The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension

A Research Study
Presented To The Faculty Of The Senior High School
University Of Saint Louis
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements of the Course
In Practical Research 1

Researchers:

MARIDANE PAGATPATAN
AIRA JOBELLE MATIAS
ALLYSA VILLA
EUGENE BAQUIRAN

May 2017
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

Title Page………………………………………………………………... i.

Dedication……………………………………………………………….. iii.

Acknowledgement………………………………………………………. iv.

Table of Contents……………………………………………………….. v.

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………. 6

Background of the study…………………………………………….... 6

Statement of the Problem and Research Questions………………. 7

Significance of the study…………………………………………….... 7

Theoretical and Conceptual framework…………………………….. 8

Scope and Delimitation……………………………………………….. 9

Definition of Terms…………………………………………………….. 9

Literature review……………………………………………………….. 10

METHODS……………………………………………………………… 13

Research Design………………………………………………………. 13

Informants of the Study……………………………………………….. 13

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 2

Locale of the Study……………………………………………………. 13

Instruments and Procedures…………………………………………. 13

Data Analysis………………………………………………………….. 13

Rigour in Qualitative Researches…………………………………… 14

Ethical Considerations……………………………………………….. 14

RESULTS...................................................................................... 15

DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………. 22

CONCLUSION……………………………………………………….. 24

RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………… 25

REFERENCES……………………………………………………….. 26

APPENDICES……………………………………………………….... 28

Appendix A: Literature Matrix………………………………………… 28

Appendix B: Interview Questions…………………………………… 29

Appendix C: Letters…………………………………………………… 30

CURRICULUM VITAE………………………………………………. 34

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 3

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, we would to express our sincere gratitude to our Practical Research I Teacher,
Sir Romnick Magusib for the continuous support of our research study, for his patience,
motivation, and immense knowledge. His guidance helped us in all the time of research
and writing of this research.

Aside from our teacher, we would like to thank our adviser, Ma’am Jessa Mallillin for her
insightful comments and encouragements.

Our sincere thanks also goes to Mrs. Myrna Matias for guiding us during our interview to
the respondents. Without her precious support, it would not be possible to conduct this
research.

Last but not the least, we would like to thank our family for supporting us throughout this
research study. And to our Almighty father who has been the source of all our strength,
wisdom, and knowledge. Without Him, we can do nothing.

MARIDANE PAGATPATAN

AIRA JOBELLE MATIAS

ALLYSA VILLA

EUGENE BAQUIRAN

The Researchers

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 4

 DEDICATION

This research paper is dedicated to our parents, who have been a constant source of
support and encouragement during the challenges we have experience to this study and
who taught us to work hard for the things that aspire us to achieve.

Also, we dedicate this work to our friends who also supported us throughout the process.

MARIDANE PAGATPATAN

AIRA JOBELLE MATIAS

ALLYSA VILLA

EUGENE BAQUIRAN

The Researchers

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 5

 I. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In this rapidly changing world, getting sick is but an ordinary occasion. People
oftentimes just pop pills whenever they feel dizzy and get on with their daily lives. Busy
schedules, booked weekends and crazy weather changes prevent people from going to
the gym, jogging or to just stretch out their muscles. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), demographic aging, rapid urbanization and the globalization of
unhealthy lifestyle has become a factor in shaping up the human health, for better or for
worse.

It is not an uncommon knowledge that people suffer and die from high blood
pressure, but what is usually not revealed is how heavily it really affects the health of
people nationally and globally.

According to WHO, the world’s biggest killers are ischemic heart disease and
stroke, with combined mortality rates reaching up to 15 million deaths, only in the year
2015. These diseases have been consistent in the past 15 years and remains on top of
the list of the leading causes of deaths globally. High blood pressure or hypertension,
although not the main cause, is a major risk factor at play.
Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO described hypertension as a silent,
invisible killer that rarely causes symptoms. It is also a big factor in the increasing
mortality rate in the world. Records from WHO can clearly testify that globally, high blood
pressure has been the cause of death of 7.5 million people which is about 12.8% of the
total of all deaths in 2008. An article found in the Global Health Observatory (GHO) data
states that the prevalence of high blood pressure in adults age 25 and above was over
40%, globally, in 2008. Furthermore, the proportion of the world’s population with
uncontrolled hypertension fell modestly between 1980 and 2008. This, however,
changed, and the number of uncontrolled hypertension cases rose again from 600
million to nearly 1 billion in 2008. Causes could be traced to population growth and
aging.

High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of arteries or

atherosclerosis, which may lead to heart attack, stroke, and other complications. These
complications often lead to more complicated illnesses, or worse, death (Mayo Clinic).
Hypertension is the world’s most common health condition and is a leading risk factor for
mortality. Filipinos are not novice when it comes to this illness, but some people’s
lifestyle proves otherwise. With this said, this research was conducted with the intention
of knowing the perception of Filipino people on hypertension, the self-care practices that
should be done and the lifestyle practices of the hypertensive people.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 6

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this study was conducted to know the different self-care practices
done by people with hypertension and how knowledgeable they are about the illness.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:
a. What are the respondents’ perceptions about hypertension?
b. What is the level of knowledge of the respondents in proper self-
medication?
c. What are the challenges faced by the respondents when self-
medicating?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study was conducted with the purpose of knowing the perception of Filipino
people on hypertension and will greatly benefit the community, the health care providers
and the respondents. The research and its result will raise awareness among the
community on what hypertension really is and how it affects the human health.
Moreover, the results of this study, once shared with the health care providers, will make
them take an action to improve the knowledge, perception and understanding of the
respondents and other hypertensive people on what hypertension really is and can be
used as a tool for further prevention programs and so on.

Respondents
The respondents will come to know what hypertension really is and it will help them gain
more knowledge about the right lifestyle and self-care practices that should be done
when one is suffering from hypertension.

Community
The research and its result will raise awareness among the members of the community
on what hypertension really is and how it affects the human health. Also, just like the
respondents, the community will know the right things to be done when one is
hypertensive.

Health Care Providers

This research aims to provide new discoveries and innovations in changing and
improving the way health care professionals treat hypertensive patients and how vital
heath care is in giving high quality medical practice and service to their patients.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 7

THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The ecological perspective. This approach emphasizes the relationship among

all factors which represent a health problem: the community, institutions, policies,
individual or population’s characteristics and the environment. Concepts in this
perspective include the reciprocal position and the multiple levels of influences in which
behavior affects its environment and vice versa. This levels of influence include the
intrapersonal, interpersonal and community levels (National Cancer Institute, 2005).
Theories which address the intrapersonal level of the ecological perspective explore
knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, past experiences, motivations, self-concept and skills.
In this perspective, an individual is considered the core for any health promotion activity.

