Abstract
This study determined the self-medication practices among households in the Poblacion areas of Masbate City. Specifically, it examined the respondents’ demographic profile, common self-medication practices, perceived factors associated with self-medication, and the relationship between selected demographic variables and self-medication practices. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design. A total of 381 household respondents from Barangay Bapor, Barangay Centro, Barangay Kalipay (J.T. Fernandez), and Barangay Pating participated in the study. Data were gathered using a structured survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and chi-square test of independence were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative responses. Findings revealed that respondents commonly used vitamins and supplements, herbal or traditional medicines, and over-the-counter medicines for selfmedication. Self-medication was generally practiced occasionally, mostly for minor ailments such as fever, headache, and diarrhea. Previous doctor’s prescription, family members, and social media or internet sources were the common sources of information when choosing medicines. Among the perceived factors, accessibility and availability of healthcare services and pharmacies ranked first, followed by knowledge and awareness regarding safe medication use. The chi-square results showed that age was significantly related to frequency of self-medication, while highest educational attainment was significantly related to sources of information when choosing medicines. However, occupation and monthly household income showed no significant relationship with selected self-medication indicators. The study concludes that self-medication among households in the Poblacion areas of Masbate City is influenced by healthcare access, medicine-related knowledge, family experience, and perceived seriousness of illness. Therefore, a community-based health education program is recommended to promote responsible and informed medicine use.