A webinar that tackled the socio-behavioral and biocultural aspects of the Philippine’s COVID-19 response was hosted by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on July 22 with two UP experts as speakers. 

Dr. Nina Castillo-Carandang, UP College of Medicine’s Department of Clinical Epidemiology professor, expounded on the Filipinos’ penchant for societal metaphors for illnesses that affects health behaviors; and how words matter in the way viruses and the diseases they cause are named differently. People’s behavior in fighting this virus was affected by familiarity with the word “virus” in computer viruses and viral videos in social media. This has affected the ability to see viruses as potentially dangerous or even as lethal biological phenomena; and may have kept them from observing the standards of care and health practices needed to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19.

Noting the abundance of disinformation regarding COVID-19, she scored the ill advises being given that made discerning the truth increasingly difficult. Adding to the confusion were press releases given out by hyper-partisan media.

She emphasized that the mental health repercussions of COVID will long outlive the pandemic itself. Thus, there is need to pivot the paradigm from anxiety to self-efficacy. She noted that the short and long-term effects of the crisis such as anxiety and depression are already starting to show. While the UP System and UP Manila are offering telepsychiatry services, there is need for scientists to look at natural language processing to examine de-identified text from online therapy sessions. This is being done now by psychologists, epidemiologists, and computer scientists. 

She urged everyone to avoid touching MEN referring to the Mouth, Eyes, and Nose to stop the spread of COVID-19; and to practice WOMEN referring to Washing hands well with soap and water; Observing physical distance but keeping socially connected; Mask and tissue papers’ proper disposal after use and avoidance of unnecessary movements outside the home; Eating of nutritious food and exercising regularly; and Never ignoring evidence-based health advice, government directives, and never taking things and people for granted; and most importantly, nurturing one’s faith.

Stating that COVID-19 is not just a virus but a zoonosis, NAST Academician and medical anthropologist Dr. Michael L. Tan, delved on the concept of One Health; the linkage of human health, veterinary health, and environmental health. He added that we need to integrate all three into a biocultural perspective because humans are products of biological evolution with behaviors that favor survival of the species. 

“Our battle is not just against the virus but our own powerful biological instincts and cultural norms that are becoming hindrances. We need to challenge old behaviors. We in the Philippines like close social interaction which is becoming a disadvantage in relation to COVID-19,” the former UP Diliman chancellor stated. He pointed out the wrong use of words; such as social distancing for physical distancing and urge us to be careful in using the word “airborne” because in Filipino culture, when we’re afraid of illnesses, we close the windows but now, this aggravates the risks for COVID-19. We are compelled now to avoid the three Cs – crowds, confined places, and close distances. 

Dr. Tan shared integrating principles as guides during this period:
1. “Pakiusap lang, magpaliwanag.” We must say no to fear and coercion as psychologists have found that fear is short-lived as a motivation and people will actually become “pasaway” and resist when constantly threatened and scolded. 
2. To ask not just why, but how or what alternatives we can offer. We found ways during the lockdown by using cell phones and internet to keep in touch. 
3. To give priority to the vulnerable such as children, elderly people with depression and anxiety disorders, and the poor, and 
4. To tap into our sense of loss aversion or fear of losing what we have gained since our country had the world’s longest lockdown.

Charmaine Lingdas | Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 13