PERCEPTION ON
HYPERTENSION

CHALLENGES LEVEL OF
FACED BY KNOWLEDGE IN
RESPONDENTS HYPERTENSION SELF-
WHILE SELF- MEDICATION
MEDICATING

SELF-MEDICATION
PRACTICES OF THE
RESPONDENTS

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 8

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The study focuses on lifestyle and self-care practices of hypertensive people of

Barangay Linao, Tuguegarao City, 19 years old and above. This study aims to assess
the knowledge, perception and awareness of people regarding the self-care practices
and lifestyle modification of hypertensive people.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

High blood pressure- According to John P. Cunha, DO and FACOEP, it is defined as

high pressure (tension) in the arteries, which are the vessels that carry blood to the rest
of the body.

Ischemic Heart disease- a condition of recurring chest pain or discomfort that occurs
when a part of the heart does not receive enough blood.

Stroke - According to James McIntosh, it occurs due to problems with the blood supply
to the brain. Either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain
ruptures, causing the brain tissue to die.

Heart Attack- According to NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), heart
attack happens when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly
becomes blocked and the heart can’t get oxygen.

Hypertensive- a person with high-blood pressure

Perception - the organization, identification and interpretation of information and being

able to understand it.

Self-care - care of the self without medical or other professional consultation.

Lifestyle- the way in which a person or group lives.

Hypertension - abnormally high blood pressure; force of the blood against the artery
walls which is high enough to eventually cause health problems.

Self-medication - is the treatment of common health problems with medicines especially

designed and labeled for use without medical supervision and approved as safe and
effective for such use; taking medicines prescribed by the doctor without the assistance
of others.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 9

 II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

HYPERTENSION AND ITS EFFECTS

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defined
hypertension, oftentimes referred to as high blood pressure, as a strong force of blood
that is being pumped into the arteries, making the blood push too hard on its walls.
Hypertension can put strain on the heart, making the risk of having damaged blood
vessels, heart attack, stroke kidney problems and death higher (as cited in PubMed
Health, n.d). A blood pressure of 140 millimeter mercury (mmHg) systolic and 90 mmHg
for diastolic and higher already makes a person hypertensive (Philippine Heart
Association, 2013).

When the exact cause is yet to be known, this type of hypertension can be called
as “essential hypertension”. Despite having no definite cause, there are several recorded
factors that may help it develop. The American Heart Association identified some
factors. Smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, too much salty food and alcohol
consumption, stress, old age, and genetics and heredity are but some of the factors that
can help hypertension to develop in a person. One can also be hypertensive especially if
there has been a record of past family members having hypertension. High blood
pressure that tends to run through the family affects more men than women. Essential
hypertension is also greatly influenced by a person’s diet. Studies show that people who
put too much salt in their food and diet tend to be hypertensive while people who rarely
put salt in their food shows no traces of having essential hypertension. If the
hypertension can be traced back to a direct cause, this is called a secondary
hypertension. Diseases such as tumors, abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands to
secrete excess hormones, birth control pills containing estrogen can elevate one’s blood
pressure. Pregnancy can also cause secondary hypertension, but the main illness that
causes secondary hypertension is kidney disease (as cited in WebMD, 2015).

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO (2013) described hypertension as

a silent, invisible killer that rarely causes symptoms. WebMD (2016) stated that nearly
one-third of the people who have hypertension have no idea that they have it. This
makes it one of the most dangerous aspects of said illness. The only way to know if your
blood pressure is high is through constant monitoring and regular visits to the doctor.

There are several symptoms that one should look out for to know if one is
hypertensive. The symptoms to look out for to know if one is hypertensive are: dizziness,
constant severe headaches, fatigue and confusion, vision problems, chest pain, blood in
urine, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat. Since almost all of these symptoms are
common and can be caused by different illnesses, one must check his or her blood
pressure regularly just to be sure (National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information
Clearinghouse, National Institutes of Health, n.d.).

Bromfield and Muntner (2010) introduced in an article the Global Burden of

Disease which was initiated in 1992 as a collaborative effort between WHO and the
World Bank. It was also stated in the article that, “The GBD 2010 had a number of
important findings with respect to high blood pressure around the world. In 2010, high
blood pressure ranked as the leading single risk factor for GBD.”

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 10

 In 2013, there were 78 million adults in the United States of America who were
affected by hypertension (Go et al., 2013). In 2014, it was estimated that high blood
pressure caused 51% of deaths due to stroke and 45% due to heart disease (World
Health Organization, 2014). Statistics from the American Heart Association revealed that
in 2015, the number of Americans dying from heart disease and stroke are becoming
lesser but the deaths caused by high blood pressure are on the rise. Since high blood
pressure is one of the main cause of heart disease and stroke, the number of people
dying from these illnesses may lower but the implication remains the same: high blood
pressure can lead to more complicated and fatal diseases, and if left untreated, it can
ultimately cause death.

Whitworth (2003) stated that 4.5% of the global disease burden in 2003 is said to
be caused by hypertension and its prevalence in many developing countries is the same
in the developed world. Records from WHO can clearly testify that globally, high blood
pressure has been the cause of death of 7.5 million people which is about 12.8% of the
total of all deaths in 2008. During this time, WHO declared that globally, the overall
prevalence of raised blood pressure in adult aged 25 and over was around 40% (WHO,
2008). According to WHO, the world’s biggest killers are ischemic heart disease and
stroke, with combined mortality rates reaching up to 15 million deaths, only in the year
2015. These diseases have been consistent in the past 15 years and remains on top of
the list of the leading causes of deaths globally. High blood pressure or hypertension,
although not the main cause, is a major risk factor at play.

In 2012, the Philippine Society of Hypertension conducted a study and found out
that the prevalence of hypertension is increasing in the country. Data from 2003 showed
that 16% or roughly 7 million Filipinos aged 20 and above has hypertension and the
incidence increased to 21% of Filipinos which translates to 10 million Filipino people age
20 years old and above. In 2014, WHO declared that in the Philippines, 25% of adults 21
years old and above have high blood pressure. An estimation showed by WHO revealed
that more than 1.56 billion people are expected to have hypertension by the time 2025
comes in, making the disease more alarming to healthcare providers. According to the
Department of Health (DOH), more than 276 Filipinos die because of heart disease at a
daily basis and at least one Filipino suffers from stroke every nine minutes (Philippine
Star, 2015).

Abd El-Hay and El Mezayen (2015) conducted a study to assess the level of
knowledge of hypertensive people about their illness and found out that the patients with
hypertension demonstrated inadequate knowledge about the illness. These patients also
showed poor level of awareness, understanding and knowledge about lifestyle
modification. With these reasons alone, perception about the self-care approach and
lifestyle modifications of people with hypertension is very essential. Knowing how
knowledgeable or not a patient is about these things can help a healthcare professional
in implementing well-designed educational programs to improve hypertensive people’s
perception about self-care behavior.

Although hypertension can be traced back through familial ties and heredity,
unhealthy lifestyle can also be the cause of a person’s being hypertensive. Eating foods
that are rich in sodium and are low in potassium puts a person at risk for high blood
pressure. Physical inactivity can also lead to having hypertension, because being
physically inactive means that a person can gain weight, which can be translated into
having excess body fat. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking too much tobacco

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 11

increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention).

