CONSUMER SELF-MEDICATION BEHAVIOR: A STUDY OF THE DIFFERENT FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AND MEDICAL COLLEGES NORTHERN PHILIPPINES STUDENTS’ PURCHASE DECISIONS IN THE SELECTION OF OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICINES

Abstract

Medicines became an important part of our daily lives. Despite all their benefits, the improper use of medicines bring health hazards and evidences of adverse reactions occurs. Self-medication on over-the-counter medicines is increasing worldwide.

The aim of the study is to determine the factors that influence International School of Asia and the Pacific and Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines students’ purchase decisions in the selection of OTC medicine.

The study made use of the descriptive correlational research through a questionnaire (google form) as the main instrument in gathering data. The respondents of the study were the students of International School of Asia and the Pacific and Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines. The questionnaire was divided into two parts in which the first part is concerned with participants' demographic profiles, such as age, sex, year level, course, and socio-economic status while the second part is structured on a 5-Likert Scale. Most of the students who responded to the study are BS Criminology students. The respondents have a neutral response on the factors in terms of family, experience, prices, and the origin of medicines, while they agree on the pharmacists’ influence in purchasing the medicine.