A QUANTITATIVE STUDY ON THE CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSES: BASIS FOR ENHANCED PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Abstract

The main problem of the study is to explore the challenges experienced by Community Health Nurses (CHN) during the pandemic and how these challenges bring about an enhanced pandemic response. Specifically, the study dealt with the experience met by the CHNs in physical, psychological, social challenges, and challenges in work resource. A quantitative research design was utilized in the study. The statistical treatment of data of frequency and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and ANOVA were calculated. The respondents of the study were 41 Community Health Nurses from selected cities and municipalities in the Province of Batangas. In general, the study found that Community Health Nurses generally had good physical and emotional health, but occasionally experienced fatigue and emotional demands related to their work. They faced some limitations in financial and supply resources, as well as advanced training opportunities. However, despite the challenges, the nurses had mostly positive experiences in their work. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the extent to which challenges were met when respondents were grouped according to age, sex, highest educational attainment, and work resources challenges. However, there were significant differences in the extent to which challenges were met when respondents were grouped according to civil status and social challenges, as well as the length of work experience and social challenges. An enhancement program for pandemic response is recommended to support the emotional demands and occasional fatigue experienced by nurses, as well as improve access to advanced training opportunities.