Lived experiences of residents during dengue outbreak in selected communities

Abstract

Dengue is a worldwide public health concern prevalent in urban and semi-urban areas, particularly in tropical and subtropical climate conditions such as the Philippines (World Health Organization, 2022). Employing a phenomenological framework design, this study aimed to delve into the lived experiences of a selected community during the dengue outbreak. Purposive non-probability sampling methods for participant selection meeting specific inclusion criteria and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were utilized to generate rich, detailed Descriptions of the phenomenon. The findings revealed the multifaceted challenges and experiences faced by the participants during the dengue outbreak. The study yielded two major themes: (1) Multifaceted Challenges; (2) Adaptive Management Strategies. The results explored the diverse challenges presented by dengue, focusing on how it disrupted lives and created significant financial burdens for individuals and communities. Through qualitative analysis, this study analyzed the various ways in which dengue impacted daily routines and exacerbated economic strain. It also examined the adaptive strategies implemented to manage dengue outbreaks. It investigated innovative approaches to dengue treatment and evaluated both community-wide and individual preventive measures. By synthesizing these findings, the research aimed to enhance our understanding of the lived experiences of residents during the dengue outbreak, the challenges faced by the community, and the collective action taken towards disease management and prevention.