Psychosocial Health of the Badjao People During COVID-19 in Jolo, Philippines: An Exploratory Study
Dublin Core
Title
Psychosocial Health of the Badjao People During COVID-19 in Jolo, Philippines: An Exploratory Study
Subject
Badjao; COVID -19; pandemic; psychological health;
social health
social health
Description
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.
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.
Creator
Zhendra T. Masong1
, Hamdoni K. Pangandaman2
, Hamdoni K. Pangandaman2
Source
https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v14i2.55968
Date
25 August 2024
Contributor
peri irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Zhendra T. Masong1
, Hamdoni K. Pangandaman2, “Psychosocial Health of the Badjao People During COVID-19 in Jolo, Philippines: An Exploratory Study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11265.