age group of the
participants, their conditions, their social status--- the study will be exact and precise to their
context and life experiences as a young adult mother.

Conformability
It conveys if the findings in the study are neutral and can be repeated (Conelly, 2016).
The researchers will take on the objectives of the research process in a journalistic manner,
wherein all of the decision-making and other activities that will occur within the study are noted
for future reference. Process logs will be used in determining the recollections in the research
process such as, whom to interview and how it will be observed (Conelly, 2016)
Authenticity
This tackles the extended credibility of the research study prior to its larger implication to
the society or to the community, not only based on the conversation partners but also to the
majority who are experiencing the same conditions (Hambacher & Shannon, 2014).
The researchers will find a particular person in the field of social works to assess them in
gathering data whether from the barangay hall records or through online inquiries; a mental
health expert to assess the researchers in considering mental health and psychological concerns
that our respondents may be experiencing.
Data Explication
The process of data explication involves making sense out of text and image data.
Thematic analysis is the process of identifying patterns or themes within qualitative data
(Delahunt & Maguire, 2017). In the field of Psychology, Braun & Clark (2006) developed a six-
step framework in doing thematic analysis; becoming familiar with the data, generating initial
codes, searching, reviewing and defining themes, and producing the report.

In this study, the researchers incorporated the six phases of analysis mentioned by Braun and
Clark (2006):
1. Data Familiarization. This stage may occur during interviews with the conversation partners
or processing of transcriptions (Howitt, 2016). The researcher conducted and transcribed the
interviews with the conversation partners. Process logs and other documentation were dated and
organized.
2. Generate initial codes. In this phase, the researcher started to organize the data in a
meaningful and systematic way (Delahunt & Maguire, 2017). A label was assigned to the
segments of data that is based on the relevance of its content. 3. Searching for themes. Themes
are basically the result of categorizing the coding into meaningful groups of codings (Howitt,
2016). In this case, major patterns found from the initial codings was consolidated and analyzed
by the researcher to produce a theme.
4. Review of themes. During this phase the researcher reviewed, modified and developed the
preliminary themes that were identified (Delahunt and Maguire, 2017). In this study, the
researcher reviewed and refined the themes by careful consideration of the coded data extracts
and reviewed the validity of individual themes in relation to the data set.
5. Theme definition and labeling. Themes are further refined to capture the essence of its
meaning by going back to collated data extracts for each theme and organizing them into a
coherent and internally consistent account, with accompanying narrative (Braun & Clark, 2006).
The researcher consulted an expert that may suggest modifications to the themes constructed in
this study.

6. Report writing. In this final phase of thematic analysis, the researcher may include and
analytic narrative that presents the core of the data, an explanation that may expound the
researcher’s idea and include an argument in relation to the research question (Braun & Clark,
2006). In this study, the researcher included personal interpretation, literatures and theories that
would support the themes generated during data explication.

Chapter 3
Results and Discussion
This chapter presents the themes identified in the study and the discussion of the results
After data explication, the following themes were the most frequently repeated:
1) Difficulties, 2) Fear, 3) Support
Pregnant women are not allowed to enter malls, and other establishments.
Persons who are aged fifteen years old and below, senior citizens who are aged sixty-five above,
including those who individuals who have health risks and comorbid immunodeficiency
concerns and also pregnant women are required definitely to stay inside their respective houses
—in accordance to the Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution No. 79 series of 2020.
Pregnant employees are most likely to be at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to
exposure, whether outside or inside the workplace, therefore the subject are highly recommended
to comply to the work from home setting. (DOLE-DTI JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
NO. 20-04 A)
Although work from home setting is already a trend since the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects to
the corporate world, sky-rocketed, effects such as economic decline, a relevant decrease on the
labor force, and as mentioned above, as a result of the quarantine, a work from home setting was

