Piskat

SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
WHO EXPERIENCED FLU IN ONE STATE COLLEGE

IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
A Research Paper Presented to

The Faculty of College of Nursing and Allied Health
Sciences
Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology
Sagay City
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements to the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
ELY MAE B. ABUNIN

SHYBELLE O. LANGBID
FRANCES PRECILA RAE Q.
MATEOS STEFFI ANDREA D.
PANALIGAN
May 2022
APPROVAL SHEET
The thesis entitled “SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCED FLU IN ONE STATE COLLEGE IN
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL” presented and submitted by ELY MAE B. ABUNIN,
SHYBELLE O. LANGBID, FRANCES PRECILA RAE Q. MATEOS, and STEFFI
ANDREA D. PANALIGAN, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing of Northern Negros
State College of Science and Technology has been examined and
recommended for Oral Examination.
KRISTINE A. CONDES, RN, MN, LPT, PhD

Research Adviser
Noted by:
ROSELO A. OCAMPO, JR., RN, MAN AILEEN G. SYPONGCO, RN, RM, MN
Research Coordinator College Dean
THESIS DESIGN COMMITTEE

NATASHA KAY V. CHAN, RN, MN ROSELO A. OCAMPO, JR., RN, MAN
Member Member
AILEEN G. SYPONGCO, RN, RM, MN

College Dean
PANEL OF EXAMINERS
NATASHA KAY V. CHAN, RN, MN ROSELO A. OCAMPO, JR., RN, MAN

Member Member
KRISTINE A. CONDES, RN, MN, LPT, PhD
Member

Chairperson
ACCEPTED AND APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
NURSING
JOCELYN D. BANTIGUE, PHD

VP for Academic Affairs
ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The completion of this research proposal undertaking
could not have been possible without the teamwork
participation, assistance, and advice of those people who
helped in the process. We would like to take this
opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to
the following individuals.
To our Almighty Father, the author of wisdom and
knowledge, thank you for the strength, erudition, and
opportunity to undertake this research study. Without His
guidance, mercy, and blessings, we would not be able to
accomplish this and with our daily endeavors. All Glory
belongs to you.
To our supportive parents, our inspiration to keep
up and finish this research proposal, we thank you for
the endless support, love, and understanding.
To our friends and significant others of whom in one
way or another shared their support, either morally,
financially, and physically, thank you.
To our very helpful friend, Dane Emmanuel Rosel, we
thank you for aiding us with your technical knowledge and
skills in the process of completion of our research.
iii
To our Dean, the Dean of the College of Nursing, Ms.
Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM, MN, we thank you for the
invaluable insights, comments, and knowledge that were
shared to us, as well as the support she has given us.
To both RLE and academic coordinator, Ms. Natasha
Kay V. Chan, RN, MN, thank you for the guidance and
knowledge to improve our study.
To our adviser, Dr. Kristine A. Condes, RN, LPT,
MN, Ph.D., thank you for providing us the invaluable
guidance, advice, support, comments, suggestions, and
provisions that helped us with the completion of this
research proposal. It was a great privilege and honor to
work and study under her guidance.
To our statistician, Mr. Ponciano Gale Jr., thank
you for the guidance in analyzing and interpreting in the
process of data gathering.
To our Research teacher, Mr. Roselo A. Ocampo Jr.
RN, MAN, thank you for the guidance and support you have
provided us, as well as the expertise and knowledge to
improve our study over the course of the semester.
We thank you all very much. To God be the Glory!
iv
ABSTRACT
Medicine is defined as the treatment of general diseases

which affects our body. However, some treatments do not
need a prescription from a doctor, which encourages people
to self-medicate by using over-the-counter medications.
The purpose of this study was to determine the self-
medication practice among undergraduate students of one
state college in Negros Occidental. A descriptive
quantitative research design and self-medicating scale
from James and French were utilized to efficiently gather
the necessary data. Data was collected using a survey
questionnaire through Google forms, and analyzed and
interpreted using SPSS version 27. Results showed that the
majority of the respondents who self-medicate are 20-22
years old, female, have a family income of below Php
10,957.00, from Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration, and are third year students. It also
showed that the respondents self-medicate sometimes,
mostly once a month, due to complaints like headache,
stuffy/runny nose, and cough, and 173 out of 366
respondents read the drug’s label always before self-
medicating. Antipyretics, vitamins, and decongestants are
the commonly used medications, and the reasons why self-
medication is practiced are for emergency use or quick
relief, and mildness of the problem. Respondents also
self-medicate sometimes without professional’s advice, and
their primary source of information is the advice of
peers, families, and colleagues. There is a moderate level
of perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and
barrier, and a moderate level of extent of self-medication
practice. The extent of self-medication practice was found
to have significant relationships between the extent of
perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived
benefits, and perceived barrier. The extent of self-
medication practice among undergraduate college students
is moderate, which still constitutes a health concern that
needs intervention. It is imperative that educational
health programs are implemented in the university to raise
health awareness on the potential problems/risks
associated with inappropriate self-medication practices.
Keywords: Self-medication practice, undergraduate college

students, moderate level, female, quick relief, advice,
headache
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF FIGURE xi
INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the study 1
Statement of the problem 3
Hypothesis/Hypotheses 6
Theoretical Framework of the Study 7
Conceptual Framework of the Study 9
Schematic Diagram 9
Scope and Limitation 10
Significance of the Study 10
Definition of Terms 11
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 15
METHODOLOGY 22
Research Design 22
Locale of the Study 23
Respondents of the Study 24
Sampling Technique 24
Research Instrument 25
Data-gathering Procedure 26
Statistical treatment 27
Ethical Consideration 28
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED
Page
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 30
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS 69
AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary 69
Conclusion 71
Implications 72
Recommendation 73
REFERENCES 74
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Letter for validators 84

Appendix B: Letter for reliability test 88
Appendix C: Letter for ethical clearance 89
Appendix D: Ethical Clearance Certificate 90
Appendix E: Letter for the Dean of each 91
Colleges
Appendix F: Letter to the Participants 99
Appendix G: Good and Scates Validation Form 100
Appendix H: Proposal Evaluation Form 101
Appendix I: Self-Medication Practice 103
Questionnaire
Appendix J: CURRICULUM VITAE 108
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1. Respondents of the study 25
2. Socio-demographic profile of the 30
Respondents when grouped according
to their;
2.1 Age 30
2.2 Sex 31
2.3 Total family income 32
2.4 Course 34
2.5 Year level 36
3. Extent of Self-Medication Practice 37
when common flu symptoms emerge among
undergraduate students experienced
flu in one state college in Negros.
4. Extent of Self-Medication for common flu 38
among undergraduate students experienced
flu in one state college in Negros
Occidental in the last three months
5. Extent of Perceived Severity of Self- 39
Medication Practice as a whole and when
grouped according to Age, Sex, Total
Family Income, Educational Course, Year
Level
6. The most common complaints of self- 42
medication in the last three months among
undergraduate students experienced flu in
one state college in Negros Occidental.

viii
LIST OF TABLES CONTINUED
Table Page
7. Extent of undergraduate students 43
experienced flu in one state college
in Negros Occidental are reading the
label before self-medicating.
8. Extent of Perceived Susceptibility of 44
Self-Medication Practice as a whole and
when grouped according to Age, Sex, Total
Level.
9. Most common medications used by 48
undergraduate students in one state
college in Negros Occidental when
symptoms of common flu emerge.
10. Extent of Perceived Benefits of Self- 49
grouped according to Age, Sex, Total
Level
11. Common reasons why undergraduate students 53
who experienced flu in one state college in
Negros Occidental practice self-medication.
ix
LIST OF TABLES CONTINUED
Table Page
12. Extent of self-medication without 54
professional advice in undergraduate
students experienced flu in one state
college in Negros Occidental.
13. Primary sources of information of self-
55
medication in undergraduate students
experienced flu in one state college in
Negros Occidental.
14. Extent of Perceived Barrier of Self 56
grouped according to Profile
15. Relationship between the extent of 61

Intervening variables and the extent of
self-medication practice.
15.1 Perceived Severity 61

15.2 Perceived Susceptibility 62
15.3 Perceived Benefit 63
15.4 Perceived Barrier 64
16. Extent of Self Medication Practice as a 65
whole and when grouped according to Age,
Sex, Total Family Income, Educational
Course, Year Level.
x
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. The Health Belief Model 7
2. Schematic Diagram of the study 9
3. Map of Negros Island 23
4. Map of Sagay City, Negros Occidental 23
xi
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of Study
Medicine, as defined by the medical dictionary, is a
drug and an art in disease prevention. It is defined as
the study and treatment of general diseases or those
which are affecting the body (More, 2016). However, some
treatments do not need a prescription from a doctor,
which encourages people to self-medicate by using over-
the-counter pills. Thereafter, self-medication has become
a common practice among university students according to
several studies conducted by other researchers (Agawar,
et. al., 2021; Seam, et. al., 2018; World Self-medication
Industry, 2006). Self-medication is defined as the taking
of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one's own initiative,
or on the advice of another person, without consulting a
doctor (Tarciuc et al., 2020). According to Araia, et.
al., (2019), a continuous worldwide increase in self-
medication has been triggered by economic, political, and
cultural factors and the practice is becoming a major
public health problem. Studies also showed that college
students have a very low tendency to consult health
professionals to seek health related information, to get
treatment, or to obtain other healthcare services
1
(Tesfaye, et. al., 2020). Moreover, over-the-
counter drugs are easily accessed as there are several
pharmacies present in the locality. It is given that
college students, especially medical students, have a
higher level of education and awareness of drugs, hence,
they frequently self-medicate as a form of self-care.
Regardless of the efforts of government and medical
practitioners in raising the public awareness regarding
the use of drugs given that inappropriate self-medication
has potential risks as it will be harmful for
individuals, there are still people practicing self-
medication. Therefore, it is imperative for the
researchers to conduct a study in order to determine the
percentage of students practicing self-medication.
Hence, in our study, our main aim was to determine
the self-medication practice among undergraduate
students of Northern Negros State College of Science and
Technology. This research study is intended to provide
information to the academe in identifying the self-
medication instances in one state college in Negros
Occidental and consequently, it will provide a solution
to the problem.
2
Statement of the Problem
The aim of the study was to determine the self-
medication practice among undergraduate students who
experienced flu in one state college in Negros
Occidental.
More specifically, the study sought to answer
the following questions:
1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the
undergraduate students who experienced flu in one
state college in Negros Occidental according to
a. age;
b. sex;
c. family income;
d. course;
e. year level?
2. What is the extent of self-medication practice when
common flu symptoms emerge among undergraduate
students who experienced flu in one state college in
Negros Occidental?
3. What is the extent of self-medication practice for
common flu among undergraduate students who
3
Occidental in the last three months?
4. What is the extent of perceived severity of self-
Occidental, as a whole and when grouped according to
their profile?
5. What are the most common complaints of self-
medication in the last 3 months among undergraduate
students who experienced flu of one state college in
Negros Occidental?
6. To what extent do undergraduate students who
Occidental are reading the label before self-
medicating?
7. What is the extent of perceived susceptibility of
self-medication practice among undergraduate students
who experienced flu in one state college in Negros
their profile?
8. What are the most common medications used by
undergraduate students in one state college in Negros
Occidental when symptoms of common flu emerge?
9. What is the extent of perceived benefits of self-

4
their profile?
10. What are the common reasons why undergraduate
Negros Occidental practice self-medication?
11. What is the extent of self-medication without
professional advice in undergraduate students who
Occidental?
12. What are the primary sources of information of
self-medication in undergraduate students who
Occidental?
13. What is the extent of perceived barrier of self-
Occidental?
14. Is there a significant relationship between
the intervening variables of
a. Perceived severity
b. Perceived susceptibility
c. Perceived benefit
d. Perceived barrier
5
and the extent of practice, as a whole and when grouped
according to their profile?
14. What is the extent of self-medication practice among
undergraduate students of Northern Negros State College
of Science and Technology as a whole when grouped
15. What is the extent of self-medication practice among
undergraduate students who experienced flu in one state
college in Negros Occidental, as a whole when grouped
Null Hypothesis
Ho1. There is no significant relationship between the
extent of perceived severity and extent of self-
Occidental?
extent of perceived susceptibility and extent of self-
Occidental?
extent of perceived benefits and extent of self-

6
Occidental?
extent of perceived barrier and extent of self-
Occidental.
Theoretical framework
Figure 1. The Health Belief Model
Note. Adapted from Skbanergt (2021). Copyright 2022 by BSN3.
As seen in Figure 1, the study’s theoretical
framework, Health Belief Model, was developed by social
scientists in the U.S. Public Health Service in the 1950s
and updated in the 1980s.
This model describes the key modifying factors to

7
components of people's beliefs about health problems,
specifically, their perceived threat to sickness or
disease (perceived susceptibility), belief of
consequence (perceived severity), potential positive
benefits of action (perceived benefits), perceived
barriers to action, exposure to factors that prompt
action (cues to action), and confidence in the ability
to succeed (self-efficacy) that influence health-
promoting behaviors through their engagement or lack of
engagement. In addition, an individual’s beliefs about
health and health conditions play a role in determining
your health-related behaviors, which is according to the
model because this model is based on the theory that a
person's willingness to change their health behaviors
primarily comes from their health perceptions (Boskey
Ph.D., 2020).
One of the behavioral models that can be used to
describe this research is the Health Belief Model.
Through this model of the study, the researchers will
further investigate factors that influence each
student’s health beliefs regarding self-medication
practices and their tendency to self-medicate.
Therefore, this study will be undertaken to determine
the self-medication practices among undergraduate
Negros Occidental, using this model.

