European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COPING STRATEGIES ON FLEXIBLE LEARNING OF BS PHARMACY STUDENTS IN CENTRO ESCOLARUNIVERSITY - MANILA AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abig R. I. C.O.*, Coronel A. C. R., Cuanzon N. V. M., Dela Cruz K. M., Manuel A. S., Bernales Jr., R. A.,
Guinto J. M. P., Santiago C. D., PhD and Andal M. S., MS Pharm

ABSTRACT

Flexible learning became an obligatory alternative to the traditional classroom set-up when educational institutions were obliged by the Commission on Higher Education to continue students’ learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Centro Escolar University – Manila is among the universities in the Philippines that shifted to flexible learning including an online modality known as CEU Learning Engagement and Proficiency System (CEU LEAPS). It is a challenging phase among students unlike in a conventional way of learning. Nonetheless, students’ coping strategies can help them get through difficultiesin flexible learning. This study aimed to determinethe coping strategies of CEU Manila BS Pharmacy students on flexible learning during a pandemic. This cross-sectional study employed a descriptive quantitative method. Participants were selected randomly by means of convenience method. An online survey was conducted to gather data. Modified standardized Ways of Coping Questionnaire by Folkman and Lazarus was used as the survey instrument. Thereafter, frequency distribution, mode, logistic regression, chi- square test, and cochran–mantel–haenszel test were facilitated to analyze and interpret the data collected. Based on findings, males are found significantly associated in using active coping strategies particularly in seeking social support and positive reappraisal. Moreover, the null hypothesis of the study was rejected and concluded that active coping strategies are utilized moreby the students in flexible learning amid pandemic.

Keywords: Coping strategies, active coping, passive coping, COVID-19, flexible learning, CEU- Manila, pharmacy students.