CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY

POST-COVID 19 CLIENTS

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

2023
Volume: 12
Pages: 540-553
Document ID: 2023PEMJ1081
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8260695
Manuscript Accepted: 2023-17-8
Psych Educ, 2023, 12: 540-553, Document ID:2023 PEMJ1081, doi:10.5281/zenodo.8260695, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Challenges Encountered by Post-COVID 19 Clients

Marilou O. Torio*, Alyssa Ashley R. Diego
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.
Abstract
This study determined the challenges encountered by post-COVID-19 clients in the isolation facility.
It dealt on the personal profile of the respondents which include their age, gender, civil status,
highest educational attainment, occupation and monthly family income. It dealt on the challenges
encountered by the post COVID-19 clients in Asingan, Pangasinan in the year 2020-2022 along
mental, physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual aspects. Descriptive research design was
used in the study utilizing the different statistical tools like frequency and percentage, t-test, weighted
mean, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The respondents were young and middle adults, males,
married, elementary graduates, unemployed and earning a monthly income of below P10,000. The
challenges encountered by the respondents with COVID-19 while in the isolation facility was high
on emotional, and mental health. Male and female COVID-19 clients have comparable level of
challenges encountered. Their civil status did not cause any variation on the level of challenges they
have encountered during their treatment stage. Elementary graduates and high school graduates have
encountered higher level of challenges as compared to the college graduates. unemployed and
employed COVID-19. The unemployed clients have encountered higher level of challenges along the
physical aspect as compared to the employed clients. Clients earning P10,000 and below have
encountered higher level of challenges as compared to those who earn P10,001-P20,000 monthly
income. The lower the monthly family income and educational attainment of the client, the higher the
level of challenges they have encountered along mental and emotional health.

Keywords: challenges encountered by Post-COVID-19 clients

Introduction psychological effects of quarantine, during the SARS

Quarantine is one of the unpleasant experiences for
those victims of COVID-19 who undergo it. Since it
separates them from their loved ones, friends, and
social activities, loss of rights, confusion about the
disease status, and boredom can have drastic effects. It
has the possibility of psychological, physical,
emotional, financial, spiritual, and mental problems
increases in this period. Aside from vaccination,
quarantine, and isolation are measures that can
prevent, or at least minimize, the impact of infectious
disease outbreaks like COVID-19. In public health
practice, "Quarantine" means separating and restricting
the movement of people who were exposed to a
contagious disease to see if they become sick, and
Isolation, means separating sick people with a
contagious disease from people who are not sick.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
To contain the diffusion of the COVID-19 virus, the
Philippine Government, and others, have enforced it
on the population. The previous experience of the
SARS outbreak showed the efficacy of timely
quarantine, and isolation measures. The benefits of
mandatory quarantine need to be scrutinized against
the possible long-term adverse effects on the
cardiovascular risk burden.
A study by Hawryluck (2014), examined the
outbreak. The median duration of quarantine, was ten
days. They found a high prevalence of psychological
distress symptoms. Twenty-nine percent of
participants reported symptoms of post-traumatic
stress, and 31 percent of respondents reported
symptoms of depression. The participants in this study
described a sense of isolation and were particularly
affected by the lack of social and physical contact with
family members.
According to Jardine (2020), the COVID-19 situation
is particularly stressful because it is hard to predict
how things will develop, and our circumstances are
changing rapidly. This leaves us feeling powerless,
and no longer in control of our lives. As is the case in
many aspects of our lives, there are things we cannot
control in this situation. These include the actions and
reactions of other people, how long the situation will
last, and what might happen in the future.
Post-COVID-19, clients encountered challenges and
problems during and after their quarantine and
isolation days. According to Brooks (2020),
Quarantine, is an unpleasant experience for those who
encounter it. Separation from loved ones, losing
freedom over the disease status, and boredom create
unpleasant effects. Suicide has been reported, anger
generated, and lawsuits, brought the imposition of
quarantine, in outbreaks. The potential benefits of

