COVID-19 VICTIMS OVER FAMILY MEMBER

LOSS: THEIR ANXIETY AND WAYS TO COPE

Tirol, Angel Faith
Sevilla, Maria Kathleen
Cadunog, Maria Julie
Garcia, Jamaica
Lumanzuc, Kia
Polea, Dylene Jee

BABAG NATIONAL HIGHSCHOOL

INTRODUCTION

 The global pandemic caused by the spreading of the world renowned Covid-
19 virus, has caused significant changes in the lives of many people. It has
now become one of the deadly causes of increased number of deaths
throughout the world and especially in the Philippines; specifically, here in
the City of Lapu-Lapu, and has caused an impact to individuals who has
experience death of family members by Covid-19.
 In this topic we will be talking about the effects or the impacts of death of
an individual caused by Covid -19 to the bereaved family members, how they
react to the loss experienced, their anxiety towards it and how they were
able to overcome such negative experience.
THE PROBLEM

This study aims to evaluate COVID-19

victims’ anxiety and coping mechanism
over family member loss because of
COVID-19 in Lapu-Lapu City.
Methodology (Design, Object, Environment & Tools)
Design: a quantitative-qualitative research design
Research Respondents : The bereaved family members of COVID-19 victims in the vicinity of Lapu-Lapu
City
Locale: Residents of Babag I, Lapu-lapu City
Data Gathering Method: Purposive Sampling
Instrument: Likert scale that was divided into 2 parts namely: I. Perception of Covid-19. II. Anxiety Level
after family Member Loss, that is branched out to 3 components namely: 2.1 Recovery, 2.2 Emotional
Response, and 2.3 Depression. The second part of the questionnaire is an open-ended survey that
tackled the coping mechanisms of the bereaved individuals.
Treatment of Data: Percentage/ Inferential (T-test, Z-test, Chi-test, Pearson R. ) / Mean SD, and used a
Thematic Content analysis
Results and Discussion Table 1
Perceptions of Covid-19
Statements Mean SD Verbal Description
Dealing with family member loss 4.6 0.89 Strongly Agree
because of COVID-19 has made me
more knowledgeable about the    
virus.

It has pushed me to take health 4.6 0.89 Strongly Agree

precautions a lot more seriously
after experiencing it personally.    
I became more prone to worries 4.8 0.44 Strongly Agree
about my health and of remaining
family members    
I began accessing sources of 4.6 0.54 Strongly Agree
information such as news and social
media to keep me updated on    
COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed my way of 4.6 0.54 Strongly Agree

thinking, especially in terms of
valuing my health first.    
Results and Discussion
TABLE 2

(Recovery)
Statements Mean SD Verbal Description
I had trouble in accepting the 2.2 1.30 Rarely
death of my loved one because of
Covid-19 so I turned to  
distractions (alcohol, smoking,
binge-eating, etc.)
I tend to keep personal things as 4.4 0.89 Often
memorabilia which reminded me
of my loved ones who had passed  
away.
I hesitate to talk about 2.6 1.14 Rarely
things/topics which concern their
death especially about the  
coronavirus
I feel anger or frustration over a 3 1.22 Sometimes
spiritual entity for letting this
happen to my family.  

I have some trouble with opening 3.4 1.67 Often

up or releasing my emotions
because of unfortunate  
happenings.
Results and Discussion

TABLE 3
(Emotional Response)
Statements Mean SD Verbal Description
I felt dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, 2 1.41 Rarely
when I read or listened to news
about the coronavirus.

Often had trouble falling or staying 2.4 1.14 Rarely

asleep because I was thinking
about the coronavirus.

I felt more sensitive to my 3.8 0.83  

surroundings especially when in
physical contact to other people Often
because of the virus.
I felt paralyzed or frozen when I 1.28 1.67 Never
hear information about the
coronavirus

I easily feel panic when someone I 3 2.00 Sometimes

know is experiencing minor
sickness such as colds or coughs.
Results and Discussion

Anxiety Level after Family Member Loss TABLE 4

(Depression)
Statements Mean SD Verbal Description
I lost interest in eating when 2.2 1.09 Rarely
I thought about or was
exposed to information
about the coronavirus
I feel unmotivated these 2.8 1.64 Sometimes
days and no longer have the
interest in doing my tasks or
hobbies
I experienced feelings of 2.8 1.48 Sometimes
guilt, worthlessness and
helplessness.
I have negative thoughts 3.2 1.09 Often
because of covid-19

I have trouble concentrating 3.4 0.54 Often

in making important
decisions because of sadness
and grief.
Results and Discussion
THEMATIC CONTENT
(Treatment of Qualitative Responses on Open-ended
Questions)

Theme I: Way of Acceptance

Theme II: Change of Mindset
Theme III: Diversion
Theme IV: Motivation
Conclusion

COVID 2019 is the most threatening pandemic in recent decades, which has
caused indescribable fear among the people due the rapid transfer, and high
lethality. Obviously, the created fear affects the social interactions, work
situation, family life and psychological conditions of the family members of
these deceased. they experience many psychological crises and in the process
of adaptation face many problems and challenges that these challenges are
more than one psychological shock from the death of their family members, and
their mental health is severely threatened. Accordingly, the present study aims
to identify the psychological crises which the families of COVID-19 victims are
faced with. Hopefully, the findings of the study can help healthcare mangers
and caregivers facilitate the adaptation of the families of the deceased victims
by providing them with proper mental health care.
Conclusion
Recommendation
1.Acknowledge your pain.
2.Accept that grief can trigger many different and unexpected
emotions.
3.Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you.
4.Seek out face-to-face support from people who care about you.
5.Support yourself emotionally by taking care of yourself physically.
THANK YOU!