“Kwentong May-Bahay sa Ospital”: A Narrative Inquiry into the Caregiving Experiences of Low-Income Mothers as Bantays and Their Perspectives on Nurse-to-Patient Ratios at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC)

Abstract

The study examines the gendered dynamic of caregiving, focusing on the low-income mothers who simultaneously assume the roles of being the primary provider of care at home and as a ‘bantay’ for their hospitalized children at East Avenue Medical Center. (EAMC). It explores their caregiving experiences and perceptions on the nurse-to-patient ratio, uncovering how these shape their caregiving practices and roles. Qualitative narrative inquiry was employed, using in-depth interviews to center the personal stories and insights of the bantay mothers. Key findings reveal that the challenges they face are not only rooted in their care responsibilities shaped by the cultural norms and values in their immediate environment, but are further exacerbated with the country’s lack of supportive policies that cater to their evolving needs. Furthermore, the study highlights how the quantity of medical staff can potentially result in greater caregiving roles for mothers. However, the commitment of nurses to provide quality care despite resource constraints helps mitigate this challenge. Ultimately, the study aims for systemic changes to address gender inequalities in caregiving and advocate for greater recognition of the roles nurses, and most especially the bantays’ within the Philippine healthcare system.