IMPORTANCE OF SELF-MEDICATION

High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading
causes of death in the United States. No matter the age, one can take steps each day to
keep his blood pressure in a healthy range. Simple things such as maintaining a healthy
and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight that corresponds to a person’s body
mass, getting enough physical activity, not smoking and limiting one’s alcohol intake can
help a person avoid high blood pressure and its complications (National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute).
Dangerous as it may be, Sadeghi et al. stated that hypertension is a disease that
can be controlled by performing self-medication. Cappuccio et al. conducted a study
about the self-medication and monitoring practices of hypertensive patients and found
out that blood pressure was controlled well in home monitoring compared to monitoring
in clinics. Padfield also reported that home monitoring was the best pattern of self-care
for hypertension. A study performed by Glynn et al. also showed the same results and
said that systolic and diastolic blood pressures’ dramatic decrease can be a result of
self-blood pressure monitoring.

THE GOOD EFFECTS

Motlagh et al. (2016) stated that an examination of self-care behaviors in

patients with hypertension may reveal important information for medical practitioners and
health experts to control high blood pressure and also to allow policy makers to better
support these patients. However, there is little knowledge about self-care behaviors (i.e.,
medication adherence, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and weight management)
that may help control high blood pressure exists in southern Iran.

THE BAD EFFECTS

Though self-medication has been adopted and is practiced worldwide, people are
not restricting themselves to OTC drugs only, or if they are, they are using them
inappropriately (Omolase, et. Al 2007). Most devastatingly, people are also using
prescription-only drugs in self-medication practice such as antibiotics or anti- malarial
drugs, thereby predisposing themselves to the risk of developing resistance (Arikpo &
Eja, 2010).
The practice of self-medication is said to have reached a crisis, as people are
using whatever they think has got medicinal content without knowledge of the
implications associated with that particular medicine; thus, lack of knowledge on the
implications of self-medication is contributing significantly to the practice of self-
medication. Consequently, people develop severe harmful effects from the medicines
and delay themselves in seeking medical care at the hospital, thereby complicating their
conditions (Afolabi, 2012).

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 12

 III. METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN
This qualitative study utilized the descriptive method of research. This method is
a comprehensive summarization, in everyday terms, of specific events experienced by
individuals or groups of individuals. It is an approach that is very useful when
researchers want to know, regarding events, who were involved, what was involved, and
where did things take place.

LOCALE OF THE STUDY

The study will be conducted at Brgy. Linao Norte, Tuguegarao City.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
The researchers formulated fourteen (14) interview questions to assess the
knowledge, perception, and awareness of people regarding the self-care practices and
lifestyle modifications of hypertensive people and to know the attitude and practices of
hypertensive patients about their condition and that of non-pharmacological interventions
or lifestyle modifications in the management of the condition.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
The sampling method that was used to gather the participants needed for this
study is purposive sampling.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURES

The researchers presented a letter to the Assistant Principal and Principal in the
Senior High School Department, the research will be conducted at Barangay Linao
North, Tuguegarao City. The participants that will be interviewed will be both men and
women, 19 years old and above who are diagnosed with hypertension. The participants
presented a medical certificate to certify that they are indeed hypertensive. The
researchers will be using a semi-structured interview as a means of gathering the data
needed for this study.

DATA ANALYSIS

The methods that is used to analyze this study is a content analysis for it focuses
on human behavior indirectly through discourse analysis. Content analysis is very
valuable in the analysis of data collected from observations and interviews.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 13

RIGOUR IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCHES

The four criteria for the rigour of the study proposed by Lincoln and Guba (1985)
are credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. With these as the guides,
the researchers conducted the study in a manner to which the respondents find
themselves most comfortable in. The researchers were keen to find the information most
related to their study to achieve the best quality of the results based on the answers
given by the respondents.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before this study was conducted, the researchers presented a letter to the
administrators of the University, asking for permission to conduct the study outside the
school premises. Furthermore, the researchers also gave a letter to the Barangay
Captain and the respondents of Barangay Linao Norte, Tuguegarao City, asking for their
permission to be a part of the phenomenological inquiry.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 14

RESULTS
A. PERCEPTION ON HYPERTENSION

1. What is your perception on hypertension?

R1: It is high in blood pressure.
R2: Eh, hypertension is, nasikan yo BP yo kwa, yo pulso ti dahak, oo, atanang yo kwa
na.
R3: Ang pagka-intindi ko sa high blood pressure e, tumaas ang dugo mo. Pag tumaas
ang dugo mo, may pagkakataon na, mag-collapse ka, ma-faint ka o matuluyan ka
nang hindi na makagalaw.
R4: Yo pakaintindik kannay e pegafanan kotu nappa-collapse ku, tu minan nak na
nappasyar ka iba nga balay e nak-collapse nak kannay. Gavvak yo matak e
minangkang, tu nessukak, e yo simmuk ku e tu iba yo, kwa na, nappingipingi talaga.
The respondents, upon interviewing, were found to have different perspectives
and views about hypertension. While they know the basic definition of the word
hypertension and while they have given different illnesses that may stem out of it, it is
clear that their knowledge about hypertension is not far from the knowledge-based
level.
2: Did your doctor explain to you what hypertension is and what it does to your
body? If so, can you tell us something about it?
R1: Of course, yes. Uh, first when I feel dizzy, I cannot understand myself so I went to
a physician and the physician uh, checked me with my blood pressure and he says
that my blood pressure is above the normal, meaning it’s high.
R2: Oo, ne-explain na pay, ne-explain na pay. E, nay. Stroke.
R3: The doctor did not explain to me the hypertension because last November 2014, I
was attacked by hypertension and then when I was rushed to CVMC, it was uh found
out that it was not hypertension but aneurism. I undergone a, kwa, ah, angiograph, so
I was uh, operated due to aneurism.
R4: E yo nekkihi yo doctor kanyakan e mild stroke. Oo, ne yo nekkihi yo doctor kaya
niresetan da yakan kanne nga uru ira.
When asked if their respective doctors explained to them what hypertension is
and what it does to their bodies, all but one answered affirmative. The researchers
then asked if the respondents could share something that they learned from their
doctors, the respondents gave different answers. The first respondent (R1) said that
when he went to his physician to get checked, the physician said that his blood
pressure is above normal, meaning he has high blood pressure. The second
respondent (R2) also answered affirmative for the first question, but the only answer
that she offered for the follow up question was that the doctor mentioned something
about stroke. The third respondent (R3) was the only one who answered negatively
when asked about the second question. The offered reason behind this was that it
wasn’t hypertension that he was actually suffering from but aneurysm. The fourth
respondent (R4) answered that their doctor diagnosed her with mild stroke. After the
diagnosis, the doctor gave them a prescription.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 15

B. THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE RESPONDENTS IN PROPER SELF-
MEDICATION

3. Do you self-medicate? If so, can you tell us about the medicines that you take
and their effects?
R1: Before, yes. Uh, before when I feel dizzy, I took medicines like neoblack, what
they call that medicine, it will lower your blood pressure, which I, some of my friends
told me.
R2: Awan, marik yo makwa. E, Aspirin, Aspec, tapus e Klavostatine, tapus e, ni nahan
na ne, Amnobitin tapus e, folic acid.
R3: After uh, operation, I continued, I was given medicines to take. Before attacking e
I did not uh, take medicine, but now, continuous ‘yung medication ko.
R4: Oo, massari-sarili nak pe laman mattuma. Ne talaga yo nekkwa ne doktor, kanne
nga reseta, ne pela talaga yo tumang ku.
- Marim gafen nga massarisarili nga niyangnga tumam mu tu ikaw pe
laman?
R4: Awan.
The researchers asked a series of questions to know the perception of the
respondents when it comes to self-medication. The respondents were asked five
questions to know their perception and understanding about what self-medication is.
When they were asked if they self-medicate, the answers that they gave varied. Some
of the respondents seemed to think that the self-medication that the researchers
mentioned is the kind where common health problems are treated with medicines
especially designed and labeled for use without medical supervision and approved as
safe and effective for such use. Some of the respondents answered yes, while the
others said no. R1 said that yes, he did self-medication before, and named a medicine
that he took, as suggested by his friends. R2 said that she does not self-medicate.
Instead, she listed some of the medicines that she takes. R3 said that before the
operation, he did not take medicines, but after being hospitalized due to an attack
caused by high blood pressure and after being diagnosed with aneurysm, he began to
take medicines given to him. R4 also said yes, but her perception of self-medication
was different from the definition given by the researchers. She confirmed that she self-
medicates in the sense that she takes the medicines prescribed by her doctor all by
herself and without the assistance of others. Their perception about self-medication
also differed from each other.
4: Do you need assistance when taking medicine? Why?
R1: No, no, I just, take and that’s all.
R2: Awan. Tuman ku pe laman.
R3: No more.
R4: Awan nin. Ammuk pe la orak. Alas otso nu gabi, alas otso nu umma.
All of the respondents answered no when asked if they needed assistance in
taking medicine.
5. Do you visit your doctor regularly? What do they tell you about your
condition every visit?

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 16

R1: Sometimes. Well, ang ginagawa una, pinapapunta po ako sa isang laboratory.
Tinetest nila ‘yung mga kailangan na i-undergo before na mag-diagnose kung ano po
‘yung mga kailangan na mga gamot or whatever na gagawin.
R2: Oh, umannak sangaw sonu Tuesday. Awan peba ta kwa, ta marik peba na-check-
up. So, first paga laman.
R3: Eh, quarterly. Eh, they told me that uh, I don’t like…Sinabi nila sa akin na… The
physician told me not to carry heavy objects, heavy cargo. Heavy things and when I
remove my bowel, they told me “Wag kang mag-iri”. What is mag-iri in English? Do
not force your bowel to… basta wag kang iire, bawal yun. Do not exert effort.
R4: O kada, kattu 100 pieces yo tumang ku nga ne botelya, e 3 months ku nay nga
check-up. Sangaw ta Dr. Quinto nakkun, nabbaling kang 1 month ka, every 1 month e
check-up ku. Avutan da labit kanyakan nu, tu takik ku nu kanayun nakka makkunnay.
E kattu yakan nga ne ne-confine kannay, addek sangaw, mari vulva matukkutuka.
Yan ta niyang nga uru nga nereseta ra. Iderederetsok kanu pe laman.
The researchers asked if they visit their doctors regularly for check-up. Based
from the answers given, it is safe to assume that they do visit their doctors regularly.
When asked about what their physicians told them about their condition in every visit,
the respondents gave some pieces of advice given to them by their physicians
instead.
6. What do you think is the role of self-medication in lowering your blood
pressure?
R1: You know, ‘yung self-medication na sinasabi, parang kung minsan tiyamba ‘yon,
tyina-tiyambahan lang, kasi ano, uh, may mga kaibigan tayo na naririnig na ganon,
ganito ang nararamdaman ko, e ganun din ako, eto ang medisina ko, ‘yon, ‘yon ang
tinetake ko, pero hindi pala gano’n. When we go to our physician, ang sabi ng
physician, e iba iba daw, iba-iba po ang diagnose ng isang tao.
R2: I-lower na yo BPik
R3: Hindi maganda yung self-medication. It will trigger more your, uh, blood pressure.
R4: Nu hanna yo nereseta tu doktor, ne pela tumang ku.
When asked by the researchers about what the respondents think is the role of self-
medication in lowering their blood pressure, R1 said that it is not the right thing to do
since his physician told him that different people have different diagnosis and
therefore would have different kinds of medicine that they needed to take. R2 said that
self-medication lowers her blood pressure. With this answer given, it can be
concluded that R2’s version of self-medication is different from R1’s. R3’s answer is
not far from R1’s. He said that doing self-medication can trigger high blood pressure;
while R4 evaded the question by saying that she only takes the medicine that her
doctor provides.
C. THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE RESPONDENTS WHEN SELF
MEDICATING

7. Do you strictly follow your schedule in taking medicine prescribed by the

doctor?
R1: Yes. Pag physician na po, the physician told me, I religiously take medicine, kung

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 17

ano man ‘yung sinasabi ng physician, ‘yun po ang ginagawa natin.
R2: Syempre.
R3: I am regularly, religiously taking my medicine.
R4: Oo. Nu alas otso win, mattuma nakkun, mangan nak labbit, o sonu alas otso nu
kang gabi, mabalin mi nga mangang, mattuma nak manin kanay yin.
The respondents were found to have no trouble in keeping up with the schedules
set by their doctors. All four respondents answered affirmative when asked if they
strictly follow the schedules of taking medicines.
8. Do you have moments wherein you forget to take your medicine? What do
you do when that happens?
R1: Sometimes, meron din pero kung biglang naalala ko, takbo ako, kukunin ko ‘yung
gamot ko at ite-take.
R2: Awan peba.
R3: No, no.
R4: O niyang missa. Kattu nalippanang ku nattuma, nga para kang umma nay,
sinumak kang alas dose.
When asked if they have moments wherein they forget to take their medicines on
time, two of the respondents confirmed that yes, sometimes they forget their
medicines, but they immediately take them as soon as they remember.
9. Do you find it challenging to follow your schedule in taking medicine? What
do you do about it?
R1: No, naging routinary ko ng magtake ng medicine. Naging ugali ko na. kasama na
sa daily routine ko yun.
R2: Awan. Okay laman.
R3: Yes. I never miss to take my medicine because I’m afraid to die, Makita ko yung
mga anak ng mga anak ko, kung paano sila mabuhay, magtapos ng pag-aaral, yun
lagi ang pinagdadasal ko sa Panginoon nating Hesus na bigyan pa ako ng maraming
taon na mabuhay sa lupa.
R4: Marik nga mazziyatan kasi para kannyakan nay.
When asked if they find it challenging to follow their schedules, none of them
answered yes. All of the respondents said that they have no trouble following their
schedules because they know that it is for their own good.
10. Do you find it challenging to go to the doctor for your check up? Why?
R1: Yes, minsan yes, because some physicians do not just diagnose you without…
first you have to undergo clinical laboratories, gano’n, kaya madami ring dadaanan,
kaya minsan ‘yun ang magcha-challenge kasi kung minsan wala dito sa isang clinic
na ito, pupunta ka sa iba and uh, it costs so much. Kailangan na maraming mga, alam
mo na, mababayaran, so of course, money.
R2: Awan, awan.
R3: Yes. Yes, para sa ikakabuti din, ikakabuti ko rin, ang palaging pagpapacheck up
sa doctor. Hindi gaya ng iba diyan na papacheck up na lang sila pag serious na yung
kalagayan nila.
R4: Marik ka kazziyatan. Automatic.
The researchers then asked if the respondents are having difficulty when they go