born out of the ashes that the influx of the global health pandemonium has brought upon on this
age of human civilization. Unfortunately, the ride through the new trend is somehow more of a
harder path to trail on, in which not all companies are able to keep track with. Companies may
come up short with the higher new demand of employment as new platforms of work settings
surfaces abruptly out into the new age. When will this kind of employment ends or does it?
(J.Baluyot, 2022)
PJ: “I had to pretend and hide that I was pregnant just to buy groceries”
PC: “Companies at the time just didn’t accept pregnant women and there was no work from
home yet”
PA:“So the first one it was hidden so no one knows only me it was really difficult on difficult
challenge ive encountered so second im not financially prepared for this issue”
PhilHealth offers maternity benefits to pregnant women, such as what they call Maternity Care
Package worth Php 6,500, which can be claimed through certain accredited hospitals, and as for
those who duly avails to certain birthing homes or maternity clinics, Php 8,000 will be granted.
The aforementioned benefit also shoulders some of the monetary burden in terms of prenatal
care, postpartum period services, Vaginal delivery, and post-partum checkups.
All women who are subject to giving birth, are granted the chance to acquire prior medical
assistance, catered by social health insurance. As mandated by the government, the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation cues to every expectant mother’s awareness that, they are eligible
to receive the said maternity services and assistance if they are able to enroll in the National
Health Insurance Program. (P. Aragones, 2016)

Remoteness of a place from the city proper is definitely a big factor in healthcare for those who
are pregnant, so a comprehensive role of Barangay Health Workers is characterized duly by the
Barangay.
BHW’s are trained to assist maternal and child care, this certain program by the local
government aims to produce better capability of health workers to cater health related concerns
within the barangay and all the process that comes along with it.
Study shows that pregnant women with a healthy dose of family support will mostly experience
improvements in child care and a holistic better quality of life. (J. Hahn-Holbrook, 2013)
Social support has been deemed to be an effective factor in maintaining a healthy pregnancy;
coping mechanisms are influenced in a better way. Prenatal is the most delicate stage of
pregnancy, therefore social affection, emotional and physical support is highly needed during
this stage, to maintain a well-balanced mental and physical health. (K.Mabetha et al, 2022)
PJ: “I gave birth on a Saturday so there was no PhilHealth aid at the time but we did get
refunded so we saved so much thanks to that”
PJ: “Actually I think my partner was my biggest help, we were always together in the house,
since travel wasn’t really an easy thing and I always needed a service to and from anywhere”
PC: “I got my checkups at the barangay too so that if I needed documents to get things up to
date I wouldn’t have difficulties”
PC: “So next one is support system is I would not have been able to do them without with the
help of other people so I asked for help and advices from people I know, and my family on

what’s best to do and my OB also gave physical advice for my health and prepare financially
because you know how difficult a pregnancy is”
PA: “so second are my parents so i regret to inform late that since they knew everything
changes so they really help me set up again on my emotional breakdowns so they really too
excited to meet my little one”
Pregnancy is a major life event for all women. However, when a psychiatric disorder is added to
or exacerbated by the pregnancy then the problem requires expert knowledge from more than
one area of medicine. This paper looks at pregnancy and the relationship with depression, eating
disorders, and pathological fear of childbirth or tokophobia. It also examines the outcome for
these women and their babies. Mental illness is a serious concern. It is now recognised that death
from suicide is the leading cause of maternal death overall. Research in these areas is relatively
sparse but an attempt is made to collate what is known. (Hofberg K, Ward MR, 2003)
PJ: “like the impact is that I was traumatized that I experienced fear about being pregnant
because while there is no instance where I would leave my child, I still feel the weight of
responsibility and I want to be able to call myself a responsible parent.”
PA: “So that time I know I was pregnant I don’t know what to do and how to spill out to my
parents they kind of too strict so on my parents didn’t know also expect me to be like this since
I’m academic person in school so I kept my pregnancy till my 8 months , yes uh yes very long for
8 months before my parents new it’s really hard for me to adjust to hide as my tummy gets
bigger and bigger so actually classes close early during to the pandemic I’m already at my
first trimester the problem is that I’m not prepared of everything”

Chapter 4
General Statements
The influx of the pandemic that has brought upon into the global stage even up to these
days have shaped and raised a bar to the human society prior its adaptability, the capacity to
survive, to adjust, to endure, to evolve and to strive in the modern situations in order to thrive for
a better life—psychologically, physically, and spiritually.
The global virus outbreak has urge us for many changes in our lifestyle, culture and on
the way we maintain a healthy body and life.
Many lives have been taken away before the creation of the effective set of various
vaccines, the industries are compromised and some had no choice but to shut down,
establishments are on a financial decline as we can notice nowadays that some stores were not
able to continue business, and protocols were implemented to avoid infections.
In this matter, the researchers focused their study on the experiences of young adult
mothers during their pregnancy within the height of the pandemic, most of them have had
difficulties during the pre-natal care and other health-related consultations due to the fear of
being infected and isolated thereafter, as it would be a big strain in their time, health and
personal conveniences.

