Frontlines of Fear and Healing: COVID-19 Community Quarantine Narratives of Filipino Community Health Workers

Authors

  • Mark Yvanne Alcantara Mendres Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8566-1800
  • Inero Valbuena Ancho Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3893-037X
  • Marison Felicidad Ranit Dy Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5503-9824
  • Helga Payawal Vergara Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4889-0175

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7311742025

Keywords:

Community Health Workers, Coping Strategies, COVID-19, Family Distancing, Fear, Healing, Philippines

Abstract

Although Filipino community health workers (CHWs) played a critical role during the COVID-19 community quarantine, many of them carried physical and psychological burdens. While various studies have indicated the negative experiences of healthcare workers during a health crisis, limited studies have explored the fear-related experiences of Filipino CHWs and their coping strategies to navigate these emotional challenges. Through a phenomenological study, this research gathered the narratives of seven female CHWs, including five Barangay Health Workers, one Municipal Midwife, and one Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit officer, assigned to three different barangays in Bay, Laguna. A semi-structured interview allowed the participants to share their fear and healing experiences during community quarantine. The results revealed that Filipino CHWs endured fear and anxiety about their health, as well as the well-being of their family members and the vulnerable population. Hence, they distanced themselves from their families by living in the workplace during the quarantine period. Despite these fear-related experiences, the families of the participants remained supportive, standing by their side even as they maintained distance. Coworkers also acted as a second family, offering emotional and practical support. These meaningful relationships helped them endure the challenges of the pandemic and continue their service to the community. These findings called on policymakers to empower the healthcare sector by not only prioritizing the physical well-being of CHWs but also their psychological welfare. Furthermore, support groups and health professionals may consider the role of family members in addressing the mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Biographies

Mark Yvanne Alcantara Mendres, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna

Teaching Associate, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, UPLB

Inero Valbuena Ancho, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna

Associate Professor 7, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, UPLB

Marison Felicidad Ranit Dy, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna

Professor 10, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, UPLB

Helga Payawal Vergara, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna

Assistant Professor 7, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, UPLB

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Published

2025-08-06

How to Cite

Mendres, M. Y. A., Ancho, I. V., Dy, M. F. R., & Vergara, H. P. (2025). Frontlines of Fear and Healing: COVID-19 Community Quarantine Narratives of Filipino Community Health Workers. Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(3), 215–226. https://doi.org/10.47679/jopp.7311742025

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Original Research Articles

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