8
Conceptual framework
Figure 2. Schematic Diagram of the study
Independent Variable Dependent Variable Dependent Variable
Socio-demographic Profile Self-Medication Practices

of the Respondents
Self-Medication
Practices Among Among Undergraduate
A. Age Undergraduate
Students Experienced Flu
B. Sex Students
Experiencing Flu in in One State College in
C. Family income One State College in
Negros Occidental Negros Occidental
D. Course
E. Year level
As Figure 2 presents the conceptual framework of the
study, it consists of a theoretical nursing model called,
“Health Belief Model”, and its significance between the
two variables, independent and dependent variables, and
the process of data collection. The independent variable
includes the socio-demographic profile of the respondents
such as age, sex, family income, course, and year level
that will affect the student’s self-medication
behavior/practice, which is the dependent variable and it
will be dependent on the independent variable.
Moreover, the profile has been included in making
the modified standardized questionnaire using google
forms. These variables have the reciprocal relationship
because the dependent variable is what happens as a
result of the independent variable. Hence, the study aim

9
to determine the self-medication practice among
Scope and Limitation
The study focused on the extent of self-medication
practices among undergraduate students who experienced
flu in one state college in Negros Occidental. This
study was limited to three hundred sixty-six (366)
officially enrolled undergraduate students who
Occidental.
The researchers wanted to determine the differences
in self-medication practices of each student when grouped
according to their profiles. The researchers used the
modified standardized questionnaire using google forms
that were undergone through an online survey.
Significance of the Study
The outcome of this study will be based on the data
gathered on the students’ self-medication practices, the
findings of this study will be significant to the
following:
School. The academe may be aware of the self-
medication practices of its students.
10
School Nurse. The school nurse may be informed
about the self-medication practices of the students and
will consider conducting health teaching about the
appropriate use of medicines.
Students. The students may be more conscious about
self-medication and will be more knowledgeable about its
potential risks, effects, proper use of medicines, and
its dosage so that they will be able to change and/or
correct their practices.
Parents. The parents may be aware and knowledgeable
about the appropriate use of medicines and self-
medication practices of their children so that they will
be able to guide their children in taking medicines.
Future Researchers. This study may provide
information and new insight to future researchers. This
may serve as a guide and basis for those who want to
undergo similar studies related to the scope for its
further improvement and development.
Definition of Terms
The following terms in this study are defined
conceptually and operationally as follows:
Age. Conceptually, this term refers to the interval of
time between the date of birth and the date of the
11
census, expressed in completed solar years, which is
equivalent to the standard's definition of age as "age at
last birthday” (United Nations Recommendations, 2021).
Operationally, it refers to the length of time that the
respondent has lived.
Course. Conceptually, this term refers to a segment of a
subject that is part of an Academic Programme (University
of Delhi, 2018).
Operationally, it refers to the education course of the
respondents of the study.
Family Income. Conceptually, this term refers to the
primary income and receipts from other sources received
by all family members during the reference period, as
participants in any economic activity or as recipients of
transfers, pensions, grants, interests, food and non-food
items received as gifts by the family (Philippine
Statistics Authority, 2022).
Operationally, it refers to the income of the respondents
of the study.
Healthcare. Conceptually, this term refers to an entire
ecosystem with many unique moving parts that are only
connected by virtue of the existence of the patients
(Wax, 2019).
12
Operationally, it refers to each student taking care of
their own health and well-being through prevention,
treatment, and management of illness through health
services offered by the school clinic.
Medicine. Conceptually, this term refers to the field of
health and healing that covers diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of disease, medical research, and many other
aspects of health (Biggers,2018).
Operationally, it refers to the drugs that are used for
the treatment of their diseases.
Prescription. Conceptually, this term refers to an order
written for a patient by a doctor or specialist for the
preparation, dispensing, and administration of a drug or
device (Talking HealthTech, 2020).
Operationally, it refers to the instruction written by a
doctor that students should have before they medicate
themselves.
Self-Medication. Conceptually, this term refers to the
taking of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one's own
initiative, or on the advice of another person, without
consulting a doctor (Bennadi, 2013).
Operationally, it refers to the practices of the students
in treating their diseases.
13
Sex. Conceptually, this term refers to the
physical differences between people who are male,
female, or intersex (Arquilla, 2021).
Operationally, it refers to the sex of the respondents of
the study.
State College. Conceptually, this term refers to a
tertiary institution funded by the state government
(Learn.org, 2023).
Operationally, it refers to the setting where the study
will be conducted.
Student. Conceptually, this term refers to a student who
is learning at a college or university, or sometimes at a
school (Murungi & Gitonga, 2015).
Operationally, it refers to the individuals studying in
Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology
who are practicing self-medication.
Year Level. Conceptually, this term refers to a class in
school, concerned with a particular year's (Law Insider,
2020).
Operationally, it refers to the year level of
the respondents of the study.
14
Chapter II
Review of Related Literature
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
self-care is a practice of people on what they do to
keep themselves healthy and to prevent and treat
illnesses.
International Pharmaceutical Federation, on the other
hand, defines self-medication as the self-administration
of medication in the absence of a current prescription
or consultation with a healthcare professional. The
reason(s) for engaging in self-medication practice in
developing countries have been reported to include lack
of medical insurance, expensive hospital
visits/consultation fees, easy public access to the
prescribed medications, suggestions of friends, the
inexpensiveness of the practice and previous experience
(Shaghaghi, et. al., 2014).
Self-medication may benefit patients in a number of
ways, including quicker access to care, independence in
managing symptoms, lower costs for healthcare, and fewer
visits to the doctor. It may also benefit the community
in ways such as preserving medical resources, reducing
time away from work, relieving pressure on healthcare
providers, and allowing more time for severe conditions.
15
Despite its many benefits, self-medication, particularly
when unsupervised, carries a number of personal dangers,
including inaccurate diagnosis, severe adverse effects,
an increase in antibiotic resistance, unsafe food, and
drug interactions, and drug abuse and misuse.
Prevalence of self-medication has remained common in
both developing and developed countries and the trend is
increasing among youths and common among university
students. In the study of Helal and Abou-Elwafa (2017),
results revealed that students who have a mean age of 20,
52% belonged to the medical sector, and 77.5% of students
stored drugs in their home pharmacy are practicing self-
medication. Furthermore, similarly in Karachi, the mean
age of university students who participated in the study
was 21 ± 1.8 years.
Amongst them 51.6% were medical students while 48.4%
were nonmedical students. They obtained drugs mostly from
a pharmacy, stocks kept at home, or from friends. In
addition, the most frequent conditions in which the
student self-medicated according to the results were
cold, headache, sore throat, intestinal colic and cramps.
About 59% of students mentioned that the self-medicated
drugs solved the symptom. With the use of antimicrobial
16
drugs, the study of Zeb, et. al., (2022), shows that the
age group between 20-25 years old highly use antibiotics
without prescriptions than other age groups.
A significant aspect of patients' medical behavior
is self-medication. In fact, it is frequently the first
option for treating early disease signs and one of the
most crucial strategies employed when a person
experiences typical health issues that do not call for a
doctor visit. According to studies, women self-medicate
more frequently than males. Women are known to play the
most significant role in the family when it comes to
managing the health issues of family members, in
addition to taking care of themselves. They also use
health services more frequently than males do. Both the
majority of male students (90.9%) and the majority of
female students (94.1%) reported using self-medication
in the previous year.
In pharmacies, female students were more likely than
male students to purchase medications for self-
medication. They also used over-the-counter medicines,
herbal teas, herbs, vitamins, and minerals, as well as
antibiotics, benzodiazepines, antacids, acetylsalicylic
acid, topical corticosteroids, and nasal decongestants.
17
Even in young individuals like students who self-
medicate, gender appears to be a significant determinant
(Kersnik, et.al., 2012).
Both industrialized and developing nations have high
rates of self-medication, with prevalence rates ranging
from 12.1% to 92.8%, respectively. One of the demographic
parameters that influences people's use of self-
medication is their monthly income. In the study of Zeru,
et. al., (2020), respondents with greater monthly incomes
were less likely to self-medicate than those with lower
incomes. This finding is consistent with research done at
Arsi University in Ethiopia. One explanation for this
might be that students from lower-income families might
not be able to afford to go to medical facilities and
consult with qualified health professionals. They may be
persuaded to purchase cheaper medications from pharmacies
that don't require a prescription, which results in high
rates of self-medication.
This discovery, however, conflicts with research
done in Pakistan and Southern China. These researches
showed a direct link between income and self-medication
habits, which supported the idea that students from lower
socioeconomic backgrounds might attend the school health
18
center, which offers free services, or they might
disregard minor illnesses like the common cold.
Different levels of health knowledge may exist
among college students taking medical and other courses.
A study found that self-medication is very common among
medical students. A significant portion of the community
is made up of people at college. Self-medication has
frequently been evaluated among medical students as they
typically strive to put their knowledge into practice. A
meta-analysis of 27 research on self-medication among
physicians and medical students found that self-
medication was prevalent among university students in
76% of the studies, ranging from 38.5% in Ethiopia to
98% in Palestine (Alshogran, et.al., 2018).
Additionally, their survey reveals that 96.8% of
participants reported using self-medication, with no
difference between medical (97.2%) and non-medical
students (96.5%). Painkillers (77.6%), anti-flu
decongestants (54%), sore throat medications (25.9%),
cough suppressants (24%), and antibiotics (21%), were
the most often used medical classes by all students in
the previous six months. Regarding the usage of opioids
and anti-allergy medications, self-medication was
19
substantially more prevalent among medical students
than non-medical students. However, compared to medical
students (47.6%), non-medical students were more likely
to self-medicate with anti-flu medications (60.2%).
A study shows that the prevalence of self-medication
is high in educated youth, despite the majority being
aware of its harmful effects. However, according to the
study of Tesfamariam, et. al., (2019), with an increased
level of education, there is a reduction in the odds of
risky practice in self-medication.
Respondents who completed junior and secondary
school were four times at higher risk than those who have
higher education. More distantly, respondents with
elementary and below educational level were fifteen times
at higher risk compared to those in higher education.
Self-medication is the self-administration of
medication in the absence of a current prescription or
consultation with a healthcare professional. Studies show
that students aged 20-25 years old have a high tendency
to self-medicate. Female students are also more likely to
self-medicate than male students. Those who have greater
20
monthly incomes are less likely to practice self-
medication than those with lower incomes. Studies also
show that self-medication is very common among students
in medical courses compared to other courses. Lastly,
lower year levels are likely to practice self-medication
than higher year levels.
21
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The researchers used the descriptive quantitative
research design. According to Siedlecki (2020), the
purpose of descriptive studies is to describe
individuals, events, or conditions by studying them as
they are in nature. The researcher merely explains the
sample and/or variables without manipulating any of the
variables. Although a descriptive study can explore
multiple variables, it is only the design that can also
explore a single variable.
Descriptive studies look at the characteristics of a
population; identify problems that exist within a unit,
an organization, or a population; or look at variation in
characteristics, or practices between institutions or
even countries (Siedlecki, 2020). In line with this, the
researchers used the descriptive quantitative research
design as the study aims to determine the self-medication
practice among undergraduate students who experienced flu
in one state college in Negros Occidental.
22
Locale of the Study
The study was conducted at one of the state
colleges in Negros Occidental to cater the officially
enrolled undergraduate students in different colleges.
Map of Negros Island
Figure 3. Map of Negros Island
Note. Adapted from Google Maps. Copyright 2023 by BSN3.
Map of Sagay City
Figure 3. Map of Sagay City, Negros Occidental
Note. Adapted from Philnews. Copyright 2022 by BSN3.
23
Respondent of the Study
The respondents of this study were the officially
enrolled undergraduate students who experienced flu in
one state college in Negros Occidental, School Year
2022-2023.
Sampling Technique
Sample size determination formula was used to
calculate the required sample size. The formula used
was:
Wherein n is the population size and E is the
margin of error. The researchers then used stratified
random sampling. The population was divided into
strata. Thus, this sampling technique prevents bias in
the selection process of respondents. Hence, each
member of the population being studied will most likely
be chosen as a part of the sample.
24
Table 1. Respondents of the study.
COURSE NO. OF PERCENTAGE NO. OF