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Research Article
mandatory quarantine, must be sifted through against
the possible psychological costs. Successful use of
quarantine, as a public health measure reduces the
adverse effects, associated with it. According to Smith
(2020), COVI D-19 victims had an adverse
psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress
symptoms, confusion, and anger. Stressors included
longer quarantine duration, infection fears, frustration,
boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate information,
financial loss, and stigma. When quarantine is needed,
officials must quarantine individuals, provide a clear
rationale for quarantine, provide information about
protocols, and ensure sufficient supplies are provided.
Dagnino (2020) cited that quarantine, or social
isolation disrupts people's jobs, and lives immensely,
and hence, it may have important implications for their
health and well-being. These measures lead the general
population to a high level of stress, psychological
problems, fear of contagion, illness, and fear of
financial loss. Separation from loved ones, loss of
freedom, losing direct social contact, employment,
recreation, privileges, boredom, uncertainty over the
disease status, contribute to widespread emotional
distress. Indeed, the well-being implications of
quarantine were evident in previous outbreaks such as
SARS or MERS. After quarantine, hospital staff
showed more acute stress disorders, and post-traumatic
symptoms. Among the population, anger and anxiety
were predominant, because of economic concerns with
an increase in suicides.
The results of the study of Escobar (2020), have shown
that there has been an increase in negative emotions
during lockdowns, such as anxiety and depression, and
a decrease in life satisfaction. After a month of
confinement, those who stopped working reported
worse mental health, and distress. Because of the long-
lasting effects, it is highly relevant to enquire the
actual psychological impact, and future concerns
during pandemic quarantine. Pandemics like
COVID-19, have a massive impact on the mental
health of people, including different feelings, and
future concerns. Identifying these is very important in
taking measures, prevent or treat the psychological
impact.
According to Mattioli (2020), the main consequence of
quarantine is a change in lifestyle and nutritional
habits. Nutritional habits will change due to reduced
availability of goods, limited access to food caused by
restricted store opening hours, and to a switch to
unhealthy food. The psychological impact of
quarantine, reported adverse psychological effects,
including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion,
Torio & Diego
and anger. Having inadequate basic supplies (e.g.,
food, water) during quarantine, was a source of
frustration and continued to be associated with anxiety
and anger for months following release. Due to anxiety
about future food shortages, it is plausible that people
will purchase packaged and long-life food rather than
fresh food. It leads to weight gain and to a reduced
intake of antioxidants. Oxidative stress and mild
chronic vascular inflammation are part of the
pathophysiology of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Diets rich in antioxidant food are vascular protective.
Diet is associated with a reduction in incidence,
prevalence, and mortality from coronary artery
disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and in all-
causes mortality, including cancer.
Pak et al. (2020) mentioned that as the spread of the
virus is likely to continue disrupting economic activity
and negatively impact manufacturing and service
industries, especially in developed countries, we
expect that financial markets will continue to be
volatile. There is still a question as to whether this
unfolding crisis will have a lasting structural impact on
the global economy or essentially short-term financial,
and economic consequences. In either case, infectious
diseases such as COVID-19 have the potential to
inflict severe economic and financial costs on regional
and global economies. Because of high transportation
connectivity, globalization, and economic
interconnectedness, it has been challenging, and costly
to contain the virus and mitigate the importation risks
once the disease spread in multiple locations. This
warrants collective action, and global investment in
vaccine development, distribution, preventive
measures, including capacity building in surveillance,
and the development of contact tracing at the national,
and international levels.
COVID-19 is not only a global pandemic and public
health crisis; it has also severely affected the global
economy and financial markets. Significant reductions
in income, a rise in unemployment, and disruptions in
the transportation, service, and manufacturing
industries are among the consequences of the disease
mitigation measures implemented in many countries. It
has becom e clear that most go v ern m en ts
underestimated the risks of rapid COVID-19 spread
and were mostly reactive in their crisis response. As
disease outbreaks are not likely to disappear soon,
proactive international actions are required to not only
save lives but also protect economic prosperity (Pak et
al. 2020).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people and families
experienced a new and sudden situation that forced
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them to stay indoors for an extended period. In this
context, many people and their families experienced
situations of significant discomfort, stress, and fear
related not only to the fear of contagion but also to the
economic difficulties for those who saw their income
reduced due to the closure of production activities or
who experienced situations of loneliness, isolation or
conflicts within the home. The pandemic has
profoundly changed the way of life in society, starting
