A qualitative study of solo parents strive to survive during COVID-19 outbreak within Davao Region

Abstract

This research aims to learn about the experiences of solo parents from various sectors in the Davao Region when the pandemic strikes in the Philippines. The researchers used a qualitative method to determine their challenges, coping strategies, and insights. This phenomenological research paper is designed to explore what the participants experienced and how they dealt with those obstacles in the midst of pandemic. This study used purposive sampling, through in-depth interviews with seven solo parents, results showed themes emerged about the experiences, coping strategies and insight of solo parents during COVID-19 pandemic. Difficulty of Raising a Child, Finding Jobs to Sustain Family Needs, Taking Risks for the Family, Mother-Child Bonding Has been Maximized and Taking Utmost Responsibility as a mother were the themes generated regarding their experiences. Strengthening Faith to God, Making sure to Provide Children’s Daily Needs and Being Determined to keep Going were the significant themes that emerged in the coping strategies. While Being Regretful on the Situation, The Local government’s assistance supports the Family Needs and Being Motivated despite the Ordeal were the themes that emerged about the insight of solo parents from their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, based on the findings, the researchers provide a fundamental understanding and knowledge of the situation of solo parents during the pandemic outbreak. This study aims a better understanding of the situation of solo parents as they strive to survive during COVID-19 pandemic.