STUDENTS RESPONDENTS
BSIT 620 8.49% 31
BSIS 318 4.35% 16
BSLIS 168 2.30% 8
BSEMC 130 1.78% 7
BSF 289 3.96% 15
BAELS 426 5.83% 21
BSBio 197 2.7% 10
BPED 139 1.9% 7
BSED 318 4.35% 16
BTLED 337 4.61% 17
BSTM 302 4.13% 15
BSHM 445 6.09% 22
BSAIS 321 4.39% 16
BSBA 758 10.38% 38
BSCM 312 4.27% 16
BPA 339 4.64% 17
BSN 497 6.8% 25
BSA 386 5.28% 19
BSAB 215 2.94% 11
BSCrim 703 9.62% 35
Midwifery 86 1.17% 4
Total 7,306 100% 366
Research Instrument
The researchers used a self-medicating scale taken from
Delyth H. James and David P. French: The development of
the Self-Medicating Scale (SMS): a scale to measure
people’s beliefs about self-medication. Likert scoring
method will be used to assess the answers as follows:
(All the time = 5, often = 4, sometimes = 3, rarely= 2,
and not at all = 1. It was given through google forms to
determine the self-medication practices among
of Science and Technology. The instrument was divided
into two parts:

25
Part I. This part focused on gathering the socio-
demographic profile of the respondents. They were asked
about their personal information.
Part II. This part focused on the James and
French’s Self-Medicating Scale: The development of the
Self- Medicating Scale (SMS), which is a scale to
measure people’s beliefs about self-medication.
Data-Gathering Procedure
In gathering data, the researchers asked permission
to the School President and College Deans of the chosen
state college in Negros Occidental, to conduct the study
in the said school by sending a request letter. After the
permission has been granted, the researchers introduced
themselves to the respondents via social media platforms,
explained the purpose of the study, and asked for their
participation by providing informed consent.
The researchers presented the contents and purpose
of the study concerning the self-medication practices of
the students. Researchers gave survey questionnaires
through google forms to the respondents as a tool in
gathering data. The respondent's privacy was protected
and the confidentiality of the data was treated with
high confidence.
26
Statistical Treatment
In order to analyze the socio-demographic profile of
the chosen state college in Negros, according to age,
sex, family income, course, and year level, frequency
distribution and percentage were used. Frequency
Distribution is an organized tabulation/graphical
representation of the number of individuals in each
category on the scale of measurement (Manikandan, 2012).
Percent simply means "per hundred" and the symbol used to
express percentage is %. One percent (or 1%) is one
hundredth of the total or whole and is therefore
calculated by dividing the total or whole number by 100
(Finding and Using Statistics, 2015).
In order to analyze the extent of perceived
susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits,
perceived barrier, and extent of self-medication practice
among students who experienced flu in one state college
in Negros, as a whole when grouped according to their
profile, mean and standard deviation were used. The mean
(also known as the arithmetic mean, different from the
geometric mean) of a dataset is the sum of all
27
values divided by the total number of values. It’s the
most commonly used measure of central tendency and is
often referred to as the “average” (Bhandari, 2020). On
the other hand, standard deviation is a measurement that
is designed to find the disparity between the calculated
mean (Ayeni, 2014).
In order to analyze the significant relationships
between extent of perceived susceptibility, perceived
severity, perceived benefits, perceived barrier, and the
extent of self-medication practice among undergraduate
students, Spearman Rho rank test was used. According to
Zar, J. H. (2014), Spearman rank correlation or
Spearman’s rho is a nonparametric (distribution-free)
approach to the correlation between two sets of
measurements made on the same individuals, each set may
be ranked in order of magnitude.
Ethical Considerations
Prior in conducting the survey, an informed consent
has been used and presented to the respondents for
autonomy and anonymity. It was made sure that the
respondents had voluntary participation towards the
research study. The respondents are allowed to terminate
their answers halfway when they feel like not answering.
To promote confidentiality, the data of the respondents
was kept and secured by the researchers for the need of
28
the study. The respondents were given a choice of
disclosing their names or not. All information is stored
in one place and will be used purely for the purpose of
this study. The name of the school was withheld to
observe the privacy of the institution.
29
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter presented the results and discussion
that were obtained from data gathering.
These are as follows:
Table 2.1
Socio-demographic profile of the Respondents when grouped
according to their Age.
Age Frequency Percentage (%)

17-19 years old 91 24.9
20-22 years old 185 50.5
23-25 years old 69 18.9
26 years old and up 21 5.7
Total 366 100.0
Table 2.1 shows that in 366 respondents, the age
group of 17-19 years old has 91 or 24.9% respondents, 20-
22 years old has 185 or 50.5 % respondents, 23-25 years
old has 69 or 18.9 % respondents, and 26 years old and
above has 21 or 5.7 % respondents. This result implies
that the majority of the students are 20-22 years old
with a value of 185 or 50.5%. This is supported by the
study of Helal and Abou-Elwafa (2017), results revealed
that students who have a mean age of 20, 52% belonged to
the medical sector, and 77.5% of students stored drugs
in their home pharmacy are practicing self-medication.
30
Table 2.2
according to their Sex.
Sex Frequency Percentage (%)

Male 138 37.7
Female 205 56.0
Prefer not to Say 23 6.3
Total 366 100.0
Table 2.2 shows that in 366 respondents, there are
138 or 37.7 % male respondents, 205 or 56.0% are female
respondents, and 23 or 6.3% prefer not to disclose their
sex. This indicates that the majority of the respondents
are female with a percentage of 56%. This is supported by
Kersnik et al. (2012) in their cross-sectional study of
sex differences in self-medication practices among
university students of Slovenia. They found out that
female students were more likely than male students to
self-medicate by purchasing over-the-counter drugs.
31
Table 2.3
according to their Family Income.
Family Income Frequency Percentage (%)

Below PHP 10,957.00 226 61.7
10,958.00-21,914.00 75 20.5
21,915.00-43,828.00 46 12.6
Above 43,828.00 19 5.2
Total 366 100.0
Table 2.3 shows that in 266 respondents, 226 or 61.7
% has a family income of below Php 10,957.00, 75 or 20.5
% has a family income of Php 10,958.00-21,914.00, 46 or
12.6 % has family income of 21,915.00-43,828.00, and 19
or 5.2 % has a family income of above 43,828.00. This
indicates that out of 366 respondents, the majority of
them, which accounts to 266 respondents, have a family
income below Php 10,957.00 with a percentage of 61.7%.
This is supported by Zeru et al. (2020) in their study of
self-medication practice and associated factors among
University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health
Sciences students. They found out that respondents with
greater monthly income were less likely to self-medicate
than those with lower incomes. Students from lower-income
families are not able to afford to go to medical
facilities and consult with qualified health
32
professionals and they also tend to purchase cheaper
medications from pharmacies that don’t require a
prescription, which results in high rates of self-
medication.
33
Table 2.4
according to their Educational Course.
Educational Course Frequency Percentage (%)

BSF 15 4.1
BSAB 11 3.0
BSA 19 5.2
BAELS 21 5.7
BSBIO 10 2.7
BSBA 38 10.4
BSHM 22 6.0
BSCM 16 4.4
BSAIS 16 4.4
BPA 17 4.6
BSTM 15 4.1
BSCrim 35 9.6
BPED 7 1.9
BSED 16 4.4
BTLED 17 4.6
BLIS 8 2.2
BSIS 16 4.4
BSEMC 7 1.9
BSIT 31 8.5
BSN 25 6.8
DM 4 1.1
Total 366 100.0
Table 2.4 shows that there are 15 or 4.1%
respondents from BSF, 11 or 3.0% are from BSAB-Escalante

34
Campus, 19 or 5.2% are from BSA, 21 or 5.7% from BAELS,
10 or 2.7% from BSBIO, 38 or 10.4% from BSBA, 22 or 6.0%
from BSHM, 16 or 4.4 from BSCM, 16 or 4.4% from BSAIS,
17 or 4.6% from BPA, 15 or 4.1% from BSTM, 35 or 9.6&
from BSCrim - ESCALANTE CAMPUS, 7 or 1.9% from BPED, 16
or 4.4 from BSED, 17 or 4.6 from BTLED, 8 or 2.2% from
BLIS, 16 or 4.4 from BSIS, 7 or 1.9% from BSEMC, 31 or
8.5% from BSIT, 25 or 6.8% from BSN, and 4 or 1.1% from
DM. It indicates that there is a difference in the
number of respondents in each course based on the
computed sample size using Sample size determination
formula. In terms of the significance of educational
course in self- medication, in the study of Alshogran,
et.al. in 2018, their survey reveals that 96.8% of
participants reported using self-medication, with no
difference between medical (97.2%) and non-medical
students (96.5%). However, compared to medical students
(47.6%), non-medical students were more likely to self-
medicate with anti-flu medications (60.2%).
35
Table 2.5
according to their Year Level.
Year Level Frequency Percentage (%)

First Year 116 31.7
Second Year 81 22.1
Third Year 91 24.9
Fourth Year 78 21.3
Total 366 100.0
Table 2.5 shows that 116 or 31.7% of the respondents
are first year students, 81 or 22.1% of the respondents
are second year students,91 or 24.9% of the respondents
are third year students, and 78 or 21.3% of the
respondents are fourth year students. This indicates that
out of 366 respondents, the majority of the respondents
are First year students with a value of 116 or 31.7%, who
willingly participated in the study. In terms of the
significance of the level of education in self-
medication, this is supported by the study of
Tesfamariam, et. al., (2019) that showed that the
prevalence of self-medication is high in educated youth,
despite the majority being aware of its harmful effects.
36
Table 3
Extent of Self-Medication Practice when common flu
symptoms emerge among undergraduate students who
experienced flu in one state college in Negros.
Frequency Percent (%)
Not at all 9 2.5

Rarely 49 13.4
Sometimes 130 35.5
Often 121 33
All the time 57 15.6
Total 366 100
Table 3 presents the extent of self-medication
practice when common flu symptoms emerge among
Result indicates that out of the 366 respondents,
35.5% sometimes practice self-medication when common flu
symptoms emerge. While 2.5% do not practice self-
medication at all. This is supported by the study in Al-
Qassim Province in Saudi Arabia, Saeed et al. reported
that 86.2% of university students were self-medicated.
Also, this is also parallel to previous studies finding,
and that is a study by Khan et al. in 2014 that the
commonest health problems for which students seek self-
medication are headache (40%), fever (19.5%), flu (5.2%).

37
The findings here also supported the study by Alsaad; et
al. in 2022, that the most self-treated health conditions
were headache, flu and cold symptoms, and fever.
Similarly, these symptoms were reported as common self-
treated conditions in previous local and worldwide
studies (Limaye et al., 2017, Ansari et al., 2020).
Table 4
Extent of Self-Medication for common flu among
college in Negros Occidental in the last three months.

Once a week 283 77.3
Once a month 327 89.3
Three times a week 274 74.9
Daily in a week 235 64.2
Table 4 presents the extent of self-medication
practice for common flu among undergraduate students who
experienced flu in one state college in Negros Occidental
in the last three months.
Result indicates that out of 366 respondents,
89.3% of respondents practice self-medication once a
month, followed by 77.3% of respondents practice once a
week, and 74.9% of respondents practice three times a
week. Only 64.2% of respondents practice self-medication
every day in a week. This contradicts the one conducted
by the study of Mannasaheb et al. in 2022, that self-
medication was practiced by 52.9% of their participants

38
during the last 3 months, with a frequency of one to two
times.
Table 5
Extent of Perceived Severity of Self Medication Practice
as a whole and when grouped according to Age, Sex, Total
Family Income, Educational Course, Year Level.
Variables n M SD Interpretation
Age
17-19 years old 91 2.65 0.80 Moderate severity
20-22 185 2.76 0.89 Moderate severity
23-25 69 2.68 0.79 Moderate severity
26 and up 21 2.38 0.93 Low severity
Sex
Male 138 2.72 0.87 Moderate severity
Female 204 2.68 0.84 Moderate severity
Prefer not to say 24 2.69 0.91 Moderate severity
Total Family Income
Below Php 10,957.00 134 2.74 0.85 Moderate severity
10, 958.00- 93 2.62 0.881 Moderate severity
21,914.00
21, 915.00- 91 2.62 0.88 Moderate severity
43,828.00
Above 43, 828.00 10 2.57 0.88 Low severity
Educational Course
BSF 15 2.68 1.01 Moderate severity
BSAB 11 2.65 .64 Moderate severity
BSA 19 2.74 .81 Moderate severity
BAELS 21 3.10 .65 Moderate severity
BSBIO 10 2.34 .53 Low severity
BSBA 38 2.53 .82 Low severity
BSHM 22 2.40 .75 Low severity
BSCM 16 2.13 .70 Low severity
BSAIS 16 2.99 .66 Moderate severity
BPA 17 3.12 .51 Moderate severity
BSTM 15 2.57 .53 Low severity
BSCrim 35 2.88 .88 Moderate severity
BPED 7 3.00 .61 Moderate severity
BSED 16 2.91 .69 Moderate severity
BTLED 17 2.88 .75 Moderate severity
BLIS 8 2.53 .92 Moderate severity
BSIS 16 2.83 .85 Moderate severity
BSEMC 7 2.83 .57 Moderate severity
39
BSIT 31 2.55 .89 Low severity
BSN 25 2.46 1.01 Low severity
DM 4 2.55 .19 Low severity
Year Level
1st year 116 2.62 .73 Moderate severity
2nd year 81 2.75 .78 Moderate severity