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 18

to their doctors for check-ups. Only R1 confirmed that he finds it challenging to go to
his doctor for his regular check–up. When asked why, he said that he still needs to go
to clinical laboratories before getting a diagnosis and he finds it challenging because it
costs a lot of money. R2 answered no, which means that he doesn’t find it challenging
to go to the doctor for her check-up. R3 seemed confused about the question since he
first answered yes, but his next statement contradicted his first answer. He said that
going to the doctor is for his own good, unlike others who will only visit their doctors
when their condition gets worse. R4 stated that she doesn’t find it challenging.
11. Do you find the environment you are exposed to challenging? Why and in
what aspect?
R1: Environment? Uh, yes, uh, because kung hindi maganda yung environment, gaya
ngayon, may sinasabi nang climate change, so, makakaapekto din sa atin yan, sa
kalusugan ng isang tao, so that’s it.
R2: Awan, awan. Okay laman kasi mawag mamba.
- Nu aggangarian nga niyan massigarilyu, anni ganwam mu?
R2: Takkubang ku yo iyung ku ta siyempre nazzizziyat yo ma-high blood.
- Mazziyatan ka ba kanyo paligid mu, kanyo takim, angkal?
R3: Neng, awan. Ngayon at ah, I am fully recovered e hindi na ako maziyatan.
R4: Awang. Alle nasanayan nak pe laman nin.
The researchers then asked a question to the respondents to see if they find the
environment they are exposed to challenging for their condition. Each respondent
answered differently from the other. R1 said that yes, he finds the environment he is
exposed to challenging because of certain reasons such as climate change. He
claims that this can affect him and his condition. R2 said that she does not mind the
environment she is in. One of the researchers asked what R2 would do if there was a
smoker around, and she answered that she would cover her nose and mouth because
it would be bad for her condition. R3 answered that he is not bothered by the
environment anymore since he is fully recovered already, while R4 claimed that she
doesn’t find her environment challenging since she already got used to it.
12. Do you find buying your maintenance medicine challenging? Why?
R1: Kung minsan, yes. Kung minsan, hindi naman, kung may, kung may pera, okay
lang. Kung minsan, nauubusan din. ‘yun ang challenge doon.
R2: Awan.
R3: Talaga. Masakit sa bulsa pag may maintenansya ka
R4: Marik nga mazziyatan.
- Bali derederetso nu niyang nga paggatang mu, igatang mun?
R4: Sigida. Kanni Angkal Eddie e agad nga gumatang insigida. E i Sir Ben-Beng
talaga, e nay yo massuporta kannyakan nu karuwang pero sige mappasiran nak pay
kunna, massarili nak pela gumatang. Oo, Sir Ben-Beng yo talaga mangiddang kang
tumtuman nu karuwang.
The researchers then asked a question to the respondents to see if they find it
challenging to buy their maintenance medicines. R1 said that at times, buying his
maintenance medicine is challenging, at times not. He shared that the real challenge
was having the money to buy the medicine that he needs. R2 claimed that she doesn’t

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 19

find it challenging to buy her maintenance medicine. R3 claimed that he finds it
challenging to buy his maintenance medicine since the cost can burn a hole in his
pocket. R4 said that she doesn’t find it challenging to buy her maintenance medicine
and shared that she has someone supporting her and giving her medicine.
13. Do you find engaging in physical activities challenging? Why?
R1: Ah yes, of course kailangan, yun ang challenge sa atin, mga, kwan ngayon, mga
may karamdaman, we should do exercise, 30 mins to one hour a day. Yun yun pa ang
sinasabi ng mga dalubhasa, mga physician.
- May mga bagay ka bang inistop nung nalaman mo na may sakit ka?
Nung na-diagnose ka?
R1: Yung mga lifestyle, mga… kasi dati dati, daily umiinom ako, naninigarilyo,
umuubos ako ng isang pack of cigarette a day, yon a wala na yon tapos yung
masasarap na pagkain. Yung pancit batil patung na napakaru, ay afu! Maski duwa
pinggan payang ku nay, kayang ku kanan, pero now hindi na, paminsan minsan na
lang ngayon.
R2: I-lessen ko tu gitta na nga nadamat nga trabahu, kunna.
R3: Yes. Hindi pwede. Dapat uh, malingat ka kaga algaw. pawisan ka araw-araw.
Para Yung kasabihan ng mga mannakam eh, hindi ka maatake sa high blood pagka
kwan, marami ka daw trabaho.
- May mga bagay ka bang inistop nung nalaman mo na may sakit ka?
Nung na-diagnose ka?
R3: Noon, inistop ko yung pag-iinom. Pero nung nappa-recheck up ako Kay Dr. Pua,
yung nag-opera sa akin, sinabi ko sa kaniya na, “Doc, pwede pa bang uminom?” “Oo,
pwede basta patakal-takal lang,” sabi naman niya. Pwera lag yung kwan, pwera lang
yung sobra. Mga 2-3 shots nightly. Pero nung sinabi niya na pwede e binugbug ni
Misis yung abaha ni doctor. Yung paninigarilyu. Sabi ng mannakam, mas maganda
yung yung manginginom kaysa hard smoking, kaya hindi na ako nag-i-smoke. Nag-
sho-shot lang ng konti.
R4: Marik ka kazziyatan.
- May mga bagay ka bang inistop nung nalaman mo na may sakit ka?
Nung na-diagnose ka?
R4: Kaniyakan nga medyo okay nakkun, alle banu gitta na nu yo aggangua
ederederetso mabbambal kattunay, pero sangaw win e medyo niyang nga 3 days, i-
stop ku labbit nayyin o nu karuwang, e mattontoyan nak laman kasi nu madyi-dyan
nak kanyo balay, mari kayak I Angkal Eddie ta tu agga idda nak ke. O, ne yo mari na
kayat.
The researchers then asked if the respondents find it challenging to be physically
active. R1 misunderstood the question and instead answered that he does exercise
daily, sparing 30 minutes up to an hour of his time to do just that, since it was what his
physician told him. Instead of answering the question, R2 offered that her doctor said
to lessen doing strenuous activities. R3 said that yes it is challenging but he still needs
to sweat every day since it was what the elders told him. R4 said that she doesn’t find
it difficult to engage in physical activities.
As a follow up question, the respondents were asked about the things that they

