PERCEPTION OF PARENTS TOWARDS EASING OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to investigate parents' perspectives on the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, delving into their experiences, challenges faced, and coping strategies. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, sixteen parents (eight males and eight females) from Barangay Sambag 2, Sitio Palsy, Cebu City, were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured interview guide. The collected data underwent transcription, recording, coding, clustering, and categorization using thematic analysis. The informants' responses revealed twenty-one cluster themes, grouped into seventeen sub-themes, forming eleven emergent themes, and ultimately categorized into three overarching themes. These themes addressed the sub-problems and included Experiences of parents towards easing of COVID-19 restrictions (Opportune Time for Earning, Sense of Freedom, Resume Face to Face), Challenges during the easing of COVID-19 restrictions (Financial Crisis, Heavy Traffic, Unemployment, Inadequate Management), and Coping Mechanisms (Finding ways and means, Trust in God, making ends meet, Observance of Health Protocol). In conclusion, the study highlighted parents' multifaceted perceptions and experiences regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, offering insights that informed recommendations to address the challenges faced by the informants in navigating this period.