from the need for "social distancing" even among
close relatives. (Cappola, 2021).
In this context, it is exciting to investigate if and how
spirituality has been a form of emotional and
psychological support helpful in dealing with the loss
and anguish of critical moments in life like this. This
appears particularly dramatic for the families of those
who died in the hospital without having their loved
ones near them and without the latter being able to
celebrate the funeral rites. This showed that during
lockdown, those who count on essential forms of
religiosity, and spirituality drew mental well-being
from these beliefs. Spirituality helped them to make
sense of what was happening and not to feel lost in the
face of the radical change in the way of living and
conducting social relationships (Rania, 2021). Loss,
grief, mental health, and spiritual well-being emerge as
familiar themes in the lives of many individuals,
families, and communities in different contexts.
According to Zhai and Du (2020), recognizing these
individual experiences can enable healthcare
professionals to develop personalized strategies to
facilitate better adaptation to the situation and
therefore promote mental health. If looked at from the
point of view of clinical practice, it can be seen that
dealing with spirituality becomes fundamental; in fact,
this aspect needs to be considered to provide adequate
support to individuals, especially those who manifest
themselves as solid. In this regard, the consideration of
spiritual needs is necessary to provide a holistic and
people-centered intervention. By spiritual needs, it
refers to the need to find meaning, value in one's life,
peace, and a sense of connection. These needs are not
necessarily religious, even those without religious
faith, still refer to belief systems, that provide feelings
of meaning. COVID-19 pandemic assume a role, and
deeper meaning to the bewilderment that people are
confronted in the face of a pervasive, disruptive event
creating fragility, fear, and daily uncertainties. This
study determined the challenges encountered by post-
COVID-19 clients in the Municipality of Asingan,
Pangasinan, along with mental, physical, emotional,
social, financial, and spiritual aspects of COVID-19
clients who underwent isolation.
Torio & Diego
Research Questions
This study determined the challenges encountered by
post-COVID-19 client in the Municipality of Asingan,
Pangasinan for 2020-2021. Specifically, this study will
answer the following questions:
1. What are the profile variables of respondents in
terms of:
1.1 Sex;
1.2 Civil Status;
1.3 Highest Educational Attainment; and
1.4 Occupation?
2. What is the level of challenges encountered by post-
COVID-19 clients:
2.1 Mental Health;
2.2 Physical Health;
2.3 Emotional Health;
2.4 Social Aspect;
2.5 Financial Aspect; and
2.6 Spiritual Aspect?
3. Are there significant differences between the
challenges encountered by the post-COVID-19 clients
across their profile variables?
4. Are there significant relationships in the level of
challenges encountered the COVID-19 clients and
their profile variables?
5. What proposed post-Covid-19 recovery program
can be proposed to minimize the challenges
encountered by post-COVID-19 clients?
Methodology
Research Design
The study utilized the descriptive method of research,
description of data, and characteristics of a population.
The goal was to acquire factual, accurate, and
systematic data that can be used in averages,
frequencies, and similar statistical calculations to
answer the problems in this study. This study
determined the level of challenges encountered by
post- COVID-19 clients. The research employed this
method to gain more realistic, and valid information
regarding the level of challenges encountered by the
post-COVID-19 clients. The research employed this
method to gain more realistic, and valid information
regarding the level of challenges encountered by the
post-COVID-19 clients.
The descriptive survey method is a method that
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surveys, describes, and interprets what is; and reveals a
condition of relationship that exists or does not exist,
practices that prevail or do not prevail, beliefs or
points of view. The word survey indicates the data
gathering from place to place, and from group to
group. Information is sought on current conditions,
communities, agencies and institutions. It also refers to
the characteristics, status, or practices of individuals or
a particular group, Calmorin (1995).The descriptive
method of research was used in the study. Good and
Scates (1991) defined the descriptive method of
research as a method for gathering evidence relating
the current or present conditions concerning the nature
of a group of persons, several subjects, or a class of
events and may involve the procedure of introduction
an aly si s, c l a r i f i c a t io n , en u m er at io n of
measurement. Gay (1976) defined descriptive research
as involving the collection of data to answer questions
concerning the current status of the subject of the
study.
Population and Locale of the Study
The subjects of this study are the COVID-19 clients
who had undergone quarantine/isolation in the
Municipality of Asingan, Pangasinan, from April 2020
to June 2021 are the respondents in this study. The
researcher chose all 63 COVID-19 clients as
respondents in this study.
Data Gathering Tool
The research used a questionnaire checklist instrument
specifically made explicitly for the study based on the
constructed problems, writer's experiences, and
observations as a medical front liner. It reinforced by
readings, informal interviews, and people’s
conversations. The questionnaire checklist was
evaluated by her adviser, Staff Nurse, and Medical
Doctor. The suggestions were incorporated in the final
draft. The questionnaires were then finalized after their