3rd year 91 2.80 .94 Moderate severity
4th year 78 2.63 .76 Moderate severity
As a whole 366 2.69 0.80 Moderate severity
Note: 4.21-5.00=Very High, 3.21-4.20=High, 2.61-3.20=Moderate, 1.81-2.60=Low, 1.00-1.80=Very
Low
Table 5 above presents the extent of perceived
severity of self-medication practice among
college in Negros Occidental. As a whole, it shows that
there is a “moderate severity” of respondents
practicing self-medication with a mean of 2.69. This is
backed up by the research study conducted by Alves et
al. suggesting that over half of the respondents
perceive their self-medication practice as moderate and
have favorable attitudes about it. This implies that a
huge number of undergraduate students from Northern
Negros State College of Science and Technology are
still at risk for irrational self- medication that
could give rise to a health emergency.
In terms of being grouped according to the
demographic profile (age), respondents from ages 20-22
(2.76) have the highest mean, categorizing their
perceived severity as "Moderate". It is supported by

40
the study conducted by Alves et al. in Portugal,
suggesting that 20-22-year-old students perceive their
self- medication practice as moderately severe
especially during symptoms of common cold.
When grouped according to sex, males (2.72) have
the highest mean, classifying it under the "Moderate"
category. As for the sex, the notion that males perceive
the severity of their self-medication practice as medium
is supported by the study conducted by Ullah et al. in
the University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan, wherein
males believe that the severity of their self-medication
is average, since they only do so when needed.
When grouped according to the total family income,
those that have below Php 10,957.00 (2.74) have the
highest mean, and are classified under the "Moderate"
category. The research study conducted by Chang et al.
supports the claim that low income families tend to self-
medicate moderately, since in their results, it is the
middle-class that self-medicates more.
When grouped according to educational courses, BAELS
has the highest mean of 3.10, and is still classified
under the "Moderate" category. In terms of year level,
third year undergraduate students of NONESCOST have the
highest mean (2.80), which is categorized under the
"Moderate" group. Whereas, the outcome of this research
41
study contradicts the one conducted by Kasulkar and
Gupta, which stated that senior students taking up
medical-related courses are the ones that self-medicates
the most.
The implication of this finding suggests that
undergraduate students in Northern Negros Stage College
of Science in Technology ages 20-22 years old, male,
those with a total family income of below 10,957.00, is
currently taking up BAELS, and the 3rd year students
believe that they have a moderate severity of self-
medication practice. Respondents who fall under this
category recognize that self-medication can be beneficial
in certain cases, such as managing common cold symptoms
or minor pain relief. However, they also acknowledge the
potential dangers associated with self-diagnosis and
self-treatment, especially when it comes to more serious
or chronic conditions.
Table 6
The most common complaints of self-medication in the last
three months among undergraduate students who experienced
flu in one state college in Negros Occidental.

Headache 331 90.4
Fever 274 74.9
Cough 307 83.9
Stuffy/Runny nose 317 86.6
Body pain/Muscle pain 296 80.9
42
Table 6 presents the common complaints of self-
medication in the last three months among undergraduate
Negros Occidental.
Result shows that headache (90.4%), Stuffy/Runny
nose (86.6%), and cough (83.9%) are the three most common
complaints of respondents in the last three months. Fever
(74.9%) has the least common complaint manifested by the
respondents in the last three months. This is supported
by Araia et al. in 2019 in their cross-sectional study of
self-medication practice among students of Asmara College
of Health Sciences. They found out that headache is the
most common complaint related to self-medication
practice. However, this is contradicted by the findings
of Dos Santos et al. in 2018 in their study of self-
medication among participants of an open university. They
found out that the most commonly reported self-medication
symptoms were muscle pain and joint pain.
Table 7
Extent of undergraduate students who experienced flu in
one state college in Negros Occidental are reading the
label before self-medicating.

Not at all 17 4.6
Rarely 38 10.4
Sometimes 67 18.3
Often 71 19.4
All the time 173 47.3
Total 43366 100
Table 7 presents the extent of undergraduate
Negros Occidental are reading the label before self-
medicating.
Result shows that out of 366 respondents, 47.3% of
them always read the drug’s label before self-medicating,
followed by 4.6% of them, are not reading the label at
all. This is supported by Kasulka & Gupta (2015) in their
study of self-medication practices among medical students
of a private institute. They found out that the majority
of their respondents (79.1%) read package inserts and
labels and followed the instructions written on them.
Table 8
Extent of Perceived Susceptibility of Self Medication
Practice as a whole and when grouped according to Age,
Sex, Total Family Income, Educational Course, Year Level.
Age
17-19 years old 91 3.04 0.80 Moderate susceptibility

26 and up 21 3.21 0.93 High susceptibility
44
Sex
Male 138 3.09 0.87 Moderate susceptibility

BSCrim 35 3.14 1.01 Moderate susceptibility
Female 204 3.09 0.84 Moderate susceptibility
BPED 7 3.95 0.41 High susceptibility
Prefer not to say 24 3.16 0.91 Moderate susceptibility
BSED 16 3.66 0.66 High susceptibility
Total Family Income
BTLED 17 3.47 0.74 High susceptibility
Below Php 134 3.14 0.85 Moderate susceptibility
BLIS
10,957.00 8 2.79 0.40 Moderate susceptibility
BSIS
10, 958.00- 16
93 2.66
3.18 1.16
0.881 Moderate
Moderate susceptibility
susceptibility
Note: 4.21- BSEMC
21,914.00 7 3.19 0.67 Moderate susceptibility
5.00=Very
BSIT915.00-
21, 31
91 2.66
2.87 0.84
0.88 Moderate susceptibility
High, 3.21- 43,828.00
BSN 25 3.11 0.83 Moderate susceptibility
4.20=High,
Above 43, 828.00 10 2.79 0.88 Moderate susceptibility
2.61- DM 4 2.88 0.85 Moderate susceptibility
Year Level
Educational Course
1 year
BSF
st 116
15 2.94
2.99 0.85
2 year
BSAB
nd 81
11 3.04
3.41 0.87
0.75 Moderate High
susceptibility
3 year
BSA
rd 91
19 3.26
3.11 0.85
0.57 High susceptibility
4 year
BAELS
th 78
21 3.22
3.17 0.85
0.57 High susceptibility
As a whole
BSBIO 366
10 3.10
2.95 0.85
BSBA 38 2.54 0.59 Low susceptibility
BSHM 22 2.70 0.87 Moderate susceptibility
BSCM 16 3.50 0.63 High susceptibility
BSAIS 16 3.80 0.61 High susceptibility
BPA 17 3.50 0.80 High susceptibility

BSTM 15 3.36 0.55 High susceptibility
3.20=Moderate, 1.81-2.60=Low, 1.00-1.80=Very Low
Table 8 presents the extent of the perceived susceptibility
of self-medication among undergraduate students who experienced
flu in one state college in Negros Occidental.
As a whole, it shows that there is a “moderate
susceptibility” of respondents practicing self-
45
medication with a mean of 3.10. It implies that only
some of them have the awareness of possible risk and
development of illness.
When grouped according to age, 26 years old and up
has the highest mean which is 3.21 categorizing their
perceived susceptibility as “High”. This is supported by
Chen et al. (2022) on their study of knowledge,
perceived beliefs, and perceived behaviors of older
adults. They found out that older people are especially
susceptible to infectious disease due to decreasing
immunity.
When grouped according to sex, those respondents
who prefer not to say their sex have the highest mean
which is 3.16 categorizing their perceived
susceptibility as “Moderate”. This is contraindicated by
Leone et al. (2016) on their study of development and
testing of a conceptual model regarding men’s access to
health care.
They found out men often experience excessive morbidity
and early mortality than women because of gender norms
and masculinity that results in their poor access to
health care.
When grouped according to family income, Php
10,958.00- 21, 914.00 has the highest mean which is 3.18
categorizing their perceived susceptibility as
46
“Moderate”. This is supported by Camacho et al. (2020)
on their study of the effect of income and perception of
susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. They found out
that there is a socioeconomic gradient for morbidity
rates in people who have low income.
When grouped according to educational courses,
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (BPED) has the
highest mean which is 3.48 categorizing their perceived
susceptibility as “High”.
When grouped according to year level, third year
level has the highest mean which is 3.26 categorizing
their perceived susceptibility as “High”. These are
contraindicated by VCU Center on Society and Health
(2015). According to them, students regardless of their
year level and educational course, share an equal chance
in having illness that might be caused by their poor
health.
Table 9
Most common medications used by undergraduate students in one
state college in Negros Occidental when symptoms of common flu
emerge.
Analgesics 265 72.4

Antipyretics 348 95.1
Decongestants 47 318 86.9
Antitussives/expectorants 269 73.5
Vitamins 326 89.1
Table 9 presents the most common medications used
by undergraduate students who experienced flu in one
state college in Negros Occidental.
Result shows that Antipyretics (95.1%), Vitamins
(89.1%), and Decongestants (86.9%) are the three most
common medications used by the respondents when common
flu symptoms emerge, followed by Analgesics (72.4%)
being the least common medications used by the
respondents. This is supported by Khan et al. in 2021 in
their study of self-medication among healthcare students
at Najran University. They found out that the most
commonly practiced medicine were vitamins and
supplements (20.2%), Antipyretic (12.7%), and cough
syrup which garnered 10.8% in their total number of
respondents. They also found out that decongestants are
one of the most common drugs used in self-medication.
Table 10
Extent of Perceived Benefits of Self Medication Practice
Family Income, Educational Course, Year Level
Age
17-19 years old 91 3.02 0.84 Moderate benefits
20-22 185 3.05 0.98 Moderate benefits
23-25 69 2.83 0.81 Moderate benefits
26 and up 21 2.74 1.04 Moderate benefits
48
Sex
Male 138 2.88 0.85 Moderate benefits
Female 204 3.04 0.94 Moderate benefits
Prefer not to say 24 3.10 1.09 Moderate benefits
Total Family Income

Below Php 10, 134 2.96 0.90 Moderate benefits
957.00
21, 915.00-43, 91 3.03 1.01 Moderate benefits
10, 958.00-21, 93 3.07 0.91 Moderate benefits
828.00
914.00
Note: 4.21-
5.00=Very Above 43, 828.00 10 2.82 1.04 Moderate benefits
High, 3.21-
4.20=High, Educational Course
2.61-
BSF 15 3.03 0.97 Moderate benefits
BSAB 11 3.13 0.90 Moderate benefits
BSA 19 3.24 0.89 Moderate benefits
BAELS 21 2.98 0.83 Moderate benefits
BSBIO 10 3.35 1.08 Moderate benefits
BSBA 38 2.74 0.76 Moderate benefits
BSHM 22 2.5 0.93 Moderate benefits
BSCM 16 2.69 0.63 Moderate benefits
BSAIS 16 3.22 0.66 Moderate benefits
BPA 17 3.41 0.75 Moderate benefits
BSTM 15 2.83 0.77 Moderate benefits
BSCrim 35 2.91 0.97 Moderate benefits
BPED 7 2.79 0.57 Moderate benefits
BSED 16 3.25 0.80 Moderate benefits
BTLED 17 3.41 0.69 Moderate benefits
BLIS 8 2.81 0.75 Moderate benefits
BSIS 16 2.63 10.24 Moderate benefits
BSEMC 7 3.07 0.61 Moderate benefits
BSIT 31 2.42 0.93 Moderate benefits
BSN 25 3.64 0.97 Moderate benefits
DM 4 4.13 0.85 High benefits
Year Level
1 st year 116 2.93 0.93 Moderate benefits
2 nd year 81 2.99 0.79 Moderate benefits
3 rd year 91 49
3.18 0.96 Moderate benefits
4 th year 78 2.83 0.95 Moderate benefits
As a whole 366 2.98 0.92 Moderate benefits

Table 10 presents the extent of perceived benefits
of self-medication among undergraduate students who
Occidental.
As a whole, the findings show that there is a
“moderate benefit” of respondents practicing self-
medication with a mean of 2.98. It implies that the
majority acknowledge both beneficial and harmful effects
of self-medication.
In terms of being grouped according to age, wherein
the age group 26 and up (3.05) have the highest mean,
categorizing their perceived benefits as “Moderate”. This
was supported by a study conducted by Awad, A., et. al.
(2007), wherein they showed that self-medication was
significantly more common among students 21 years of age
or older compared with those 20 years of age or younger.
When grouped according to their sex, females have
the highest mean of 3.04 which falls under the
“Moderate” category. This is supported by the study
conducted by Kersnik, et. al. (2012), women self-
medicate more frequently than males. Women are known to
play the most significant role in the family when it
comes to managing the health issues of family members,
in addition to taking care of themselves. They also use
50
health services more frequently than males do. In
pharmacies, female students were more likely than male
students to purchase medications for self-medication.
Even in young individuals like students who self-
medicate, gender appears to be a significant
determinant.
When grouped according to family 10,958.00-21,914.00
has the highest mean of 3.07 among other groups and is
classified under the “Moderate” category. This is
supported by a study conducted by Zeru, et. al. (2020)
showed that respondents with greater monthly incomes were
less likely to self-medicate than those with lower
incomes.
When grouped according to educational courses,
Diploma in Midwifery (DM) has the highest mean of 4.13
and categorized under “High”. This is supported by a
study conducted by Alshogran, et.al., (2018), which
states that self-medication was substantially more
prevalent among medical students than non-medical
students. However, compared to medical students (47.6%),
non-medical students were more likely to self-medicate
with anti-flu medications (60.2%).
When grouped according to year level, it was
identified that third year students have the highest
mean of 3.18 and categorized as “Moderate” This is
51
opposed to a study conducted by Tesfamariam, et. al.,
(2019), which states that with an increased level of
education, there is a reduction in the odds of risky
practice in self- medication.
52
Table 11
Common reasons why undergraduate students who
Occidental practice self-medication.