During the height of the pandemic tight restrictions around the environment in any
setting, was on a higher gauge than of these days’, it was such a difficult time to mobilize health,
culture, and spirituality—the participants articulated that it was hard to shift gears during the
journey of their pregnancy, leisure was zero to none due to the compromise within our public
transportations and the fare continued to progress at a much higher price. In terms of their
medical needs, the participants were reluctant to go to the clinic because of the fear of the virus.
Monetary resources were somehow at an all-time low, as companies at that certain time
were unenthusiastic to hire pregnant young adults—for their overall health could be at risk and
there were no other options for one certain participant because some companies don’t cater a
“work from home” setting.
Despite the rough seas of the venture, the participants were able to find a silver lining,
some spiritual, and some support from their kin and close relatives; they showed us hope in the
darkest moments—they were able to find refuge in their family, God, and set afire their
spirituality for a new awakening; religious activities were still on hold at that point, therefore the
participants were able to contemplate on their own their faith in God and sought divine guidance
and support however things may go in a specific way.
Humans as we are, our nature is to survive instinctually speaking, for hardship may have
occurred or may continue to progress in time as it’s a staple in our lives already—if we are eager
to live through it, we are always capable to get past through it; the participants have showed us a
new thought process on understanding resiliency and relentlessness to get past through
challenges in lives, they embarked on us how much our close friends, families, and other

significant persons in our lives could mean into our lives when we face different struggles in our
lives.
The difficulties experienced by the participants during their pregnancies can be summed
up as having fear over their safety and the safety of their child, the fear of not having support
throughout their pregnancy, and the weight of the responsibility put on their shoulders as
motherhood approaches.
They also stated that they had support be it through their family, friends, significant
others or through religion. It seems that the participants held on and carried through with the
pregnancy even with the whole lockdown and being unable to really go anywhere without help
by finding strength from others.

References
Anna Mikulak and Stuart Wolpert (2013) https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/stress-
hormone-foreshadows-postpartum-243844#:~:text=Women%20who%20receive
%20strong%20social,by%20UCLA%20life%20scientists%20indicates.
Akgor, U., Fadıloglu, E., Soyak, B. et al. Anxiety, depression and concerns of pregnant
women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Gynecol Obstet 304, 125–130
(2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-020-05944-1
Birt, L., Scott, S., Cavers, D., Campbell, C., & Walter, F. (2016). Member checking: a
tool to enhance trustworthiness or merely a nod to validation?. Qualitative health
research, 26(13), 1802-1811.
Black, K. (2010) “Business Statistics: Contemporary Decision Making” 6th edition, John
Wiley & Sons.
Bree & Gallagher, (2016). Using Microsoft Excel to code and thematically analyse
qualitative data: a simple, cost-effective approach. (Vol.8 No. 2) PKP Publishing
Services Network
Brinkmann, S., & Kvale, S. (2015). InterViews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative
Research Interviewing. (3. ed.) SAGE Publications.
Bueno, D. C., & Practical Quantitative research writing (For Senior High School).
(2016). Practical quantitative research writing. Books Atbp. Publishing.

Connelly, L. M. (2016). Trustworthiness in qualitative research. MedSurg Nursing, 25(6),
435+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A476729520/AONE?
u=anon~4a4dcbe2&sid=googleScholar&xid=7cb8417b
David A Schwartz, The Effects of Pregnancy on Women With COVID-19: Maternal and
Infant Outcomes, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 71, Issue 16, 15 October
2020, Pages 2042–2044, https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa559
DOLE-DTI JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 20-04 A
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/08/15/joint-memorandum-circular-no-
20-04-a-s-2020-2/
Elo, S., Kääriäinen, M., Kanste, O., Pölkki, T., Utriainen, K., & Kyngäs, H. (2014).
Qualitative Content Analysis: A Focus on Trustworthiness. SAGE Open.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014522633
Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E. et al. Methods of data collection in qualitative research:
interviews and focus groups. Br Dent J 204, 291–295 (2008).
https://doi.org/10.1038/bdj.2008.192
Gonzales, J. R., & Paglingayen, M. A. C. (2022). Lived Experiences of Filipino Student-
Mothers in Night Shift Undergraduate Classes. ASEAN Multidisciplinary
Research Journal, 10(1), 157-171. Retrieved from
https://paressu.org/online/index.php/aseanmrj/article/view/319
Heidi Preis, Brittain Mahaffey, Cassandra Heiselman, Marci Lobel,