approval by the examination committee.The main
objective of the validation is to ascertain that every
question is clearly understood, and within the
experience of the actual respondents of the study. The
questionnaire was validated by the Municipal Health
Officer and Public Health Nurse. This ensured that the
respondents did not find difficult in answering the
questionnaire, and the data gathered would be valid
and reliable.
Data Gathering Procedures
Before administering the research instrument,
permission was secured from the Dean of Graduate
Torio & Diego
School and advanced Studies of UCU, the concerned
Municipal Health Officer, and the respondents. The
researcher personally distributed, and administered the
questionnaires to all respondents in Asingan,
Pangasinan.
Likewise, the researcher personally retrieved the same
questionnaires. The data obtained were kept
confidential to ensure the highest degree of objectivity
of responses. The respondents were informed, and
oriented by the researchers regarding the purpose of
the study.
Treatment of Data
The following statistical tools were used to answer the
specific problems of the study. To determine the
profile of the respondents, namely: age, sex, civil
status, highest educational attainment, occupation, and
health diseases, frequency counts, and percentages
were used.
To determine the challenges encountered by the post-
COVID-19 clients, weighted mean was used. The
responses were categorized into five-point scale with
corresponding numerical categories.
Weighted Mean Transmuted Rating:
5 Highly Encountered
4 Encountered
3 Moderately Encountered
2 Slightly Encountered
1 Not Encountered
To answer specific problem number 3, on determining
the difference between profile variables, the ANOVA
or t-test was used.
To answer specific problem number 4, on determining
the relationship between the challenges encountered by
post-COVID-19 clients, and their profile variables,
Analysis of Variance was used.
Results and Discussion
Respondents’ Profile
Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents in terms
of their personal information, namely: age, sex, civil
status, highest educational attainment, occupation, and
monthly family income with the corresponding
frequency count (f), and percentage equivalent (%) of
each bracket.
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Age. It can be gleaned from the table that of most of
the respondents are in the age bracket of 18-59 years
old, with a frequency of 75, or 78.9%, followed by the
age bracket respondents are a combination of young,
and middle adults. According to Ericson, those 60, and
above, with a frequency of 13, or 13.7%, implies
young adulthood happens between eighteen, and forty
while middle adulthood starts at forty, and ends at
sixty-five.
Sex. Most respondents are males, with a frequency of
56, or 58.9%, compared to females with a frequency of
39, or 41.1%. It implies that the male population was
more affected by COVID-19.
Civil Status. Most of the respondents were married,
with a frequency of 59. or 62.1%, and singles, with a
frequency of 30, or 31.6%. It revealed the respondents
were dominated with marital obligations.
Table 1. Distribution of Respondents in terms of their
Profile Variables n=95
Highest educational attainment. Most respondents
were elementary graduates, with a frequency of 40, or
Torio & Diego
42.1%, college graduates, with 28, or 29.5%, and high
school graduates, with 25, or 26.3%. It implies that
most of them did not pursue their secondary education.
It is related to hardships in their lives, and they were
not able to continue it.
Occupation. Most of the respondents were not
employed, with a frequency of 49, or 51.6%. It is
followed by those employed with a frequency of 46 or
48.4%. It revealed that more than half had been
working.
Monthly Family Income. It revealed the findings that
the most of the respondents are earning below P10,000
a month, with a frequency of 61, or 62.4%, while 14
had an income of P21,001-P30,000, with a frequency
of 14, or 14.7%, and P10,001-P20,000, with 12, or
12.6%. It implies that most respondents earn way
below the poverty line.
Level of Challenges Encountered by COVID-19
Clients Along Mental and Emotional Health.
Table 2 presents the Level of Challenges Encountered
by the COVID-19 Clients’ along Mental and
Emotional Health. As gleaned from the table, almost
all the indicators were experienced by the respondents,
with the highest on items 1, 2, and 6, "too much stress,
"boredom while in the isolation area," and "concerns
in my health condition," with a weighted mean of 3.77,
3.78, and 3.79, or encountered. It revealed how
challenging their conditions in the health facility.
There was the stigma when a person has COVID-19
disease, they are isolated from other people, which
make them worry about their conditions. The findings
are similar to the study in that problems are
encountered when clients are in an isolation facility.
The possibility of psychological, physical, emotional,
financial, spiritual, and mental problems increases in
this period. Aside from vaccination, quarantine, and
isolation are measures that prevent, or minimize, the
impact of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
The lowest items are numbers 9, and 10, "having
psychotic behavior and delirium," with a weighted
mean of 2.93, and 3.01, or moderately encountered. It
showed that the respondents did not reach this stage in
their affection with COVID-19 since this is already
considered a severe problem to those with the disease.
Overall, the challenges encountered by the respondents
regarding emotional, and mental health, got an average
weighted mean of 3.53, or encountered. It revealed
that having COVID-19 disease causes so many
problems due to isolation from their families, which
added more emotionally, and mentally.
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A study by Hawryluck (2014), was similar to the study