Long distance to the health facility 299 81.7
Mildness of the problem 342 93.4
High consultation fees 310 84.7
Fear of visiting hospitals/clinics 217 59.3
Emergency use/quick relief 335 91.5
Unavailability of health services 269 73.5
Table 11 above shows the common reasons why
college in Negros Occidental practice self-medication.
Mildness of the problem (93.4%), Emergency use/Quick
relief (91.5%), and High consultation fees (84.7%) are
the most common reasons why the respondents practice
self-medication, while the fear of visiting
hospitals/clinics is the least common reason in
practicing self-medication.
This is supported by the study entitled Knowledge,
Attitude and Practice of Self Medication among Pharmacy
Students of Rift Valley University, Abichu Campus, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia conducted by Beyene et al. in 2017
wherein non-seriousness, quick relief, and emergency use
are the three main reasons for self-medication
accounting for 81.3%, 70.3%, and 45.8% respectively. It
also supports the study conducted by It also supports
the study conducted by Oktarlina et al., the researchers

53
found out that people do self-medication during the
Covid-19 pandemic due to the fear of visiting clinics
that could lead to possible contact or exposure with an
infected patient or contaminated objects. The findings
indicate that the nature of illness, time constraints,
and even fears affects the decision-making of the
undergraduate students from the chosen state college,
especially in their self-medication practice. Further
reinforcement regarding the dangers that the said
practice poses to one’s health must be provided.
Table 12
Extent of self-medication without professional advice in

Not at all 63 17
Rarely 70 19.1
Sometimes 138 38
Often 70 19.1
All the time 25 6.8
Total 366 100
Table 12 above shows the extent of self-medication
without professional advice in undergraduate students
Occidental. This indicates that most of the respondents,
accounting for 38% or 138 total frequency, practice
self-medication without professional advice “Sometimes”.
While 6.8% or 25 out of 366 respondents do so “All the

54
time”.
The results support the study of Bisht et al.
entitled Self Medication Practices among Youngsters: A
Global Health Concern, wherein 77% of study subjects
consume self-medications occasionally. It indicates that
the majority of the undergraduate students of the said
state college are at an increased risk for severe
medical complications due to misusing or overusing
medications.
Table 13
Primary sources of information of self-medication in

Internet/Social media 295 80.6
TV and radio commercials 298 81.4
Based on my: 343 93.7
peers/colleagues/families’ advice
My cultural/religious beliefs 242 66.1
Table 13 above shows the primary sources of
information of self-medication in undergraduate students
Occidental. Based on my peers/colleagues/families’
advice (93.7%) is the primary source of information as
to how respondents lead to practice self-medication. The
cultural/religious beliefs (66.1%) is the least primary
source of information.
55
This contradicts the study conducted by Nusair et
al. which stated that the Pharmacists are the
respondents’ primary source of information when self-
medicating. This simply implies that the undergraduate
students of the chosen state college must be given
further health education regarding their unsafe
practice. Reinforcement regarding the importance of
seeing a licensed physician and expert on the specific
field of healthcare, must be provided.
Table 14
Age
17-19 years old 91 3.15 0.84 Moderate barrier
20-22 185 3.14 0.98 Moderate barrier
23-25 69 3.30 0.81 High barrier
26 and up 21 3.16 1.04 Moderate barrier
Extent of Perceived Barrier of Self Medication Practice
Family Income, Educational Course, Year Level.
Sex
Male 138 3.31 0.85 High barrier
Female 204 3.05 0.94 Moderate barrier
Prefer not to say 24 3.35 1.09 High barrier
Total Family Income
Below Php 10, 957.00 134 3.24 0.85 High barrier
56
10, 958.00-21,914.00 93 3.17 0.71 Moderate barrier
21, 915.00-43,828.00 91 3.04 0.75 Moderate barrier
Above 43, 828.00 10 2.72 0.89 Moderate barrier
Educational Course
BSF 15 2.99 0.94 Moderate barrier
BSAB 11 3.12 0.50 Moderate barrier
BSA 19 3.09 0.72 Moderate barrier
BAELS 21 3.23 0.55 Moderate barrier
BSBIO 10 2.99 0.81 Moderate barrier
BSBA 38 2.92 0.65 Moderate barrier
BSHM 22 3.42 0.68 High barrier
BSCM 16 3.62 0.48 High barrier
BSAIS 16 3.88 0.61 High barrier
BPA 17 3.79 0.79 High barrier
BSTM 15 3.39 0.85 High barrier
BSCrim 35 3.03 0.98 Moderate barrier
BPED 7 3.71 0.52 High barrier
BSED 16 3.34 0.95 High barrier
BTLED 17 3.60 0.83 High barrier
BLIS 8 2.63 0.62 Moderate barrier
BSIS 16 3.09 0.96 Moderate barrier
BSEMC 7 3.37 0.34 High barrier
BSIT 31 2.85 0.84 Moderate barrier
BSN 25 2.51 0.64 Low barrier
DM 4 3.00 0.29 Moderate barrier
Year Level
1 st year 116 3.02 0.79 Moderate barrier
2 nd year 81 3.22 0.76 High barrier
3 rd year 91 3.17 0.91 Moderate barrier
4 th year 78 3.33 0.79 High barrier
As a whole 366 3.17 0.82 Moderate barrier

Note: 4.21-5.00=Very High, 3.21-4.20=High, 2.61-3.20=Moderate, 1.81-2.60=Low, 1.00-1.80=Very Low
Table 14 above presents the extent of perceived
57
barrier of self-medication among undergraduate students
Occidental.
As a whole, this finding shows that there is a
“moderate barrier” with a mean of 3.17. It implies that
more than half of the population of undergraduate
students perceive the barriers as medium level of extent.
In terms of being grouped according to age, wherein
the age group of 23-25 years old (3.30) have the highest
mean, categorizing their perceived barriers as
“Moderate”. This is supported by the study of Yasein, et
al. in 2018, that most medical students are youths
between the ages of 15 and 24
with an entitled sense of self-autonomy, leading to self-
help practices. A growing body of evidence in line with
this, suggests that medical students are disinclined to
seek professional help for their health issues and prefer
to self-medicate or seek prescriptions from their peers,
both of which are fraught with risk. This finding also
validates the findings of Sharif et al., which reported
that 72% of Sharjah university students self-medicated
for mild disease.
When grouped according to their sex, the
respondents who prefer not to say their gender have the
highest mean of 3.35 which falls under the “High”
58
category but between the two genders, men and women,
women have the higher mean. This is supported by the
study of Araia et al., sex, as one of the variables,
found to be the independent predictors for self-
medication practice. In this study, results of logistic
regression showed that females were
2.8 times more likely to self-medicate themselves than
males which is parallel to previous studies finding. But
in contrast to this, some studies reported that there
was no significant difference in self-medication
practice between males and females. This gender
difference in self-medication practice could be
explained by the special health conditions such as
menstruation that women face which could be an obvious
complaint with clear measures to take from their point
of view. This is because Flu can happen to any gender.
When grouped according to their total family income,
the group having Below Php 10, 957.00 have the highest
mean of 3.24 which falls under the category of “High”.
This is supported by the study of Muflih et al, high
family income found associated with a decrease in self-
medication practices. Expectedly, the high levels of
poverty and limited health literacy potentially increased
the likelihood of risks associated with non-prescription
medication use. Self-medication was found to be
significantly associated with age and income level. Young
59
and low-income people are inclined to practice due to the
unaffordable consultation fee of doctors and their
attribute to unawareness about the consequences of self -
medication.
When grouped according to their educational course,
it was identified that Bachelor of Public Administration
(BPA) have the highest mean of 3.71 categorized as
“High”. This is supported by the study of Alshogran et.
al. in 2018, that the courses compared to medical
students (47.6%), non-medical students were more likely
to self-medicate with anti-flu medications (60.2%).
When grouped according to their year level, it was
identified that Fourth year students have the highest
mean of 3.33 categorized as “High”. This is supported by
the study of a survey carried out among 1st-year medical
students on self-medication in Bahrain, the results
indicated that these students had insufficient knowledge
and frequent but inadequate practice, despite having a
positive attitude. This is supported by a study of
Gyawali in 2015 and Shankar in 2016, that students
belonging to higher academic year groups scored higher
knowledge levels than those of lower academic year
groups. Other studies do indeed find a correlation
between the year of study and the level of knowledge
about self-medication, which we interpret as indicating
that knowledge increases with the level of education

60
(Gyawali, 2015; Shankar et al., 2016). This emphasizes
the importance of improving the undergraduate curriculum
by providing adequate access to content that deals
specifically, in depth and scientifically with health
knowledge to college students, making it available to
them in a generalized manner, as accessible as possible.
Table 15.1
Relationship between the extent of perceived severity and
the extent of self-medication practice
Variable r df p
Extent of x Extent of Practice 0.642 364 0.000*

Perceived of Self-Medication
Severity
Note: the relationship is significant when p<0.05
The study utilized the Spearman Rho rank test to
evaluate the existence of a significant correlation
between the extent of perceived severity and the extent
of Self-Medication practice among the respondents. The
results showed a significant relationship between the
extent of perceived severity and the extent of self-
medication practice among the respondents, with a p-
value of 0.000*. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a
strong positive linear relationship between perceived
severity and the extent of self-medication practice
medicine among the respondents.
61
Table 15.2
Relationship between the extent of perceived
susceptibility and the extent of Self-Medication
practice.
Variable r df p
Extent of x Extent of 0.706 364 0.000*

