Determinants of Safe Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Self-Medication Among Middle-Aged Adults in San Pablo City

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are commonly used to manage pain and minor health conditions through self-medication practices. The study utilized a quantitative, causal-correlational design to determine the factors influencing safe NSAID self-medication among middle-aged adults in San Pablo City. A total of 120 respondents were   selected using quota and convenience sampling. Safe self-medication practices were measured using a structured questionnaire adapted and validated, with all questionnaire components meeting the reliability threshold of Cronbach’s alpha ≥0.70. The study was guided by Betty Neuman’s Systems Model and Health Belief Model, integrating perspectives from nursing pharmacology and public health education. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and logistic regression at a significance level of p <0.05. Most respondents were female, aged 45-49, and earned below ₱9,520. Although 41.67% reported no chronic disease, hypertension was the most prevalent. The majority of respondents used OTC NSAID occasionally, and self-medication behavior and psychosocial constructs were also very high, suggesting appropriate dosage use, label reading, and physician consultation. No significant differences in safe self-medication practices were found when grouped according to age, sex, income, and chronic disease. However, the frequency of NSAID use showed a significant difference, suggesting its influence on safe practices. Significant positive relationships were observed between safe self-medication behavior and psychosocial constructs; knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and cues to action. In contrast, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were not significantly related. Logistic regression showed that the model explained 16.1% of the variance; however, none of the psychosocial constructs emerged as significant predictors. These findings highlight the need for targeted interdisciplinary health education and evidence-based interventions promoting responsible NSAID self-medication practices.