since clients are emotional, while in the isolation
facility. He examined the psychological effects of
quarantine during the SARS outbreak. The median
duration of quarantine was ten days, and found a high
prevalence of psychological distress symptoms.
Table 2. Level of Challenges Encountered by the
COVID-19 Clients along Mental and Emotional
Health n=95
Level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19
Clients along Physical Health
Table 3 presents the Challenges Encountered by
COVID-19 Clients in Physical Health. As gleaned
from the table, the highest encountered by the
respondents are items 1, 3, and 4, "Separation anxiety
being away from my loved ones," "Having no appetite
in eating," and "Insufficient rest due to overthinking of
my situation," with a weighted mean of 3.51, 3.54, and
3.64, or encountered. It revealed that being away from
their families greatly affected them, aside from having
no appetite in taking food. They have no rest because
of overthinking their situation since, during this time,
many patients with COVID-19 died.
According to Mattioli (2020), the main consequence of
quarantine is change in lifestyle, and nutritional habits.
Nutritional habits will change due to reduced
availability of goods, limited access to foods, caused
by restricted store opening hours, and switch to
unhealthy food. This finding is related to my study,
where the clients are affected physically while in
isolation due to the COVID-19 disease. The remaining
Torio & Diego
indicators were moderately encountered by the
respondents, particularly items numbers 9, and 10,
"Heart problems during my isolation period," and
"Diseases like allergies and others," with a weighted
mean of 2.96, and 2.92, or moderately encountered. It
showed that the respondents did not suffer from
problems with the heart or have drug reactions
Table 3. Level of Challenges Encountered by the
COVID-19 Clients along Physical Health n=95
Overall, the challenges encountered by the respondents
along with physical health, got an average weighted
mean of 3.29, or moderately encountered. It revealed
that having COVID-19 disease affects their overall
well-being but not on a greater extent.
Level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19
Clients along Social Aspect
Table 4 presents the Challenges Encountered by
COVID-19 Clients Along the social aspect. As gleaned
from the table, most indicators were rated moderately
encountered except for item number 1, "Loneliness,
and isolation from my family," with a weighted mean
of 3.50, or encountered. It revealed that the
respondents experienced sadness being in the isolation
facility. Filipinos are known to have close family ties,
and not with family members creates an incomplete
environment.
The finding is also similar to the study that social post-
COVID-19 patients are affected. Post-COVID-19
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clients encountered challenges, and problems during
quarantine, and isolation days. According to Brooks
(2020), quarantine is an unpleasant experience for
those who undergo separation from loved ones, losing
freedom, uncertainty over disease status, and boredom.
The remaining nine indicators were moderately
encountered by the respondents, with the lowest item
number 6, "Lack of support from other people," with a
weighted mean of 3.21, or moderately encountered.
This revealed that this is the lowest rating because
healthcare workers attending them give their utmost
concern to them.
Table 4. Level of Challenges Encountered by the post-
COVID-19 Clients along Social Aspect n=95
Overall, the challenges encountered by the
respondents, along with social health, got an average
weighted mean of 3.39, or moderately encountered. It
revealed that having COVID-19 disease lightly affects
the respondents in the social aspects. This is related to
the fact that family members give their full support to
their family members.
Dagnino (2020) cited that quarantine or social
isolation disrupts people's jobs, and lives immensely,
and hence, it has implications for their health, and
well-being. The findings corroborated with the study
on social health of post-COVID-19 clients.
Torio & Diego
Level of Challenges Encountered by the post-
COVID-19 Clients along Financial Aspect
Table 5 presents the Level of Challenges Encountered
by COVID-19 Clients along the financial aspect. As
gleaned from the table, all indicators were rated
moderately encountered except for item 2, "Not
buying nutritious foods," with a weighted mean of
3.33, or moderately encountered. It revealed that the
respondents perceived that they lacked the necessary
foods to take in the isolation facility. This is related to
the income they have, where it is not enough to buy for
their needs.
Pak et al. (2020) mentioned that as the spread of the
virus is likely to continue disrupting economic activity
and negative impact on manufacturing and service
industries, expect that financial markets will continue
to be volatile. Significant reductions in income, a rise
in u n em p lo y m en t, and d isru p tio n s in the
transportation, service, and manufacturing industries
are among the consequences of the disease. This has
relation to the present study, where during the
pandemic, there were problems with the supply of
essential commodities. The remaining nine indicators
were moderately encountered by the respondents, with
the lowest item number 4, "Not paying my electric,
and water bills," with a weighted mean of 3.14. It
implies that the respondents did not focus on their bills
while in the facility, for them to recover from the
disease.
Table 5. Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-
COVID-19 Clients along Financial Aspect n=95
Overall, the challenges encountered by the respondents
along the financial aspect got an average weighted
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Table 6. Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-

