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Psychosocial Health of the Badjao People During COVID-19 in Jolo, Philippines: An Exploratory Study

Zhendra T. Masong orcid  -  College of Nursing, Mindanao State University-Sulu, Philippines
*Hamdoni K. Pangandaman orcid scopus publons  -  College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Open Access Copyright (c) 2024 by the Authors, Published by Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: The Badjao, a nomadic maritime group in Southeast Asia, faces heightened vulnerability during public health crises due to their reliance on maritime livelihoods, limited healthcare access, and historical marginalization – challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a significant research gap in understanding their unique needs and vulnerabilities, especially its specific impacts on their health and well-being due to the pandemic.

Purpose: This study explores the psychological and social health of the Badjao and the factors affecting them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This study used an exploratory qualitative design. Guided semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected Badjao respondents from Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo-Sulu, Philippines. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The study identified five key themes related to the psychosocial health of the Badjao community during COVID-19 and the affecting factors. They were: (1) Feelings and apprehension, with anxiety over contracting the virus and financial instability; (2) Responses to the pandemic, marked by fear of death, job loss, and hospitalization concerns; (3) Coping mechanisms, where the community relied on traditional remedies, social support, and quarantine adherence; (4) Social status, highlighting food insecurity and disrupted social interactions; and (5) Factors influencing psychosocial health, focusing on the importance of support systems and access to accurate information and resources.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the social and economic stability of the Badjao community, exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities. The community needed culturally sensitive interventions that addressed both their immediate and long-term needs. Collaborations with local government units and stakeholders are crucial in supporting the resilience and well-being of the Badjao in future crises.
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Keywords: Badjao; COVID -19; pandemic; psychological health; social health

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