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 20

did before but cannot do after having been diagnosed with hypertension. The
respondents admitted to having vices such as alcohol drinking and smoking, even
excessive eating and doing strenuous activities. The respondents also admitted to not
giving up entirely all of these vices yet. Instead, they do these things in moderation.
14. Do you think these challenges may hinder you in recovering? Why?
R1: Of course, uh, kasi minsan, yan din ang mga, mga environment natin kung
minsan nakaka-ano, nakakaapekto din sa ating kalusugan lalo na yung mga smokers
diyan, mga umiinom, ganon, ganon din kasi nakakaapekto nay an.
R2: Okay laman.
R3: Yes. Mahirap magtake ng medicine kung walang prescription ng doctor para
lalong lumala.
R4: Awan, kasi todo suporta ma yo pamilyak kannyakan.
The respondents were then asked for their opinion whether the
aforementioned challenges can cause hindrance in their way to recovery. Almost all of
the respondents answered that yes, these challenges may hinder them in their way
towards recovery.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 21

DISCUSSION

A. PERCEPTION ON HYPERTENSION

The respondents, upon interviewing, were found to have different perspectives and
views about hypertension. While they know the basic definition of the word hypertension
and while they have given different illnesses that may stem out of it, it is clear that their
knowledge about hypertension is not far from the knowledge-based level. When asked if
their respective doctors explained to them what hypertension is and what it does to their
bodies, all but one answered affirmative. The researchers then asked if the respondents
could share something that they learned from their doctors, the respondents gave
different answers. The first respondent (R1) said that when he went to his physician to
get checked, the physician said that his blood pressure is above normal, meaning he
has high blood pressure. The second respondent (R2) also answered affirmative for the
first question, but the only answer that she offered for the follow up question was that the
doctor mentioned something about stroke. The third respondent (R3) was the only one
who answered negatively when asked about the second question. The offered reason
behind this was that it wasn’t hypertension that he was actually suffering from but
aneurysm. The fourth respondent (R4) answered that their doctor diagnosed her with
mild stroke. After the diagnosis, the doctor gave them a prescription.

B. PERCEPTION ON SELF-MEDICATION

The researchers asked a series of questions to know the perception of the

respondents when it comes to self-medication. The respondents were asked five
questions to know their perception and understanding about what self-medication is.
When they were asked if they self-medicate, the answers that they gave varied. Some of
the respondents seemed to think that the self-medication that the researchers mentioned
is the kind where common health problems are treated with medicines especially
designed and labeled for use without medical supervision and approved as safe and
effective for such use. Some of the respondents answered yes, while the others said no.
R1 said that yes, he did self-medication before, and named a medicine that he took, as
suggested by his friends. R2 said that she does not self-medicate. Instead, she listed
some of the medicines that she takes. R3 said that before the operation, he did not take
medicines, but after being hospitalized due to an attack caused by high blood pressure
and after being diagnosed with aneurysm, he began to take medicines given to him. R4
confirmed that she self-medicates in the sense that she takes the medicines prescribed
by her doctor all by herself and without the assistance of others. Their perception about
self-medication also differed from each other. All of the respondents answered no when
asked if they needed assistance in taking medicine. The researchers asked if they visit
their doctors regularly for check-up. Based from the answers given, it is safe to assume
that they do visit their doctors regularly.

C. CHALLENGES FACED DURING MEDICATION

1. Following Schedules
The researchers asked a series of questions to know if the respondents find it
challenging to follow the schedules set by their doctors when taking medicines. The
respondents were found to have no trouble in keeping up with the schedules set by their
doctors. All four respondents answered affirmative when asked if they strictly follow the

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 22

schedules of taking medicines. When asked if they have moments wherein they forget to
take their medicines on time, two of the respondents confirmed that yes, sometimes they
forget their medicines, but they immediately take them as soon as they remember. When
asked if they find it challenging to follow their schedules, none of them answered yes. All
of the respondents said that they have no trouble following their schedules because they
know that it is for their own good.

2. Regular Check-Ups
The researchers then asked a series of questions to see if the respondents are
having difficulty when they go to their doctors for check-ups. Only R1 confirmed that he
finds it challenging to go to his doctor for his regular check–up. When asked why, he
said that he still needs to go to clinical laboratories before getting a diagnosis and he
finds it challenging because it costs a lot of money. The other respondents said that they
don’t find it challenging to go to the doctor for their check-ups.

3. Environment
The researchers then asked a question to the respondents to see if they find the
environment they are exposed to challenging for their condition. Each respondent
answered differently from the other. R1 said that yes, he finds the environment he is
exposed to challenging because of certain reasons such as climate change. He claims
that this can affect him and his condition. R2 said that she does not mind the
environment she is in. One of the researchers asked what R2 would do if there was a
smoker around, and she answered that she would cover her nose and mouth because it
would be bad for her condition. R3 answered that he is not bothered by the environment
anymore since he is fully recovered already, while R4 claimed that she doesn’t find her
environment challenging since she already got used to it.

4. Buying Medicines
The researchers then asked a question to the respondents to see if they find it
challenging to buy their maintenance medicines. R1 said that at times, buying his
maintenance medicine is challenging, at times not. He shared that the real challenge
was having the money to buy the medicine that he needs. R2 claimed that she doesn’t
find it challenging to buy her maintenance medicine. R3 claimed that he finds it
challenging to buy his maintenance medicine since the cost can burn a hole in his
pocket. R4 said that she doesn’t find it challenging to buy her maintenance medicine and
shared that she has someone supporting her and giving her medicine.

5. Physical Activity
The researchers then asked if the respondents find it challenging to be physically
active. R1 misunderstood the question and instead answered that he does exercise
daily, sparing 30 minutes up to an hour of his time to do just that, since it was what his
physician told him. Instead of answering the question, R2 offered that her doctor said to
lessen doing strenuous activities. R3 said that yes it is challenging but he still needs to
sweat every day since it was what the elders told him.
As a follow up question, the respondents were asked about the things that they
did before but cannot do after having been diagnosed with hypertension. The
respondents admitted to having vices such as alcohol drinking and smoking, even
excessive eating and doing strenuous activities. The respondents also admitted to not
giving up entirely all of these vices yet. Instead, they do these things in moderation.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 23

 The respondents were then asked for their opinion whether the aforementioned
challenges can cause hindrance in their way to recovery. Almost all of the respondents
answered that yes, these challenges may hinder them in their way towards recovery.