mean of 3.22, or moderately encountered. It revealed COVID-19 Clients along Spiritual Aspect n=95
that having COVID-19 disease as perceived by the
respondents, is not that serious since they know that
they are in a government facility and complimentary
services are given, provided they have Philhealth.

Many people and their families experienced situations

of great discomfort, stress, and fear related not only to
the fear of contagion but also to the economic
difficulties for those who saw their income reduced
due to the closure of production activities, or who
experienced situations of loneliness, isolation or
conflicts within the home. The pandemic has
profoundly changed the way of life in society, starting
from the need for "social distancing," even among
close relatives (Cappola, 2021). The findings also
relate to the present study that clients incur economic
difficulties during the pandemic.

Level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19

Clients along Spiritual Aspect

Table 6 presents the Level of Challenges Encountered

by COVID-19 Clients along the spiritual aspect. As
gleaned from the table, eight indicators were rated
moderately encountered, and the highest item is
number 5, and 7, "Not watching live religious
services," and "Not reading passages in the scripture or
a faith leader for guidance," with a weighted mean of
2.87, and 2.92 or moderately encountered. It revealed
that the respondents were not into religious activities,
since they were in an isolation facility, and their
concern is to recover from the disease.
During lockdown, those who count on essential forms
of religiosity, and spirituality drew mental well-being
from these beliefs. Spirituality helped them to realize
what was happening in the face of radical change in
life, and conducting social relationships (Rania, 2021).
This also relates to the study that spirituality is
affected when a client is in distress, when patients die
of COVID-19 disease.
The remaining two indicators were slightly
encountered by the respondents with the lowest item
numbers 1 and 2, "loss of faith practices with God,"
and "Not praying religiously," with a weighted mean
of 2.34, and 2.40. It implies that the respondents had a
slight challenge experienced along spiritual aspect.
There were cases among COVID-19 patients that
sometimes they lose their faith in God, and ask
questions like "Why me of all people."
Overall, the challenges encountered by the respondents
along the spiritual aspect, got an average weighted
mean of 2.64 or moderately encountered. It revealed
the respondents were not focused on spirituality, since
they were concerned with their recoveries.
The findings of Zhai and Du (2020) are related to the
study. They mentioned that dealing with spirituality
becomes fundamental. This aspect must be considered
to provide adequate support to individuals, especially
those who manifest themselves as solid. Consideration
of spiritual needs is necessary to provide a holistic and
people-centered intervention. These needs are not
necessarily exclusively religious; even, those with no
religious faith still refer to belief systems that provide
feelings of meaning, and purpose during COVID-19
pandemic.
Level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19
Clients
Table 7 presents the level of challenges encountered
by the COVID-19 clients. It showed that the mental
and emotional health aspects got the highest, with a
weighted mean of 3.53 or encountered. It implies that
this area commonly affected the clients while they had
the disease, and were isolated in the health facility.
According to Smith (2020), COVID-19 victims had an
adverse psychological effects, including post-traumatic
stress symptoms, confusion, and anger. Stressors
included longer quarantine duration, infection fears,
frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate

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Table 8. ANOVA Results on the Difference in the Level

of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19 Clients
across Age
information, financial loss, and stigma. The finding is
similar to the study since clients are emotionally
affected in the isolation facility.

The remaining areas are all categorized as moderately

encountered. However, the lowest area that affected
the clients was the spiritual aspect, with a weighted
mean of 2.64. It revealed that the clients were not that
challenged in their spirituality.

Table 7. Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-

COVID-19 Clients n=95

t-Test Results on the Difference in the Level of

Challenges Encountered by Post- COVID-19
Clients across Sex.

Table 9 displays the difference in the level of

challenges encountered by the

COVID-19 clients across sex. The computed t-values

Overall, the level of challenge experienced by the generated significance values higher than the set .05
clients got an overall weighted mean of 3.21, or level of significance, indicating that the results are not
significant. It goes to show that both genders
moderately encountered. It implies that while they
experienced the same feelings when affected by
were isolated in the health facility, the respondents
COVID-19 disease. With the high incidence of
were affected. The results of the study by Escobar
mortality of the disease, most clients also felt for their
(2020), have shown an increase in negative emotions
life. This leads to the acceptance of the null hypothesis
during lockdowns due to COVID-19, such as anxiety
that there exist no significant differences in the level of
and depression, and a decrease in life satisfaction. The
challenges encountered by clients along mental,
finding relates to the study, since clients are affected
emotional, physical health, social, financial, and
emotionally in the isolation facility.
spiritual aspects across sex. This implies that male and
female COVID-19 clients have comparable levels of
ANOVA Results on the Difference in the Level of
challenges encountered. This occurs for the reason that
Challenges Encountered by the Post- COVID 19 both males and females:
Clients across Age
Table 9. t-Test Results on the Difference in the Level of
Table 8 presents the difference in the level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19 Clients
challenges encountered by the COVID-19 clients across Sex
across ages. Based on the computed F-values, which
are higher than the set .05 level of significance, the
differences are not significant. This means that the
level of challenges the respondents encountered along
mental, emotional, physical health, social, financial,
and spiritual aspects do not vary significantly with age.
The respondents of different age groups share the same
level of challenges encountered along the enumerated
aspects. It shows that the respondents encountered
challenges regardless of their profile variables.

