Knowledge and Self-medication Practices of Oral Analgesic Use among Household Heads in a Selected Barangay, Iloilo City, Philippines

Abstract

Self-medication with oral analgesics is a common practice among household heads, which may pose health risks due to insufficient knowledge and unsafe medication behaviors. This study aimed to examine the level of knowledge and self-medication practices regarding oral analgesics and the relationship between these variables among 211 household heads in a selected barangay in Iloilo City during the academic year 2025–2026. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, and data were collected using a validated researcher-made questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge of oral analgesics, and self-medication practices. Findings revealed that respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (overall score 74.1%) and a moderate level of self-medication practices (mean score 3.31), with most reporting appropriate behaviors such as reading medication labels (91.0%) and consulting health professionals (93.4%), although misconceptions regarding drug classification, contraindications, and alcohol interactions were noted. Correlation analysis showed a weak but statistically significant relationship between knowledge and self-medication practices (rho = 0.162, p = 0.019), suggesting that knowledge partially influences medication behavior. The results indicate that while household heads generally exercise caution in self-medication, gaps in knowledge remain that may contribute to unsafe practices. Strengthening community-based health education programs is recommended to promote rational drug use, improve pharmacological knowledge, and ensure safer self-medication practices among households.