Factors Influencing Self-Medication Practices Among Core-Shelter Mothers in Tuguegarao City: Implications for Community Health

Abstract

This study examined the patterns of self-medication and the factors associated with this practice among 84 mothers aged 35–50 years residing in core-shelter barangays in Tuguegarao City. A quantitative, descriptive–correlational research design was employed. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed, self-administered questionnaire with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82), which assessed respondents’ demographic characteristics, common illnesses, self-medication practices, sources of medicines, and influencing factors. Headaches (94.0%), fever and flu (89.3%), and coughs and colds (79.8%) were the most prevalent health complaints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cough and cold preparations (89.3%) were the most frequently used medications, primarily obtained from local stores (84.5%) and community pharmacies (73.8%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in the distribution of illnesses and medications used (p < 0.001). Furthermore, one-sample t-test results indicated that convenience-related factors7 and stigma or fear of seeking professional care significantly influenced self-medication practices (mean = 3.49, p < 0.05). Structural Equation Modeling further confirmed that convenience (perceived behavioral control) and stigma/fear (attitude and subjective norms) had direct, significant effects on self-medication practices, supporting the theoretical framework based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. These findings underscore the continued reliance on self-medication among mothers and highlight the need for strengthened health education initiatives, stricter regulation of medicine access, and improved availability and accessibility of primary healthcare services to promote rational drug use and safeguard family health.