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Research Article

ANOVA Results on the Difference in the Level of by COVID-19, it creates emotional disturbances related
Challenges Encountered by Post-COVID-19 to the disease that, affects them. Aside from that when
Clients across Civil Statuses they are in the hospital, their financial capabilities
will also be affected since they cannot earn for the
family.
Table 10 shows the difference in the level of
challenges encountered by the COVID-19 clients
Table 11. ANOVA Results on the Difference in the
across civil statuses. The four computed F-values
Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-
suggest insignificant results, as indicated in the
generated significance values, higher than the set .05 COVID-19 Clients across Highest Educational
level of significance. This means that the civil status of Attainment
the COVID-19 clients causes any variation in the
challenges they have encountered during their
treatment stage. The prevalence of COVID-19 is
vulnerable to all age groups regardless of their status.
The virus attacks anyone, significantly when the
immune system is lowered. Other reasons also include
the easy transmission of the virus. Mainly through the
respiratory system. The disease can be mistaken to be
a flu, and can be detected through laboratory
examinations of nasal discharges.

Table 10. ANOVA Results on the Difference in the

Level of Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19
Clients across Civil Status
Table 12 shows the results of the Scheffe Test on the
significant difference; in the level of challenges
encountered by the COVID-19 clients across the
highest educational attainment. Along with mental
health, the significant positive mean difference; of
0.322, indicates that elementary graduates have
encountered higher level of challenges, compared to
the college graduates.

Table 12. Scheffe Test Results on the Significant

Difference in the Level of Challenges Encountered by
the Post-COVID-19 Clients across Highest
Educational Attainment

ANOVA Results on the Difference in the Level of

Challenges Encountered by the COVID-19 Clients
across Highest Educational Attainment

Table 11 reveals the difference in the challenges

encountered by Post-COVID-19 clients across the
highest educational attainment. The computed F-
Meanwhile, as to the financial aspect, the elementary
values along physical health, social aspect, and
graduates and high school graduates have claimed to
spiritual aspect generated significance values that are
have encountered higher level of challenges as
higher than the set .05 level of significance. Hence,
compared to the college graduates. It showed that the
there exists no significant difference in these aspects
respondents with lower level of education are more
across educational attainment. Significant results are
affected by the challenges of having the disease. This
detected in mental, and emotional health, and financial
might be related to the fact that their knowledge on the
aspects. To determine the specific groups which have
disease is limited and the more they encounter the
shown differences along each aspect,
problems.
Scheffe Test was done and presented in the following
table. It is a given fact that when a person is affected