CONCLUSION

After gathering and analyzing the data collected from the respondents, the
researchers therefore conclude that the respondents still need to know more about
hypertension, what it does to the human body, how it affects a person and the illnesses
that may stem out of it. Base from the statements given during the interview conducted
at Brgy. Linao Norte, Tuguegarao City, the researchers found out that the knowledge of
the respondents about their condition are mostly based from their own beliefs and not
entirely from clinical assessments.
Upon knowing the perception of the respondents about self-medication, the
researchers found out that there can be two things that may affect the answers given to
them. Firstly, when the respondents answered yes to the question given by the
researchers to find out if they practice self-medication, their perception about self-
medication is taking the prescribed medicine without the help or assistance of other
people. Secondly, when the other respondents answered no when asked the same
question, their perception about self-medication is the act of buying medicine, usually
over-the-counter drugs, without proper medical consultation, to treat an illness
(Mohamed L.S., & Abd Rahim, 2009). That being said, the researchers then conclude
that despite having different understanding about self-medication, the respondents’
knowledge about what self-medication is, what it does to the body and how it affects
their condition is sufficient.
When it comes to the challenges faced by the respondents during medication, it
was found out that the presented factors that can hinder their road to recovery had little
effect on the practices done by the respondents. Prescribed schedules are strictly
followed, and if there are minimum lapses, it will be rectified as soon as possible by the
respondents. Only one of the respondents found it challenging to go to the doctor for his
check-up while the rest had no problem at all. Environmental factors barely affected the
respondents too, since they claimed to be used to it by now. Only one admitted to having
found the environment he is exposed to challenging. Buying maintenance medicines
proved to be a bit harder to overcome for two of the respondents, while the other two
had no problems in buying their medicines. Physical activity is a challenge that the
respondents all had to overcome since some claimed that to lower their blood pressure,
one must exercise. Despite saying this, the respondents still claimed not to overwork
and not to do strenuous activities since it can trigger high blood pressure.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 24

RECOMMENDATION

A. To Healthcare Providers
 They should be specially trained on how to communicate medicine-
related information and instructions in suitable ways to patients with
hypertension.
 Health care providers should start programs that can help raise
awareness about the effects of hypertension to the health of a person and
to educate the people about it.
 They should be able to explain fully to their patients what their condition
is, so that the perception of the people about the sickness, especially high
blood pressure, is based on facts and not just rumors.

B. To the Future Researchers

 The researchers recommend that this study will be done with more
respondents to gain a wider scope and to have more knowledge about
the perception of hypertensive people about hypertension.
 The future researchers must also provide a better way of analyzing the
data gathered.
 The future researchers must also look into the causes of these
perceptions and the factors affecting the way the hypertensive people
think.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 25

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http://ish-world.com/downloads/pdf/global_brief_hypertension.pdf

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 http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/guidelines/hypertension_guidelines.
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The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 27

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: LITERATURE MATRIX

AUTHOR YEAR TITLE PAGE/VOLUME/EDITION FINDINGS

xv, Volume not specified, Hypertension is one of the most important public
1st Edition health problems worldwide, and its impact is
expected to increase over the next 20 years as
economically developing nations improve
sanitation, infant mortality and childhood
immunization rates (among other measures).
Black, H., MD
HYPERTENSION: A The prevalence of hypertension in adults is
& Elliot, W., 2007
COMPANION TO expected to grow from 26.4% (in 2000) to 29.2%
MD, PhD
BRAUNWALD’S in 2025, with most of the growth from 972 million
HEART DISEASE to the projected 1.56 billion affected people
occurring outside of North America and Europe.
This global epidemic of high blood pressure is
expected to shift the burden of disease so that
heart disease will become the most common
cause of death worldwide by the year 2025.
1, Volume not specified, Hypertension is a level of blood pressure in a
Edition not specified given patient for which the benefits of treatment
outweigh the risks. Treatment should be a
carefully individualized effort that considers the
HYPERTENSION unique circumstances of each patient. The
Weir, M., MD. 2005
prevalence of hypertension, along with the
complications it poses regarding cardiovascular
events, is increasing dramatically, largely
because of obesity and aging population.
Approximately 65 million
 Americans have hypertension, which is more
than 50% of the people over age 60. Data from
the Framingham Heart Study suggest that the
residual lifetime risk for developing hypertension
is approximately 90% and the probability of
requiring antihypertensive medication is 60% for
middle age and older individuals.
3, V. 25, Edition not There were no effective, clinically useful drugs
specified for control of blood pressure until the 1950’s. BP
had been measured for over 100 years and the
link between high BP and adverse clinical
outcomes was recognized. The first association
Handbook of was the chronic kidney disease (Bright’s
Hypertension: disease) but insurance and other actuarial data
Clinical collected in the early years of the 20th century
McInnes, G. T. 2008 Pharmacology and provided evidence of an incremental risk of
Therapeutics of stroke, renal failure and heart disease with
Hypertension increasing BP. By the 1940’s, there was a
recognition of the adverse effects of raised BP,
but there was no means of lowering BP in an
acceptable manner. Thus the cause-effect
relationship between BP and risk of stroke or
heart disease could not be confirmed with
certainty.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 29

BIBLIOGRAPHY (APA FORMAT) METHODOLOGY OBJECTIVES MAJOR FINDINGS

Kiblasan, Payagen, Dulnuan, Descriptive correlational The authors agreed to come up Hypertensive young adults
Singson, and Uy (2015). study was employed and a with a study to look for the level were found to be much
Correlational study on reliable questionnaire that of awareness of fifty aware on hypertension and
Hypertension and Dietary was formulated and utilized hypertensive young adults on they are high compliant to
Regimen among young adults in as the data gathering tool. hypertension and their dietary regimen. There is
Bontoc, Mountain Province compliance to dietary regimen significant relationship
Philippines. Vol 3, No 4. and at the same time, to uncover between the level of
Retrieved from if there is significant awareness on hypertension
http://www.sciedu.ca/journal/index relationships between the level and level of compliance to
.php/cns/article/view/6817 of awareness on hypertension dietary regimen.
and the level of compliance to
dietary regimen.

Inhoa et al. (2001). Prevalence, Population-based samples To determine prevalence, The overall prevalence of
awareness, treatment, control and of people aged 18–92 years awareness, treatment, and hypertension in this study
risk factors of hypertension in in Ansan-city, Korea, were control of hypertension, and its was 33.7%. Among these,
Korea: the Ansan study. 19(9) pp. selected, yielding 2278 men risk factors in an urban Korean 64.9% had Grade 1
1523-1532. Retrieved from and 1948 women, and their population. hypertension, 22.5% Grade
http://journals.lww.com/jhypertens blood pressures were 2, and 12.5% Grade 3. Age-
ion/Abstract/2001/09000/Prevalen measured using a highly specific prevalence of
ce,_awareness,_treatment,_contr standardized protocol. hypertension increased
ol_and_risk.2.aspx Hypertension was defined progressively with age, from
as a systolic BP ≥ 140 14.19% in 18 to 24 year-olds
mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 to 71.39% in those 75 years
mmHg or reported or older. Hypertension
treatment with prevalence was significantly

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 30

 antihypertensive higher in men (41.5%) than
medications, and in women (24.5%)
subclassified according to (P < 0.001). Isolated systolic
1999 WHO-ISH guidelines. hypertension had
Isolated systolic significantly lower prevalence
hypertension (ISH) defined (4.33%) within the
as a systolic BP population, although in the
≥140 mmHg and diastolic elderly aged 55 years or
BP < 90 mmHg was also more it rose by 11.13%.
examined. Data were Overall, 24.6% of
stratified by age and sex. hypertensive individuals were
aware that they had high
blood pressure, as much as
78.6% were being treated
with antihypertensive
medications, and 24.3%
were under control.
Hypertension awareness as
well as treatment and control
rates varied by sex, with
women higher in all three
rates. Multivariate analysis
revealed that age, body
mass index and abdomen
circumference were
significantly associated with
prevalence of hypertension
both in men and women.
Hypertension is highly
prevalent in Korea. Despite
the high rate of treatment,
the rates of awareness and
control are relatively low,
suggesting the nationwide

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 31

 demand for preventing and
controlling high blood
pressure in Korea in order to
avert an epidemic of
cardiovascular disease.

