Lived Experiences and Quality of Life of Snake Envenoming Survivors in Rural Areas in The Province of Camarines Sur

Abstract

Snake envenomation is a critical yet often neglected public health threat in rural communities, where limited access to medical care and reliance on traditional practices complicate timely treatment. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and quality of life of eight survivors in rural Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a descriptive phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews conducted from January to March 2025 revealed four major themes: Circumstances of Envenomation, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of snakebites in high-risk environments and the persistence of unsafe cultural remedies; Physical and Functional Recovery, describing varied recovery outcomes, prolonged disability, and altered work roles; Psychosocial and Emotional Impact, showing trauma, anxiety, survivor’s gratitude, and distress from lost provider roles; and Support System and Coping, emphasizing the central role of family caregiving, spiritual reliance, and inconsistent community aid. The findings confirm that snakebite is not only a medical emergency but a life-altering event with long-term physical, emotional, and socioeconomic consequences. Survivors rely heavily on familial and spiritual support but face gaps in rehabilitation, emergency response, and psychosocial care. A culturally sensitive targeted intervention plan was proposed to address these challenges, focusing on community education, improved access to healthcare and antivenom, trauma-informed support, and livelihood recovery. This study underscores the need for holistic and community-centered responses to snake envenomation, especially in underserved rural regions.