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Research Article
t-Test Results on the Difference in the Level of
Challenges Encountered by the Post-COVID-19
Clients across Occupation
Table 13 shows the results of the t-test to determine
the difference in the challenges encountered by the
COVID-19 clients across occupation.
Table 13. t-Test Results on the Difference in the Level
of Challenges Encountered by the Post- COVID-19
Clients across Occupation
The computed F-values, along with mental, emotional
health, social, financial, and spiritual aspects, mean
that unemployed and employed COVID-19 clients
have shared the same challenges encountered.
A significant difference exists in physical health. The
significant positive mean difference; indicates that
unemployed clients have encountered higher
challenges along the physical aspect, than the
employed clients.
ANOVA Results on the Difference in the Level of
Challenges Encountered by the Post-COVID-19
Clients across Monthly Family Income
Table 14 presents the analysis of variance to detect the
difference; in the level of challenges encountered by
the respondents. The computed F-values in social,
financial, and spiritual aspects generated significance
values higher than the set .05 significance level. This
indicates insignificant results, Monthly family income
did not cause any variation in the level of challenges
encountered by the clients in these aspects.
Significant results exist in mental, emotional, and
physical health. The results of the Scheffe test are
shown in the following table.
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Table 14. ANOVA Results on the Difference in the
Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-
COVID-19 Clients across Monthly Family Income
Scheffe Test Results on the Significant Difference in
the Level of Challenges Encountered by the Post-
COVID-19 Clients across Monthly Family Income
Table 15 displays the results of the Scheffe Test on the
significant difference; in the level of challenges the
clients encounter along with mental, and physical
health.
Along with mental, and emotional health, clients
earning P10,000, and below claimed to have
encountered a higher levels of challenges than those
who earn P10,001-P20,000 monthly income.
On the other hand, clients earning below P10,000,
have encountered higher level of challenges along
financial aspect than those earning between P20,000
and P30,0000.
Table 15. Scheffe Test Results on the Significant
Difference in the Level of Challenges Encountered by
the Post-COVID-19 Clients across Monthly Family
Income
Relationship Between the Level of Challenges
Encountered by the Post-COVID-19 Clients and
their Profile Variables
Table 16 shows the relationship between the
challenges encountered by the Post-COVID-19 clients
and their profile variables.
Along with mental and emotional health, a significant
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Research Article
relationship exists between the highest educational
attainment, and monthly family income. The
significant negative R values indicate an inverse
relationship. The lower the monthly family income,
and educational attainment, the higher the challenges
they have encountered in mental, and emotional
health.
Along with physical health, a significant inverse
relationship exists between occupation, and monthly
family income. This implies that for clients who are
not employed, the lower their monthly income, the
higher the level of challenges they have encountered in
physical health.
Along the social aspect, no significant relationship
exists with any of the profile variables of the
COVID-19 clients. As to the financial aspect, a
significant inverse relationship exists between the
highest educational attainment, and occupation. This
means the lower the educational attainment, and
employment level of the client, the higher level of
challenges they have encountered in financial aspect.
As to the spiritual aspect, a significant inverse
relationship exists along the highest educational
attainment. The lower the educational attainment, the
higher level of challenges encountered, along
educational attainment.
Table 16. Relationship Between the Level of
Challenges Encountered by the Post-COVID-19
Clients and their Profile Variables
Proposed Covid-19 Recovery Program Of Activities
To Minimize The Challenges Of Post- Covid-19
Clients
OPLAN COVID-19
Mental/Emotional Health: Concern in the health
condition; Boredom in the isolation facility; and Too
much stress
Activities: (1) The clients must be oriented on the
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facts about COVID-19 for them to understand and
knowledgeable on the disease. They must attend to
seminars/lectures in the health center about different
communicable diseases to be aware especially on the
transmission and prevention. (2)Health workers must
interact with them and allay their fears and anxieties
and by updating them on the progress of their disease.
They must be aware that their condition is
communicable therefore inform them that they will not
worry for faster recovery
Physical Health: Separation anxiety; No appetite to
eat; and Insufficient rest due to overthinking of
situation
Activities: (1) Use of cellphones for them to talk to the
family members. (2)Let family members buy them
nutritious foods especially fruits for their Vit. C
supply. (3) Provision of a quiet and conducive
environment. Putting off the lights when not needed\
(4) Registration to TESDA and DSWD for livelihood
programs fitted for them
Social Health: Loneliness and isolation from the
family; Avoidance of my friends; and Loss of rights in
everything he wants
Activities: (1)Interaction with the nurses or midwives
(2) Use of cellphones if they can to reach out friends
or anybody they want to talk to (3) Proper explanation
about their disease condition (4) Attendance to
socialization activities conducted by the barangay
Financial: Unable to buy nutritious foods and
Inadequate financial resources to sustain daily needs
Activities: (1) Letting relatives buy cheap but
nutritious foods (2) Find other support groups for
financial assistance (3) Connect with PCSO for
financial support
Spiritual: Inadequate time for religious activities; Not
watching live religious activities; and Not able to read
passages in the Scripture
Activities: (1) They can pray silently even when they
are in the isolation facility (2) They can read the bible
if they have and able to do it while in the isolation
facility (3) They can listen to masses conducted
through their cellphones (4) Visit religious institution
for enlightenment and guidance
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Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, the following
conclusions are drawn. Most of the respondents were
young, and middle adults, males, married, elementary
graduates, unemployed, and earning a monthly income
of below P10,000.00.
The challenges encountered by the respondents with
COVID-19 while in the isolation facility were highest
on emotional and mental health, and the lowest
encountered was on the spiritual aspect.The challenges
encountered by the respondents along mental and
emotional, physical health, social aspect, financial
aspect, and spiritual aspect do not vary significantly
with age. Male and female COVID-19 clients have
comparable levels of challenges encountered. The civil
status of the COVID-19 clients did not cause any
variation in the challenges they encountered during
their treatment stage. As to the financial aspect, the
elementary, and high school graduates have
encountered higher levels of challenges, than the
college graduates, unemployed, and employed.
COVID-19 clients have shared the same level of
challenges encountered in these areas. The
unemployed clients have encountered higher levels of
challenges along the physical aspect than the
employed clients. Clients earning P10,000 and below
have encountered higher levels of challenges than
those who earn P10,001-P20,000 monthly income. The
lower the monthly family income, and educational
attainment of the client, the higher the levels of
challenges they encountered along mental, and
emotional health.
Based on the findings of the study, the following
conclusions are drawn.
Clients who are not employed, with lower monthly
income, have a higher challenge encountered, along
with physical health. The lower the educational
attainment, and employment, the higher challenges
they have encountered in financial aspect. The lower
the educational attainment, the higher the challenges
encountered along with educational attainment. Based
on the conclusions offered, the following is given: The
respondents, at their age, must be aware of the facts
about COVID-19, to prevent the incidence of the
disease. In this way, knowing the disease will
enlighten them, and lessen the effects among
people.The clients must be enlightened that
COVID-19 affects anyone regardless of their status in
life and age group. The clients must refer to health
professionals in the health centers or any health facility
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for any queries about the disease.Future studies can be
replicated using other variables in the perspective.
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