Date of Completion

2022

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Medicine

Keywords

Emerging struggles, Pediatric Cancer Patients, COVID-19

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the struggles of primary caregivers of pediatric cancer patients ranging from ages 18-60 years old from cities around Metro Manila, catered by different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) providing cancer care during this time of the pandemic by using an exploratory sequential mixed method design. This design collected data from an initial focused group discussion using thematic analysis. The themes identified were 1) increase in human, economic, and social costs inflicted by the pandemic, 2) unforeseen difficulties in accessing health care services for pediatric cancer patients, and 3) increase in perceived stress, anxiety, and other mental health burdens. The identified themes were used in formulating the questionnaire for the qualitative part of the research.

The qualitative part of this research involved gathering data through a survey questionnaire which involved 95 participants residing in Metro Manila who are catered by NGOs. Results showed that most of the participants affirm that they have experienced difficulties due to the higher expenses, delays in treatment, and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the survey were integrated by having another focus group discussion. This further supported and elaborated the emerging struggles of the primary caregivers of pediatric cancer patients.

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