Belief, Faith, and Religion Amidst the Pandemic: The Experiences and Religious Status of Filipino Senior Citizens During the Community Quarantine
Dreamelyn V. Ragasa | Inero Ancho | Sue Liza C. Saguiguit | Helga P. Vergara | Daisy V. Pelegrina
Discipline: Sociology
Abstract:
The suspension of religious activities during the community quarantine had
significant impacts on various religious groups, particularly vulnerable
populations such as senior citizens. This study aimed to examine the effects of
the quarantine on the religious status of Filipino senior citizens. Using a
qualitative research design, specifically a hermeneutic phenomenological
approach, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with seven senior
citizens selected through convenience sampling. The interviews utilized openended
questions and thematic analysis was employed to gain a comprehensive
understanding of each participant's religious experiences. The findings
revealed that although the seniors faced stringent protocols and limitations due
to their age, their religious affiliations remained unaffected, and their faith
became stronger and more profound. The study also highlighted their reliance
on God during this challenging time and their longing for companionship. The
study recommends the implementation of a weekly gathering specifically for
senior citizens to enhance their social and physical well-being to address the
unique needs of seniors and provide them with support and companionship
within their religious community.
References:
- Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, F., & Fathi Ashtiani, A. (2021). The role of religion and spirituality in the life of the elderly in the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A systematic review. Studies in Islam and Psychology, 15(28), 273-292.
- Ballano, V. O. (2022). The religious and cultural aspects of resilience in disasters: The case of typhoon Ketsana victims in the Philippines. Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: Disaster and Social Aspects (pp. 119-137). Springer International Publishing.
- Banerjee, S., Sandhu, M., Tonzi, E., Tambe, A., & Gambhir, H. S. (2021). Immune- mediated thrombocytopenia associated with Ad26. COV2. S (Janssen; Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. American Journal of Therapeutics, 28(5), e604.
- Bautista, D. M. (2019). Narrating resilience: Post-Haiyan stories of death, humor, and faith. SABTON: Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 1(1), 14-27.
- Bayudan-Dacuycuy, C., Orbeta, A. C., Serafica, R. B., & Baje, L. K. C. (2020). Towards a sustainable online work in the Philippines: Learnings from the online survey of market and nonmarket work during the enhanced community quarantine (No. 2020-27). PIDS Discussion Paper Series.
- Buenaventura, R., Ho, J., & Lapid, M. (2020). COVID-19 and mental health of older adults in the Philippines: A perspective from a developing country. International Psychogeriatrics, 32(10), 1129-1133. doi:10.1017/S1041610220000757.
- Castillo, J. M. C., Garcia, L. L., Abalos, E., & Locsin, R. C. (2022). Living alone and using social media technologies: The experience of Filipino older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Nursing Inquiry, 29(3), e12460.
- Cueto, L. J., & Agaton, C. B. (2021). Pandemic and typhoon: positive impacts of a double disaster on mental health of female students in the Philippines. Behavioral Sciences, 11(5), 64.
- Kafle, N. P. (2011). Hermeneutic phenomenological research method simplified. Bodhi: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 5(1), 181-200.
- Kenkmann, A., & Burkard, J. (2022). Older adults’ experiences of the COVID-19 restrictions on religious gatherings. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 46(4), 303-319.
- Lim, W. S., Liang, C. K., Assantachai, P., Auyeung, T. W., Kang, L., Lee, W. J., & Arai, H. (2020). COVID‐19 and older people in Asia: Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia calls to action. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 20(6), 547-558.
- Malolos, G. Z., Obnial, J. C., Mallillin, R., Pasco, P. B., Ong, E., Andes, A., Apat, F. A., Aportadera, E. T. C., Valencia, R., & Lucero-Prisno, D. E. I. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on church gatherings in the Philippines: A policy analysis. Christian Journal for Global Health, 8(1), 53-63. https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v8i1.505.
- Manalo, B. O., Deomampo, S. D., Valencia, A. M., & Bolilan, M. J. E. (2021). Safeguarding the holistic wellbeing of elderly people in the municipality of Agoncillo during COVID-19 Pandemic: A qualitative study. International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 4(9), 176-178.
- Oliveira, M. R., Sudati, I. P., Konzen, V. D. M., de Campos, A. C., Wibelinger, L. M., Correa, C., ... & Borghi-Silva, A. (2022). COVID-19 and the impact on the physical activity level of elderly people: A systematic review. Experimental Gerontology, 159, 111675.
- Pagador, P., Pacleb, A., Ormita, M. J., Valencia, F. E., Velasco, D. H., & Josue-Dominguez, R. (2022). Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among unvaccinated Filipinos. International Journal of Medical Students, 10(3), 264-276.
- Peñalba, E. (2021). Pandemic and social vulnerability: The case of the Philippines. The Societal Impacts of COVID-19, 19, 193-209.
- Pirutinsky, S., Cherniak, A. D., & Rosmarin, D. H. (2020). COVID-19, mental health, and religious coping among American Orthodox Jews. Journal of Religion and Health, 59, 2288-2301.
- Sun, Z., Yang, B., Zhang, R., & Cheng, X. (2020). Influencing factors of understanding COVID-19 risks and coping behaviors among the elderly population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5889.
- Tan, M. M., Musa, A. F., & Su, T. T. (2022). The role of religion in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic: The Malaysian multi-faith perspectives. Health Promotion International, 37(1), daab041.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Coronaviruses diseases (COVID19). WHO. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses.
- Zalsos, T. M., Siangco, H., Vallesteros, L., & Ochoa, M. (2021). Extent of health care practices and attitude of senior citizens towards enhanced community quarantine in a selected barangay in Manila, Philippines. PWU Research Journal, 8(1), 80-97.
ISSN 2984-8954 (Online)
ISSN 2984-8946 (Print)