Perceived Practice of
Susceptibility Self-Medication
between the extent of perceived susceptibility and the
extent of Self-Medication practice among the respondents.
The results showed a significant relationship between the
extent of perceived susceptibility and the extent of
self-medication practice medicine among the respondents,
with a p-value of 0.000*. Furthermore, the analysis
revealed a strong positive linear relationship between
perceived susceptibility and the extent of self-
medication practice medicine among the respondents.
62
Table 15.3
Relationship between the extent of perceived benefits and
extent of Self-medication practice.
Variable r df p
Extent of x Extent of 0.434 364 0.000*
Perceived Practice of
Benefit Self-
Medication
between the extent of perceived benefits and the extent
of practice of Self-Medication among the respondents. The
results showed a significant relationship between the
extent of perceived benefits and the extent of self-
medication practice among the respondents, with a p-value
of 0.000*. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a moderate
positive linear relationship between perceived benefits
and the extent of self-medication practice medicine among
the respondents.
63
Table 15.4
Relationship between the extent perceived barrier and the extent
of Self-medication practice.
Variable r df p
Extent of x Extent of Practice 0.875 364 0.000*
Perceived of Self-Medication
Barrier
between the extent of perceived barriers and the extent
of practice of Self-Medication among the respondents. The
results imply that there is a significant relationship
between the extent of perceived barrier and the extent of
self-medication practice among the respondents, with a p-
value of 0.000*. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a
strong positive linear relationship between perceived
barriers and the extent of self-medication practice
medicine among the respondents.
64
Table 16
Extent of Self Medication Practice as a whole and when
grouped according to Age, Sex, Total Family Income,
Educational Course, Year Level.
Note: 4.21- Age
5.00=Very
High, 3.21- 17-19 years old 91 2.88 0.59 Moderate extent
4.20=High,
2.61- 20-22 185 2.93 0.65 Moderate extent
23-25 69 2.98 0.58 Moderate extent
26 and up 21 2.88 0.74 Moderate extent
Sex
Total Family Income
Male
Below Php 10, 957.00 138
134 2.99
2.95 0.63
0.66 Moderate
Moderate extent
extent
Female
10, 958.00-21, 914.00 204
93 2.87
2.94 0.61
0.53 Moderate extent
Moderate extent
Prefer not to say
21, 915.00-43, 828.00 24
91 3.03
2.88 0.72
0.55 Moderate
Moderate extent
extent
Above 43, 828.00 10 2.63 0.71 Moderate extent
Educational Course
BSF 15 2.74 0.72 Moderate extent
BSAB 11 2.96 0.51 Moderate extent
BSA 19 2.92 0.46 Moderate extent
BAELS 21 3.05 0.33 Moderate extent
BSBIO 10 2.69 0.55 Moderate extent
BSBA 38 2.68 0.54 Moderate extent
BSHM 22 2.90 0.46 Moderate extent
BSCM 16 3.15 0.38 Moderate extent
BSAIS 16 3.47 0.41 Moderate extent
BPA 17 3.35 0.61 High extent
BSTM 15 3.03 0.60 Moderate extent
BSCrim 35 2.87 0.83 Moderate extent
BPED 7 3.48 0.41 High extent
BSED 16 3.23 0.69 High extent
BTLED 17 3.20 0.58 Moderate extent
BLIS 8 2.56 0.54 Low extent
BSIS 16 2.75 0.78 Moderate extent
BSEMC 7 3.09 0.16 Moderate extent
BSIT 31 2.59 0.66 Low extent
BSN 25 2.68 0.56 Moderate extent
DM 4 2.90 0.29 Moderate extent
Year Level
1st year 116 2.78 0.63 Moderate extent
2nd year 81 2.94 0.55 Moderate extent
3rd year 91 65
3.02 0.67 Moderate extent
4th year 78 2.99 0.62 Moderate extent
As a whole 366 2.92 0.63 Moderate extent

Table 16 above shows the extent of the self-
medication practices among the undergraduate students of
the one state college in Negros Occidental.
As a whole, with a mean of 2.92, the self-medication
practices of the respondents, falls under the “Moderate”
category. This is supported by the review of literature
created by Almasdy and Shariff stating that self-
medication practice with non-prescription medication is
highly prevalent among university students, which is done
whenever they have fever, flu, cough, or cold. This
indicates that undergraduate students are somehow aware
of the possible complications that could arise with the
persistence of the practice.
When grouped according to age, 23-25 years old has
the highest mean which is 2.98, categorizing the extent
of their self-medication practice as “Moderate”. This is
contradicted by the study of Chen et al. (2022) implying
that older people are practicing self-medication more due
to their increased susceptibility to infectious disease
caused by a deteriorating immune system.
When grouped according to sex, it was identified
that the respondents who do not prefer to disclose their
sex, have the highest mean (3.03) and are categorized
under the “Moderate” group. This is contradicted by the

66
result of the research study conducted by Nair et al.
since it was found out that 85.59% or 101 male
students, out of 118 were involved in moderate self-
medication, especially when flu symptoms are experienced.
When grouped in terms of total family income, those
with below Php 10,957.00 have the highest mean of 2.95,
and fall under the “Moderate” category. The finding is
backed by the study of Camacho et al. (2020) wherein the
results of their study showed the presence of
socioeconomic gradient for morbidity rates in people who
have low income. The study entitled “Socioeconomic
differences in self- medication among middle-aged and
older people: data from the China health and retirement
longitudinal study” also supports the result, since it
was found out that the middle- class are the ones who
self-medicate more, when prescription and non-
prescription medications are combined.
When grouped according to the educational course,
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education has the highest
mean (3.48), and is classified in the “High” category. In
terms of year level, the third year has the highest mean
which is 3.02, and is classified under the “Moderate"
category. Whereas, the outcome of this research study
contradicts the one conducted by Kasulkar and Gupta,
which stated that senior students taking up medical-
67
related courses are the ones that self-medicates the
most.
The findings of this study implies that the
undergraduate students of one state college performs
self-medication at a moderate manner, but despite this,
there is still a need to educate them regarding the risks
that it poses to their general health and well-being, and
further reinforcement must be provided as to why visiting
registered physicians is still the best option when
someone is ill.
68
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary of the Study
The main purpose of this study was to determine the
self-medication practice among undergraduate students
Occidental.
Results showed that most respondents (35.5%) self-
medicate sometimes, approximately three times a week. The
three most common complaints of the respondents why they are
self-medicating are headache (90.4%), Stuffy/Runny nose
(86.6%), and cough (83.9%). Most commonly used drugs are
Antipyretics (95.1%), Vitamins (89.1%), and Decongestants
(86.9%). It also showed that out of 366 respondents, 173 of
them always read the label of the medication before
administering it to themselves and 17 of them don’t read drug
labels at all. 38% of the respondents sometimes ask for
professional help in treating illnesses and only 6.8% of them
always do professional consultation before taking drugs. The
reasons for their self-medication practice are mildness of the
problem (93.4%), emergency use/quick relief (91.5%), and high
consultation fees (84.7%). The self-medication practice of the
respondents is mostly influenced by the advice of their peers,
colleagues, and family (93.7%), Tv/radio commercials (81.4%),
and Internet/Social media (80.6%).
69
The extent of perceived severity of their self-
medication practice as a whole, was identified as a
“moderate severity” with the result of 2.69. The extent
of perceived susceptibility of their self-medication
practice as a whole, was identified as a “moderate
susceptibility” with the result of 3.19. Moreover, the
extent of perceived benefits of their self-medication
practice as a whole appeared to have “moderate benefits”
with the result of 2.98. Furthermore, the results showed
that the extent of perceived barriers among undergraduate
students as a whole, was identified as a “moderate
severity” with a score of 3.17.
In the extent of self-medication practices among
of Science and Technology, it was identified as “moderate
extent” with a score of 2.02. Age is one of the important
determinants in the practice of self-medication. When
grouped according to age, 23-25 years old has the higher
levels of self-medication practice compared to 17-19
years old while the age group 26 and above appears to be
the lowest. Sex is also an important determinant in the
practice of self-medication, it was identified that the
respondents who prefer not to disclose their sex have
higher levels of self-medication practice compared to
females who are the lowest.
70
Family income also plays an important role in the
self-medication practices of individuals. Students from
low-income families, below Php 10,957.00, appear to be
more likely to practice self-medication. In terms of
educational courses, Bachelor of Science in Physical
Education has a higher tendency to self-medicate. For the
level of education, it also plays an important role as an
influential factor of self-medication practices. When
grouped according to year level, third year students
appeared to have a higher extent of self-medication
practices compared to 1st years that appears to have the
lower risk to practice self-medication.
Conclusions
On the basis of the research findings, the majority
of the respondents have an age that ranges from 20-22
years old, female, have a low family income of below Php
10,957.00, from Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration, and are Third year students. The
respondents have a moderate level of perceived
susceptibility with a mean of 3.10, perceived severity
with a mean of 2.69, perceived benefits
with a mean of 2.98, perceived barrier as a whole with a
mean of 3.17.
Results showed that there are significant
relationships between the extent of perceived
susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits,

71
perceived barrier, and the extent of self-medication
practice among undergraduate students who experienced flu
in one state college in Negros Occidental with a p value
of 0.000*.
Results implied that the respondents self-medicate
sometimes, approximately three times a week. The three
most common complaints of the respondents why they are
self-medicating are headache, fever, and body pain and
commonly use vitamins, antipyretics, and decongestants to
make them feel better and to prevent the sickness from
coming back. It also showed that most respondents are
aware and have a knowledge of what kind of drugs they
will take and its purpose because they always read the
label of the medication before they administer it to
themselves. They sometimes ask for professional help in
treating illness but most of the time they self-medicate
because of the quick relief they will feel after taking
over-the-counter drugs, mildness of the problem that
makes it unnecessary for them to go to clinics or
hospitals for consultation, and high consultation fees.
Respondents are mostly influenced to self-medicate by the
advice of their peers, colleagues, and family. TV/radio
commercials and social media also played an important
role in their self-medication.
72
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following
recommendations are set forth:
Chosen State College. The researchers recommend that the
academe must create an educational health program that
teaches students the potential risks/problems of
inappropriate self- medication.
School clinic. The researchers recommend that the
school clinic of the chosen state college should be
informed on the self-medication practices of the
students.
Students. The researchers recommend that the students
must seek proper consultation to the clinic when they
are ill.
Parents. The researchers recommend that the parents must
be vigilant to every medication that their children take.
Future Researchers. The researchers recommend that a
further quantitative study exploring and comparing the
significant difference of self-medication practices
between medical and non-medical sectors at a state
college in Negros. Implications of the awareness and
education between two sectors regarding the self-
medication practices can be useful in future.
73
REFERENCES
Agawar, P. (2020). Use of internet for practice of
self-medication- Are we heading towards an era of
internet-pharmacy. Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil
Vidyapeeth. 14. Retrieved from 10.4103/mjdrdypu.
mjdrdypu_242_20.
Alsaad, H.A.; Almahdi, J.S.; Alsalameen, N.A.; et al.
(2022). Assessment of self-medication practice and
the potential to use a mobile app to ensure safe
and effective self-medication among the public in
Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.
1016/j.jsps.2022.05.010
Alshammari, F.; et al. (2021). University Students'
Self-Medication Practices and Pharmacists' Role: A
Cross-Sectional Survey in Hail, Saudi Arabia.
Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/
articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.779107/full
Alshogran, O. Y., Alzoubi, K. H., Khabour, O. F., &
Farah, S. (2018). Patterns of self-medication among
medical and nonmedical University students in
Jordan. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 11,
169–176. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2147/
RMHP.S170181
74
Araia, Z. Z., Gebregziabher, N. K., & Mesfun, A. B.
(2019). Self-medication practice and associated
factors among students of Asmara College of Health
Sciences, Eritrea: A cross sectional study. Journal
of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 12(1), 3.
Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-
019-0165-2
Arquilla. (2021). Definition of Sex. Retrieved from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sex
Ayeni, A.W. (2014). Empirics of Standard Deviation.
Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/264276808_Empirics_of_Standard_Deviatio n
Bevans, R. (2020). An Introduction to t Tests. Retrieved
from https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/t-test/#:~:
text=A%20t%20test%20is%20aare%20different%20from%20o
ne%20another.
Beyene, A. et al. (2017). Knowledge, Attitude and
Practice of Self Medication among Pharmacy Students
of Rift Valley University, Abichu Campus, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of Health Medicine and
Informatics. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semantic
scholar.org/
a1e8/8757ce7affac3a7571669390267b65eaa6d8.pdf?
fbclid=IwAR12vl8wgaUBDzhDalSvKc08ZNdT6CdcM1VkRMKrKXH
75
cRPmcQS3iJ4szlwg
Bhandari, P. (2020). What is the Mean. Retrieved from
https://www.scribbr.com/author/pritha/page/5/#:~:tex
t=The%20mean%20(aka%20the%20arithmetic,to%20as%20the
%20%E2%80%9Caverage.%E2%80%9D
Biggers. (2018). Definition of Medicine. Retrieved from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medicine
Bisht, B., Kaur, M., & Kaur, N. (2021). Self-Medication
Practices among Youngsters: A Global Health
Concern. Medico-legal Update. Retrieved from
https://ijop.net/index.php/mlu/article/download/238
7/2087/4634
Boskey, E. Ph.D. (2020). Health Belief Model. Retrieved
from https://www.verywellmind.com/health-belief
-model-3132721
Dos Santos, A.N.M., De Borja-Oliveira, C. R., &
Nogueira, D.R.C. (2018). Self-medication among
participants of an Open University of the Third Age
and associated factors. Retrieved from https://www.
redalyc.org/journal/4038/403856825005/html/?
fbclid=IwAR2DCEbU6kUvZtforwZBmSYgbKZo4yYjwSlcKZWc0h
SfACj4YG3pOwA8V8E.
Helal, R. M. ,Abou-ElWafa, H. S. (2017). Self-Medication