Vulnerability and resilience to pandemic-related stress among U.S. women
pregnant at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Science & Medicine,
Volume 266, 2020, 113348, ISSN 0277-9536,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113348.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/
science/article/pii/S0277953620305670)
Hofberg K, Ward MRFear of pregnancy and childbirthPostgraduate Medical Journal
2003;79:505-510.
Irene Korstjens & Albine Moser (2018) Series: Practical guidance to qualitative research.
Part 4: Trustworthiness and publishing, European Journal of General Practice,
24:1, 120-124, DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2017.1375092
Juju Z. Baluyot (2022) Permanent WFH is good, but here’s the catch you’ve been
avoiding https://ph.news.yahoo.com/permanent-wfh-is-good-but-heres-the-catch-
youve-been-avoiding-to-face-philippines-061949161.html?
guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tLw&gu
ce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK1x0ev7LvNCJbFq6LW8FImHG0RXtLR6atS4_1z0M
hz5jGZuDz1_3PHHWyI7NmjLtiQuivMKsPJ54c86RgixzCP_FbaJ-
xlZB03zLR9rWaQBrQSv0A4auHvovfL88E5GsD_onhugx4liqy2oVEp4tz8yxIY3
Ud6Jq5PTeRnfU0rv
Khuthala Mabetha, Larske Soepnel, Sonja Klingberg, Gugulethu Mabena, Molebogeng
Motlhatlhedi, Shane A Norris, Catherine E Draper (2022) Social Support during
pregnancy: A phenomenological exploration of young women’s experiences of
support networks on pregnancy care and wellbeing in Soweto, South Africa

medRxiv 2022.04.03.22273162; doi:
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.03.22273162
Lindlof, T. R., Taylor, B.C. (2018) Qualitative Communication Research Methods (4th
Edition), SAGE
Maggi Savin-Baden & Lana Van Niekerk (2007) Narrative Inquiry: Theory and Practice,
Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 31:3, 459-472, DOI:
10.1080/03098260601071324
Patton: Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 4e + Schwandt: The Sage Dictionary
of Qualitative Inquiry 4e. (2015). Sage Publications, Inc.
Pinky G. Aragones (2016) Women about to give birth may avail themselves of
PhilHealth benefits
https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/2016/pregnancy_benefits.html?
fbclid=IwAR1wizlhWIjFvExDD2yRTaiqgyVzoUiDMOJqiW6DK3Pzm7clbf_xN
j4Cfxs
Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2005). Qualitative interviewing (2nd ed.): The art of hearing
data (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781452226651
Salkind, N. J. (Ed.) (2010). Encyclopedia of research design. SAGE Publications, Inc.,
https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412961288
Seidman, I. (2013) Interviewing as Qualitative Research: A Guide for Researchers in
Education and the Social Sciences. Teachers College Press, New York.

Shannon, P., & Hambacher, E. (2014). Authenticity in Constructivist Inquiry: Assessing
an Elusive Construct. The Qualitative Report, 19(52), 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1418
A. Rae Simpson 2018, MIT Young Adult Development Project
https://hr.mit.edu/static/worklife/youngadult/index.html
Taylor, B., & Francis, K. (2013). Qualitative Research in the Health Sciences:
Methodologies, methods and processes (1st ed.). Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203777176
Thomas, Eileen & Magilvy, Joan. (2011). Qualitative Rigor or Research Validity in
Qualitative Research. Journal for specialists in pediatric nursing: JSPN. 16. 151-5.
10.1111/j.1744-6155.2011.00283.x.
Weiss, R. S. (1994). Learning from strangers: The art and method of qualitative interview
studies. Free Press.

Appendix A
RESEARCH CONSENT FORM
This consent form provides information for potential research participants to understand how the
processing of their personal data will be conducted for the purpose of this research project, which
is subject to the Data Privacy Act (DPA). Please sign at the bottom to indicate that you have read
and understood how your personal data will be processed, your related rights, and that you
consent to this processing as described below.
You can find information related to the purpose of the research project, how it will be conducted
and by whom from the project consent form, which you should receive as a separate document.
We are conducting the processing of personal data related to this research project on the basis of
your consent.
We will use your personal data primarily for the purposes of this research project. If the results
of this research will indicate that further studies are beneficial for other researchers or for further
study, we may process your personal data for the purpose of extending our research in the
field/area of Psychology. You will be informed before the further compatible processing takes
place.

