HYPERTENSION SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS IN THE MERANAO TRIBE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY

Abstract

HYPERTENSION SELF-CARE MANAGEMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC CRISIS IN THE MERANAO TRIBE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY Jonaid M. Sadang1,3*, Sittie Inshirah P. Macaronsing2 , Narima M. Alawi2 , Normala M. Taib2 , Hamdoni K. Pangandaman1 1. College of Health Sciences, Mindanao State University, Marawi City 9700, Philippines 2. College of Nursing, Mindanao Institute of Healthcare Professionals, Marawi City 9700, Philippines 3. College of Nursing – Doctor of Science in Nursing, Cebu Normal University, Cebu City 6000, Philippines *E-mail: jonaid.sadang@msumain.edu.ph Abstract The COVID-19 crisis has been a challenging and stressful event for individuals with known underlying health problems, not to mention their higher risk of contracting the disease. This phenomenological inquiry was conducted to explore the common self-care practices of the Meranao tribe in the Province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines, concerning their management of hypertension amidst the ongoing pandemic health crisis. This study employed a descriptive-phenomenological approach. Ten known hypertensive adults participated in the study selected using purposive sampling. Data collection employed focus group discussion (FGD) and then analyzed using Colaizzi's approach. Four themes were derived which explained the common practices of the tribe in the self-care management of hypertension amidst the crisis: 1) the use of herbal remedies; 2) compliance with prescribed medications; 3) dietary control; and 4) remaining physically active. Patients’ strict compliance with known scientific self-care practices in managing hypertension forms a multidimensional strategy in controlling, managing, and preventing hypertension and its related complications. Keywords: hypertension, Meranao tribe, Philippines, self-care management practices, qualitative research