Medication practices and perceived outcomes among faculty members at a private university

Abstract

Self-medication is a common practice globally, encompassing the use of over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications without professional guidance, and alternative therapies. While it can offer benefits such as cost savings and convenience, it also poses risks including misdiagnosis, adverse drug reactions, and increased resistance to antibiotics. Faculty members at universities are often perceived as knowledgeable individuals, yet their practices and perceived outcomes towards self-medication remain under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perceived outcomes regarding self-medication among faculty members at a private university. A descriptive-correlational study was conducted at Central Philippine University, involving faculty members from one (1) chosen college department. Data were gathered using a comprehensive, survey questionnaire that evaluated demographic characteristics, frequency and types of self-medication, reasons for self-medication, perceived effectiveness, and adverse outcomes experienced. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and Cronbach’s alpha and spearman’s rho tests were employed to examine associations between demographic factors, self-medication practices, and perceived outcomes. Most faculty members (70.6%) use over-the-counter medications for minor and severe health issues, often self-diagnosed and treated without professional consultation. 40% opt for prescribed medications, with 41.2% consulting family and friends for advice. 15.3% often use self-medication alongside prescribed medication. A moderate level of self-medication practices was observed among 85 respondents, with 34.1% being "18 or BELOW", 40.0% "19 - 21", and 25.9% "22 or ABOVE". The majority reported being cured or somewhat cured for allergies (96.4%), unspecified symptoms (97.7%), and infections (95.3%) when using prescribed medications. Similarly, for over-the-counter medications, most reported being cured or somewhat cured for fever management (97.6%) and muscle pain (94.2%). However, only 37.6% indicated being cured after using over-the-counter medications for unspecified symptoms. The distribution of perceived outcomes among respondents showed a variety of responses. 31.8% reported outcomes of 26 or below, 38.8% fell within the range of 27-29, and 29.4% reported outcomes at the highest level of 30. The mean score of 27.4 suggests an overall positive perception of outcomes among the respondents. The study found a moderate positive relationship (Spearman’s rho 0.365, p-value 0.014) between faculty members' medication practices and their perceived outcomes. Faculty members who engage in responsible self-medication more likely to indicate better results, highlighting the significance of responsible self-medication practices among faculty members.