PERSONAL DATA USED
In addition to the information you will directly submit to us, this is the category of personal data
we will use:
 The answers to the interview provided

 The transcript of the interview
 The behavioral data the interview may contain
As a safeguard to protect your privacy, we pseudonymize (key-code) your personal data. Only
the researchers will have access to whatever data you may provide and you will be notified if
authorities request access to said data.
RECIPIENTS OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA
We will not share your personal data with any third party. We will only disclose the personal
data to authorities for those situations where we will receive a lawful order to do so.
YOUR RIGHTS
Under the DPA (Data Privacy Act) and its implementing laws at national level, you have the
following rights, with the conditions and limitations set out in Chapter 5 section 20 of the DPA:
● To obtain confirmation that your data is being processed, as well as access to and a copy
of your personal data;
● To obtain correction of your personal data;
● To obtain erasure of your data, if you submit a reasoned request;
● To obtain portability of your data;
● To obtain restriction of your data (which means we limit the access to your dataset) if you
submit a reasoned request;
● To withdraw your consent at any time.

When you withdraw your consent, we will not collect additional information related to you. We
may also erase the personal data we already collected. This will happen only if its erasure does
not render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of the research
project.
To exercise your rights, please use the contact information below to submit a request. When you
submit a request, please indicate your name, the name of this project, your reasons for making
the request, if necessary, and other details you think will be useful for us to comply with your
request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We retain your personal data for exactly 30 days after the project is completed.
CONTACT INFORMATION IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING
THE RESEARCH
Phone: 09617708020
Email: matthew.zolayvar@lccbonline.edu.ph / matthewzolayvar@gmail.com
CONSENT SIGNATURE and DATE
Print Name: ________________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________________________

Appendix B – Summary of Statements Per Theme
Theme Number of Statements
Support 15
Fear 10
Difficulties 12

A Study On The Experiences of Young Adult Mothers in The COVID 19 Pandemic

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Study On The Experiences of Young Adult Mothers in The COVID 19 Pandemic

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19

MATTHEW ALEXANDREI M. ZOLAYVAR

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for

La Consolacion College Bacolod

entitled, “A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19”

Jose Jeffrey B. Puentespina, LPT, RGC, PhD

Romela R. Aujero, LPT, RPsy, RGC, RPm, PhD

Jose Jeffrey B. Puentespina, Accepted as Penny V. Sanchez, LPT, PhD

requirements for the Research in Psychology II with a grade of PASSED.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

A Study on the Experience of Young Adult Mothers During COVID-19

La Consolacion College Bacolod

carried your child to term.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

support and understanding of our struggles in this journey.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

La Consolacion College Bacolod

Chapter 3: Results and Discussion 17

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease)

La Consolacion College Bacolod

La Consolacion College Bacolod

Background of the Study

(D.A. Shwartz, 2020)

Pregnant women also experienced anxiety—substantially due to the stress concerning

(Preis, Mahhaffey, Heiselman,& Lobel, 2020).

La Consolacion College Bacolod

Purpose of the study

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significance of the study

The results of this study may benefit:

experience and possible traumas of being a young adult mother.

Scope of the Study

La Consolacion College Bacolod

the interviews and thematic analysis to create this study.

explication process to identify themes and patterns.

patterns or themes within qualitative data (Delahunt & Maguire, 2017).

Qualitative research is often based on methods of observation and enquiry; qualitative

La Consolacion College Bacolod

The researchers used a non-probability-based method, more specifically the Purposive

judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study.

Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling method and it occurs when “elements

La Consolacion College Bacolod

saving time and money” (Black, 2010)

exposure/intervention and outcomes.

Young adult mothers were chosen based on the following criteria:

2. Must be a young adult mother aged 18-25.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

process of conducting an interview (Brinkmann & Kvale, 2015; Patton, 2015).

The interview protocol framework is comprised of four-phases:

Phase 1: Ensuring interview questions align with research questions,

Phase 2: Constructing an inquiry-based conversation,

Phase 3: Receiving feedback on interview protocols

Phase 4: Piloting the interview protocol.

La Consolacion College Bacolod

order to gather information that are vital to the research study.

Data gathering procedure

justice to ensure the soundness of the study.

health of the populace.

participants are of legal age of 18 and above.

emotional/psychological breakdowns by the client post or pre-interview, the researchers will

La Consolacion College Bacolod

avoid any repercussions and relapse.