Exploring The Lived Experience in Challenges Among Community People in Manila Towards Dengue Outbreak

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences, challenges, educational encounters, preventive practices, and coping responses of community members in Manila during dengue outbreaks. Nine adult participants who had personally experienced dengue or had a family member diagnosed within the past five years were purposively selected. Data were gathered through a semi-structured interview guide covering three domains: challenges during dengue outbreaks, experiences and perceptions of dengue education and prevention, and coping responses through education and preventive measures. Thematic analysis revealed three major sets of findings. First, dengue disrupted daily life through work interruption, shifting family responsibilities, separation, school absence, fear, physical suffering, financial strain, and caregiving difficulties. Second, participants displayed uneven knowledge of dengue, drawn from hospital lectures, community activities, personal experience, and basic awareness, while education encouraged vigilance, cleanup drives, fogging, and early consultation. However, poor drainage, stagnant water, nearby waterways, outdoor exposure, inconsistent neighborhood participation, and competing responsibilities limited sustained prevention. Third, participants coped through household cleaning, removal of stagnant water, use of repellents and insecticides, protective clothing, early consultation, hydration, family support, and community participation. The study concluded that dengue is a multidimensional household and community concern requiring clinical, educational, environmental, emotional, and social responses. It recommends sustained, accessible, and child-inclusive health education; coordinated community clean-up and vector-control activities; improved drainage and surveillance; family-centered healthcare; timely referral and monitoring; and stronger collaboration among residents, healthcare workers, schools, barangay officials, local government units, and the Department of Health for sustainability.