76
in University Students from the City of Mansoura,
Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/28479921/
James, D.H., French, D.P. (2008). The development of the
Self-Medicating Scale (SMS): a scale to measure
people’s beliefs about self-medication. Pharm World
Sci 30, 794–800. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.
1007/s11096-008-9227-2
Jasim, A.L., Fadhil, T.A., & Taher, S.S. (2014). Self-
Medication Practice among Iraqi Patients in
Baghdad City. Science and Education Publishing.
Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/pub
lication/
270608542_Self_Medication_Practice_among_Iraqi_Pa
tients_in_Baghdad_City
Kasulkar, A. A., & Gupta, M. (2015). Self-Medication
Practices among Medical Students of a Private
Institute. Indian journal of pharmaceutical
sciences, 77(2), 178–182. Retrieved from https://
doi.org/10.4103/0250-474x.156569
Khan, N.A.; Memon, M.Q.; Naseer, M.; Rani, K. (2014).
Self-medication among medical and non-medical
students. Retrieved from https://www.research
gate.net/publication/275654136_Self-medication_
77
among_medical_and_non-medical_students
Khan, S.D. et al. (2021). Data on self-medication among
healthcare students at Najran University, KSA.
Bioinformation, 17(5), 599–607. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.6026/97320630017599
Klemenc-Ketiš, Z. Hladnik, Z. & Kersnik, J. (2014). A
cross sectional study of sex differences in self-
medication practices among university students in
Slovenia. Collegium antropologicum. 35. 329-34.
Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publi
cation/51491589_A_cross_sectional_study_of_sex_diffe
rences_in_selfmedication_practices_among_university_
students_in_Slovenia.
Manikandan, S. (2014). Frequency distribution. Retrieved
from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles
/PMC3117575/?fbclid=IwAR3dSqutcJQQTuhzeR78on-
QOD8uHH5rVlk67CAHFUiYgZ6XskGXST348G4# ffn_sectitle
Mannasaheb, B.A.; Alajlan, S.A.; Alshahrani, J.A.;et. al.
(2022). Prevalence, Predictors and Point of View
Toward Self-Medication Among Residents of Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Retrieved
from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389
/fpubh.2022.862301/full
78
Mekoth, N., Parulekar, M., & Parulekar, A. (2016). Self-
medication in developing countries a systematic
review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology,
Research and Management. Retrieved from http://irgu.
unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/4804.
More, B. (2016). Overview of Medicine- Its Importance
and Impact. DJ International Journal Medical
Research, 1, 1–8. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.
18831/djmed.org/2016011001
Muflih SM, et al. (2022), The impact of health literacy
on self-medication: a cross-sectional outpatient
study, Journal of Public Health. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdaa188
Murungi, C.G. & Gitonga, R.K. (2015). Active Learning
with Technology Tools in the Blended/Hybrid
Classes. Retrieved from https://www.igi-
global.com/chapter
/active-learning-with-technology-tools-in-the-
blendedhybrid-classes/128054
Nusair, M. B. et al. (2020). The prevalence and
patterns of self-medication with antibiotics
in Jordan: A community-based study. The
International Journal of Clinical Practice.
Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.13
79
665.
Oktarlina, R.Z. et al. (2022). Differences of Self-
Medication-Related Behavior among Medical
Students before and during the COVID-19
Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.wseas.
com/journals/ead/2022/a705115-745.pdf
Pisuena. (2022). Definition of NONESCOST. Retrieved from
https://nonescost.edu.ph/?fbclid=IwAR0XqUJ3gZBMXxy7b
PPiENjzL5lcDy4S9RSRKrdCT3hfNC31SPQEtvpQSNQ#:~:text=N
ONESCOST%20%2D%20Northern%20Negros%20State%20College
,College%20in%20Northern%20Negros%20Philippines
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Definition of
Family Income. Retrieved from
https://psa.gov.ph/co ntent/family-income
Qualtrics. (2022). What is ANOVA (Analysis Of
Variance) and what can I use it for?. Retrieved
from https://www.qualtrics.com/au/experience-
management/research/anova/
Seam, M. O. R., Bhatta, R., Saha, B. L., Das, A.,
Hossain, M. M., Uddin, S. M. N., Karmakar, P.,
Choudhuri, M. S. K., & Sattar, M. M. (2018).
Assessing the Perceptions and Practice of Self-
Medication among Bangladeshi Undergraduate Pharmacy
Students. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 6(1), 6.

80
Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3390/
pharmacy6010006
Siedlecki, S. L. (2020). Understanding Descriptive
Research Designs and Methods. Clinical Nurse
Specialist, 34(1), 8–12. Retrieved from https://doi.
org/10.1097/NUR.0000000000000493
Talking HealthTech.(2020). Definition of Prescription.
Retrieved from https://www.merriamwebster.com/
dictionary/prescription
Tarciuc, P., Stanescu, A. M. A., Diaconu, C.C., Paduraru,
L., Duduciuc, A., & Diaconescu, S. (2020). Patterns
and Factors Associated with Self-Medication among
the Pediatric Population in Romania. Medicina,
56(6), Article 6. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.
3390/medicina56060312
Tesfamariam, S., Anand, I.S., Kaleab, G. et al. (2019).
Self-medication with over-the-counter drugs,
prevalence of risky practice and its associated
factors in pharmacy outlets of Asmara, Eritrea.
BMC Public Health 19, 159. https://doi.org/10.1
186/s12889-019-6470-5
Tesfaye, Z. T., Ergena, A. E., & Yimer, B. T. (2020).

Self-Medication among Medical and Nonmedical
Students at the University of Gondar, Northwest
81
Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Scientifica,
2020, 4021586. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.
1155/2020/4021586
University of Delhi. (2018). Programme Brochure.
Retrieved from http://www.du.ac.in/du/uploads
/Spotlight/22062018_Social-work_syllabus.pdf
UN Recommendations. (2021). Age of person. Retrieved
from https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p3Var.pl?Funct
ion=DEC&Id=25363
Wax. (2019). Definition of Healthcare. Retrieved from
https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/health%20c
are
Yasei nYA, Alghamdi AO, et. al (2018). Assessment of
Self-MedicationPractice Among Undergraduate
Medical Students in The Eastern Region, Saudi
Arabia.
Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publi
cation/359920686_Selfmedication_practices_and_barrie
rs_to_accessing_formal_healthcare_among_undergraduat
e_students_in_a_Nigerian_University
Year level Definition | Law Insider. (n.d.). Retrieved
from https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/year-
82
level
Zar, J.H. (2014). Spearman Rank Correlation: Overview.
In Wiley Stats. Retrieved from https://doi.
org/10.1002/9781118445112.stat05964
Zeb, S., et al. (2022). Self-Medication as an Important
Risk Factor for Antibiotic Resistance: A Multi-
Institutional Survey among Students. Antibiotics
(Basel, Switzerland), 11(7), 842. https:
//doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11070842
Zeru, N., Fetene, D., Geberu, D. M., Melesse, A. W.,
& Atnafu, A. (2020). Self-Medication Practice and
Associated Factors Among University of Gondar
College of Medicine and Health Sciences Students:
A Cross-Sectional Study. Patient Preference and
Adherence, 14, 1779–1790. https://doi.org/10.2147/
PPA.S274634
83
Appendix A
Letter for Validators

Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN NEGROS STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
(034)722-4120/
February 8, 2023
JIREH-MAY GESULGON, RN, MN, LPT

Clinical Instructor
NONESCOST College of
Nursing
Dear Miss
Gesulgon, Warmest
greetings!
We, the BSN-III students of Northern Negros State College of Science

and Technology, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences will be
conducting a research study entitled, "Self-Medication Practices Among
Undergraduate Students who Experienced Flu in One State College in
Negros Occidental."
In line with this, we are humbly asking for your assistance by

validating our modified standard questionnaire using the attached
rating tool. We are hoping for your favorable response.
Thank you and God bless!
Respectfully Yours,
Ely Mae B. Abunin

Shybelle O. Langbid
Frances Precila Rae Q. Mateos
Steffi Andrea D. Panaligan
Researchers
Noted by:
Kristine A. Condes, RN, MN, LPT, PhD
Research Adviser
Roselo A. Ocampo, RN, MAN

Research Coordinator
84
Approved by:
Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM, MN
85
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (03
February 8, 2023
GUEVARRA CLAN S. BAUTISTA, RN, MN

Clinical Instructor
Nursing
Dear Sir Clan,
Warmest greetings!

Negros Occidental."

Respectfully Yours,
Ely Mae B. Abunin

Shybelle O.
Langbid
Researchers
Noted by:
Research Adviser

Research
Approved Coordinator
by:
Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM, 85
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (034)7
February 8, 2023
JONA MARIE PAEZ, RN, RM, MN

Clinical Instructor
Nursing
Dear Miss Paez,
Warmest greetings!

Negros Occidental."

Respectfully Yours,
Ely Mae B. Abunin

Shybelle O.
Langbid
Researchers
Noted by:
Research Adviser
86
Approved by:
87
Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM,
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (03
February 8, 2023
MAGDALENA PATIGAS, RN, MN, LPT

Clinical Instructor
Nursing
Dear Miss
Patigas, Warmest
greetings!

Undergraduate Students Experienc Flu in One State College in Negros
Occidental."

Respectfully Yours,
Ely Mae B. Abunin

Shybelle O.
Langbid
Frances Precila Rae Q.
Mateos Steffi Andrea D.
Panaligan Researchers
Noted by:
Research Adviser
88
Approved by:
Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM, 89
Appendix B
Letter for reliability test

College of Nursing and Allied Health
Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros
Occidental (034)722-4120/
www.nonescost.edu.ph
Letter to Conduct a Reliability Test
March 2, 2023
Maricel L. Desuyo, RN, MN

Registrar, North Negros
College
Dear Ma’am Desuyo,
Greetings!
We, the BSN-III students of Northern Negros State College of Science and
Technology, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences are required to
submit a research study for our Nursing Research II subject. Our study is
entitled "Self-Medication Practices Among Undergraduate Students who
Experienced Flu in One State College in Negros Occidental."
In line with this, we are humbly asking permission from your good office
to allow us to conduct a reliability test of our research instrument, to
30 undergraduate college students from your school, North Negros College.
Rest assured that any information collected will be treated with utmost
confidentiality.
Hoping for your favorable response. Thank you very much and God speed.
Respectfully Yours,
Ely Mae B. Abunin Shybelle O. Langbid
Frances Precila Rae Q. Mateos Steffi Andrea D. Panaligan

Researchers
Noted by:
Kristine A. Condes, RN, MN, LPT, PhD Roselo A. Ocampo, RN, MAN
Research Adviser Research Coordinator
Approved by:
Dean, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences
Registrar, North Negros 88

College
Received and Approved by:
Maricel Desuyo
Registrar, North Negros 88

College
Appendix C
Letter for ethical clearance

Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology College of Nursing and Allied Health Science
Brgy. Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental
(034) 722-4120/
ISO 9001:2015
Certified
February 28, 2023
Ms. Judith S. Rabacal

Research Director,
NONESCOST
Greetings!
We, the students of BSN III of Northern Negros State

College of Science and Technology, College of Nursing and
Allied Health Sciences will be conducting research entitled
“Self-Medication Practices Among Undergraduate Students who
Experienced Flu in One State College in Negros Occidental.”
In relation with this, we are writing to request ethical
clearance for our study entitled “Self-Medication Practices
Among Undergraduate Students who Experienced Flu in One State
College in Negros Occidental.” to proceed with our data
gathering.
Attached herewith are chapters 1-3 of our study. The study
will involve data gathering through survey questionnaires via
google forms sent to the undergraduate students of Northern
Negros State College of Science and Technology.
Rest assured, the study will adhere to ethical guidelines and
the privacy and confidentiality of the participants will be
strictly maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully yours,
ELY MAE B. ABUNIN FRANCES PRECILA RAE Q. MATEOS
SHYBELLE O. LANGBID
STEFFI ANDREA D. PANALIGAN
Researchers
Noted by:
KRISTINE A. CONDES RN, MAN, PhD. ROSELO A. OCAMPO JR.,RN, MAN
Dean, CONAHS
89
Appendix D
Ethical Clearance Certificate
90
Appendix E
Letter for the Dean of each colleges

College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (034)722-4120/
Letter to Conduct a Study
March 27, 2023
AILEEN G. SYPONGOCO, RN, RM, MN

Dean, CONAHS
Dear Ma’am Sypongco,
Greetings!

conducting a research study entitled "Self-Medication Practices Among
Negros Occidental ".
In this regard, we are humbly asking permission from your good office
to conduct our research study to our chosen participants, which are
the three hundred sixty-six (366) officially enrolled undergraduate
students from the eight colleges of Northern Negros State College of
Science and Technology School Year 2022-2023.
We are hoping for a positive response in this request and your

approval is highly appreciated.
Thank you very much and God speed.
Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Kristine A. Condes, RN, MN, LPT, PhD Roselo A. Ocampo, RN,
MAN
Research Adviser Research
Coordinator
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS
91
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occiden

March 27, 2023
QUIRESA MAE C. MONTAÑO, RFT, MFT

Dean, CFAS
Dear Ma’am Montaño,
Greetings!

Negros Occidental ".
Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

QUIRESA MAE C. MONTAÑO, RFT, MFT
Dean, CFAS
92
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidenta

March 27, 2023
RICHEL P. ALOB, Ph.D.

Dean, CBM
Dear Ma’am Alob,
Greetings!

Negros Occidental”.
Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

RICHEL P. ALOB, Ph.D.
Dean, CBM
93
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occident

March 27, 2023
MAE ANN S. TONGOL, Ph.D.

Dean, CAAS
Dear Ma’am Tongol,
Greetings!

Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

MAE ANN S. TONGOL, Ph.D.
Dean, CAAS
94

March 27, 2023
MARY GRACE M. OFQUERIA, Ph.D.

Dean, COED
Dear Ma’am Ofqueria,
Greetings!

Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

MARY GRACE M. OFQUERIA, Ph.D.
Dean, COED
95

March 27, 2023
ANGELO P. ALOB, Ph.D.

Dean, CCJE
Dear Sir Alob,
Greetings!

Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

ANGELO P. ALOB, Ph.D.
Dean, CCJE
96

March 27, 2023
REOPER CEGAYLE, Ph.D.

Dean, CAS
Dear Sir Cegayle,
Greetings!

Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

REOPER CEGAYLE, Ph.D.
Dean, CAS
97

March 27, 2023
KRISTINE SOBERANO, Ph. D.

Dean, CICTE
Dear Ma’am Soberano,
Greetings!

Respectfully Yours,

Researchers
Noted by:
Approved by:
Dean, CONAHS

KRISTINE SOBERANO, Ph.D.
Dean, CICTE
98
Appendix F
Letter to the Participants

College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (034)722-
Self-Medication Practice among Undergraduates Students of Northern

Negros State College of Science and Technology
Informed Consent
Greetings!
We, the BSN-IIIA of Northern Negros State College of Science and
Technology will conduct a study entitled, “Self-Medication Practices
Among Undergraduate Students who Experienced Flu in One State College
in Negros Occidental”.
The purpose of this study is to determine the self-medication practice
among undergraduate students of Northern Negros State College of
Science and Technology. Your participation in this study is voluntary.
If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to sign
this consent form.
Your responses on this research will be anonymous. Rest assured, all
information gathered during the data collection will be kept for your
confidentiality.
I,_______________________________________, confirm that I have read
and understood the information provided by the researchers regarding
the research study to be conducted. I understand that my participation
is voluntary, and that I am free to withdraw from the project at any
time, without having to give a reason and without any consequence.
I understand that the data collected will only be used for the purpose
of this study and will be kept for my anonymity.
Name of the Participant:

Signature:
Date:
Name of Researcher:
Signature:
Date: 99
Appendix G
Good and Scates Validation Form
SURVEY INSTRUMENT VALIDATION

RATING SCALE
(Good & Scates (1972)
Instruction: Please indicate your degree of agreement or disagreement on the

statements provided below by encircling the number which corresponds to
your best to your judgment.
1 – Strongly Disagree 2 – Disagree 3 – Undecided 4 – Agree 5–

Strongly Agree
Criteria
The items in the instrument are relevant to answer the objectives of the
1 2 3 4
study.
The items in the instrument can obtain depth to constructs being
1 2 3 4
measured.
The instrument has an appropriate sample of items for the construct
1 2 3 4
being measured.
The items and their alternatives are neither too narrow nor limited in its
1 2 3 4
content.
The items in the instrument are stated clearly. 1 2 3 4
The items on the instrument can elicit responses which are stable,
1 2 3 4
definite, consistent and not conflicting.
The terms adapted in the scale in the scale are culturally appropriate. 1 2 3 4
The layout or format of the instrument is technically sound. 1 2 3 4
The responses on the scale show a reasonable range of variation. 1 2 3 4

The instrument is not too short or long enough that the participants will
be able to answer it within a given time. 1 2 3 4
The instrument is interesting such that participants will be induced to
respond to it and accomplish it fully. 1 2 3 4
The instrument as a whole could answer the basic purpose for which it is
1 2 3 4
designed.
The instrument is culturally acceptable when administered in the local
1 2 3 4
setting.
Comments and Suggestions:
Signature over Printed Name
100
Appendix H
Proposal Evaluation Form

College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, Negros Occidental (034)722-4120/
PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
Direction: Please use the following guidelines in the evaluation of the attached proposal.
Where the answer is “NO” please specify the desired improvement on the space provided
after each section. Thank you.
Title of the study: YES NO
Title of the Study

Does the title of the study properly capsulize the main problem of the
research?
Comments:
Research Problem
1. Is the problem relevant to the needs of society and significant enough to add
existing knowledge?
2. Is the problem testable, that is, it is possible to collect data to answer the
questions asked?
3. Are the sub-problems completely researchable
units? Comments:
Hypothesis
1. Are the hypothesis testable (e.I. are they in forms that can be qualified or
measured)?
2. Are they deduced from the underlying theory/concept of the study?
3. Are they related to the main problem or the sub-problem given by the
researcher/s?
4. Are they clearly stated?
5. Is there a clear relationship between the hypotheses and the data to be
collected?
Comments:
Review of Related Literature

1. Has there been an adequate exploration of literature and studies related to
the problem investigated?
2. Is the review presented systematically and logically?
3. Does the review point out similarities and differences with the study being
done?
Comments:
101
Methodology
1. Is the research method identified, well organized and clearly identified?
2. Have all majormajor variables been identified in the design?
3. Will the proposed strategy of the investigation obtain the answer to the
research questions?
Comments:
Population Sampling and Instruments

1. Is the research population clearly defined?
2. Is the sample clearly representative of the population to which the results
are to be generalized?
3. Are there adequate safeguards to remove sampling bias?
4. Are the instruments for the gathering data properly identified?
5. Is the validation process
indicated? Comments:
Statistical Treatment
1. Is the data analysis procedure identified?
2. Is the statistical tool appropriate for the analysis of data?
3. Is the statistical design appropriate for the
hypotheses? Comments:
GENERAL REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS
OVERALL EVALUATION
Approved
Disapproved
Revise, Minor revision, No need to resubmit
Revise, Major revision, Need to resubmit
Date:
Evaluator:
Signature:
Proponents:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
102
Appendix I
Self-Medication Practice Questionnaire

Self-Medication Questionnaire
Part I. General information section
Name: (Optional)
Age: 17-19 yrs. Old 20-22 yrs. Old 23-25 yrs. Old 26 and up
Sex: Female Male Prefer not to say it
Direction: Select only 1 choice by checking (✓) the appropriate box below.
1. Total family income in a month:
Below Php 10,957.00 21,915.00 – 43,828.00

10,958.00 – 21,914.00 Above 43,828.00
2. Course:
College of Agriculture, College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Management
Fisheries and Allied Sciences (CAS) (CBM)
(CAFAS)
BSF BAELS BSBA BSHM
BSAB-Escalante BSBio BSCM BSAIS
BSA BPA BSHRM
BSTM
College of Criminal Justice College of Education (Coed) College of Information

Education (CCJE) Communication Technology and
Engineering (CICTE)
BSCrim BPED BSLIS BSIS

BSED BSIT
BTLED BSEMC
College of Nursing and Allied Sciences
BSN Diploma in Midwifery
3. Year level:
1st year 3rd year

2nd year 4th year
103
Part II. Self-medicating scale
Taken from Delyth H. James and David P. French: The development of the Self-Medicating
Scale (SMS): a scale to measure people’s beliefs about self-medication. This scale measures
people’s beliefs about self-medication regarding the common flu. It measures reluctance to self-
mediate, and ease of self-medication.
Direction: The following statements are about how often you take medication for the common flu.
Think about how true the statements are for you and answer as accurately as you can by clicking
one appropriate circle in each row.
*Flu, a common name of influenza, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses (Cleveland
Clinic, 2023).
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Not at Rarely Sometimes Often All the

all
time
I. Perceived Severity
Category A: Frequency of self-medication
I practice self-medication when common flu

symptoms emerge
I practice self-medication for common flu (in

the last 3 months):
● Once a week
● Once a month
● Two-three times a week
● Daily (in a week)
104
II. Perceived Susceptibility
Category B: Common flu symptoms
The following complaints for self-medication

in the last 3 months:
● Headache
● Fever
● Cough
● Stuffy/runny nose
● Body pain/Muscle pain
Category C: Label of medication
I read the label (name of drug, frequency,

dosage, expiration date,) of the medication
before self-medicating
III. Perceived Benefits
Category D: Common medications used
The following medications I use for common

flu symptoms:
● Analgesics (reduce pain –ex. Advil,

Naproxen, Mefenamic etc.)
● Antipyretics (reduce fever – ex.
Biogesic, Paracetamol etc.)
● Decongestants (relieve stuffy nose – ex.
Neozep etc.)
105
● Antitussives/expectorants (suppress cough
– ex. Robitussin etc.)
● Vitamins (boost immune system – ex.

Poten-cee)
IV. Perceived Barrier
Category F: Reasons for self-diagnosis and self-medication
I practice self-medication because of:
● Long distance to the health facility
● Mildness of the problem
● High consultation fees
● Fear of visiting hospitals/clinics
● Emergency use/quick relief
● Unavailability of health services
Category G: Sources of knowledge about medication usage
Scori I practice self-medication without any
Scoring: professional advice or prior knowledge (If

rarely, sometimes, often, or all the time,
proceed to category F)
I practice self-medication based on what I

saw/heard on:
● Internet/social media
● TV and radio commercials
Based on:
● My peers/colleagues/families’ advices
● My cultural/religious beliefs
6
10
(1) = Not at all
(2) = Rarely
(3) = Sometimes
(4) = Often
(5) = All the time
10
Appendix J
Curriculum Vitae
Personal
Data
Full Name: Ely Mae B. Abunin
Date of Birth: October 26, 2000
Address: Cadiz City
Father's Name: Jaime Abunin
Mother's Name: Ely B. Abunin
Scholastic Background
Elementary: SPED training center
Secondary: Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High
School
Tertiary: One state college in Negros Occidental
Course: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
108
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Data
Full Name: Shybelle O. Langbid
Date of Birth: October 14,2001
Address: Poblacion, Toboso, Negros Occidental
Father's Name: Eulogio Langbid Jr.
Mother's Name: Marlene Langbid
Elementary: Toboso Central School
Secondary: Toboso National High School
109
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Data
Full Name: Frances Precila Rae Q. Mateos
Date of Birth: February 28,2000
Address: Bacolod City
Father's Name: Benjamin Mateos
Mother's Name: Jocilyn Mateos
Elementary: Bacolod Christian College of Negros
Secondary: Negros Occidental High School
110
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Data
Full Name: Steffi Andrea D. Panaligan
Date of Birth: November 15,2001
Address: Victorias City
Father's Name: Noe C. Panaligan
Mother's Name: Jocelyn Panaligan
Elementary: Victorias Milling Elementary School
Secondary: Negros Occidental National Science High
School Tertiary: One state college in Negros Occidental
111

Piskat

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Piskat

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Piskat

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

WHO EXPERIENCED FLU IN ONE STATE COLLEGE

A Research Paper Presented to

ELY MAE B. ABUNIN

The thesis entitled “SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES AMONG

KRISTINE A. CONDES, RN, MN, LPT, PhD

Research Coordinator College Dean

THESIS DESIGN COMMITTEE

AILEEN G. SYPONGCO, RN, RM, MN

NATASHA KAY V. CHAN, RN, MN ROSELO A. OCAMPO, JR., RN, MAN

AILEEN G. SYPONGCO, RN, RM, MN

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the

JOCELYN D. BANTIGUE, PHD

The completion of this research proposal undertaking

could not have been possible without the teamwork

participation, assistance, and advice of those people who

helped in the process. We would like to take this

opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to

the following individuals.

To our Almighty Father, the author of wisdom and

knowledge, thank you for the strength, erudition, and

opportunity to undertake this research study. Without His

guidance, mercy, and blessings, we would not be able to

accomplish this and with our daily endeavors. All Glory

To our supportive parents, our inspiration to keep

up and finish this research proposal, we thank you for

the endless support, love, and understanding.

To our friends and significant others of whom in one

way or another shared their support, either morally,

financially, and physically, thank you.

To our very helpful friend, Dane Emmanuel Rosel, we

thank you for aiding us with your technical knowledge and

skills in the process of completion of our research.

Aileen G. Sypongco, RN, RM, MN, we thank you for the

invaluable insights, comments, and knowledge that were

shared to us, as well as the support she has given us.

To both RLE and academic coordinator, Ms. Natasha

knowledge to improve our study.

To our adviser, Dr. Kristine A. Condes, RN, LPT,

MN, Ph.D., thank you for providing us the invaluable

guidance, advice, support, comments, suggestions, and

provisions that helped us with the completion of this

research proposal. It was a great privilege and honor to

work and study under her guidance.

To our statistician, Mr. Ponciano Gale Jr., thank

you for the guidance in analyzing and interpreting in the

process of data gathering.

To our Research teacher, Mr. Roselo A. Ocampo Jr.

provided us, as well as the expertise and knowledge to

improve our study over the course of the semester.

We thank you all very much. To God be the Glory!

Medicine is defined as the treatment of general diseases

Keywords: Self-medication practice, undergraduate college

Appendix A: Letter for validators 84

Appendix F: Letter to the Participants 99

Appendix G: Good and Scates Validation Form 100

Appendix H: Proposal Evaluation Form 101

Appendix I: Self-Medication Practice 103