Liu et al. (2006). Reducing stroke The discussions of the group Give patients, healthcare
risk in hypertensive patients: focused on how best to improve professionals, and decision
Asian Consensus Conference blood pressure control, how to makers the information they
The Consensus panel was
recommendations. 1(3) pp. 150- promote lifestyle changes at the need, and improve
co-chaired by Professor Li
157. Retrieved from population level, and how to communication between
Sheng Liu and Professor
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1 reduce the clinical and health these parties
John Reid, and comprised
0.1111/j.1747- system barriers and other Raise awareness of stroke
13 members representing
4949.2006.00041.x/full challenges facing developing risk reduction and
eight Asia-Pacific countries
and low-income countries. disseminate the message
and different fields of
that stroke is not an isolated
expertise. Their discussions
event, but leaves a
centered on three broad
potentially devastating
themes: the epidemiology of
legacy of disability requiring
stroke; knowledge,
ongoing care and support,
attitudes, and perceptions
which not only exacts a
towards hypertension and
considerable financial cost
the risk of stroke; and
on health care systems but
reducing the risk of stroke
also creates a more
among patients with
widespread social burden on
hypertension.
carers, family, and others.
Develop national education
programs to communicate
the link between
hypertension and stroke and
the importance of stroke risk

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 32

 reduction in hypertensive
patients
The media plays a key role in
educating the public about
the importance of reducing
stroke risk, and should be
encouraged to disseminate
key messages to help
improve the public health
Patient groups need to
communicate actively with
patients, physician
organizations, and
governments.
Create urgency for
physicians to understand the
importance of reducing the
risk of stroke in hypertensive
patients. Work with the
International Society of
Hypertension, the World
Hypertension League, and
other regional/international
organizations to develop a
Pan-Asian hypertension and
stroke initiative to focus on
strategies for Asia to better
manage hypertension to
reduce stroke risk
Develop various educational
tools that meet the needs of
physicians in different
regions, tailoring them to the
level of resources, facilities,

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 33

 and treatments available.

Rashid et al. (2015). Combination The principal objectives were to These strategies generally
therapy in hypertension: an Asia- discuss the growing problem of entail initiating therapy with
Pacific consensus viewpoint. The expert panel reviewed hypertension in the Asia-Pacific free drug combinations,
31(5) pp. 865-874. Retrieved from guidelines for hypertension region, and to develop starting with the lowest
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/ab management from the USA consensus recommendations to available dosage, followed
s/10.1185/03007995.2015.10203 and Europe, as well as promote standards of care by treatment with single-pill
68 individual Asia-Pacific across the region. combinations once the BP
countries, and devised a target has been achieved. A
treatment matrix/guide, in single reference for the
which they propose the whole Asia-Pacific region
preferred combination may contribute to increased
therapy regimens for consistency of treatment and
patients with hypertension, greater proportions of
both with and without patients achieving BP
compelling indications. control, and hence reducing
hypertension-related
morbidity and mortality.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 34

APPENDIX B:

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension: A Phenomenological Inquiry

NAME: ___________________________________________
AGE: ____ GENDER: [ ] M [ ] F

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Please answer the questions truthfully based on your own perceptions and experiences.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 35

 1. What is your perception on hypertension?

2. Did your doctor explain to you what hypertension is and what it does to your body? If so, can you tell us something about it?

3. Do you self-medicate? If so, can you tell us about the medicines that you take and their effects?

4. Do you need assistance when taking medicine? Why?

5. Do you visit your doctor regularly? What do they tell you about your condition every visit?

6. What do you think is the role of self-medication in lowering your blood pressure?

7. Do you strictly follow your schedule in taking medicine prescribed by the doctor?

8. Do you have moments wherein you forget to take your medicine? What do you do when that happens?

9. Do you find it challenging to follow your schedule in taking medicine? What do you do about it?

10. Do you find it challenging to go to the doctor for your check up? Why?

11. Do you find the environment you are exposed to challenging? Why and in what aspect?

12. Do you find buying your maintenance/medicine challenging? Why?

13. Do you find engaging in physical activities challenging? Why?

14. Do you think these challenges may hinder you in self-medicating? Why?

APPENDIX C: LETTERS

Dear Respondents:

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 36

Christian Greetings!

We, the undersigned Grade 11 STEM-Health students of University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao are conducting a research study
entitled “SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN MANAGING HYPERTENSION” as a final requirement in the subject, Practical
Research 1.This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and awareness of people regarding the self-care practices and
lifestyle modifications of hypertensive people.

The researchers will be using the interview and observation processes to assess the knowledge of the participants included in the
research study.

The researchers set forth criteria in selecting the participants of the study for the group, which include:
1.) Participants diagnosed with Hypertension
2.) Age of the participants 19 years old and above

The research and its result will raise awareness among the members of the community on what hypertension really is and how it
affects the human health. Also, the community will know the right things to be done when one is hypertensive.

In this regard, we humbly request your consent to be one of our respondents in the study.
In addition, we will provide you voluntary, informed consent to data collection and the use to which the data will be put. You will also
be treated fairly and reasonably, with care and courtesy. At any rate, you will be protected for the duration of the study not harmed,
exposed, disadvantaged or made to feel uncomfortable in any way.
We are looking forward for your positive response.
Thank you very much for your cooperation and support in this important endeavor!

Very respectfully yours,

MARIDANE PAGATPATAN ALLYSA VILLA

Researchers Researchers

AIRA MATIAS EUGENE BAQUIRAN

Researchers Researchers

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 37

Noted by:

ROMNICK D. MAGUSIB
Practical Research 1 Teacher

CLAIRE T. GUMARANG, MAEd

Senior High School Assistant Principal

MARY ANN A. BAQUIRAN, MAEd

High School Principal

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 38

May 8, 2017

EMMANUEL JAMES PATTAGUAN, Ph. D.

Vice President for Academics
University of St. Louis
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

THRU: MARY ANN A. BAQUIRAN, MAEd

High School Principal
University of Saint Louis
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Dear Sir:

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 39

Christian Greetings!

We, the undersigned Grade 11 STEM-Health students of University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao are conducting a research study
entitled “SELF-MEDICATION PRACTICES IN MANAGING HYPERTENSION” as a final requirement in the subject, Practical
Research 1.This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and awareness of people regarding the self-care practices and
lifestyle modifications of hypertensive people.

The researchers will be using the interview and observation processes to assess the knowledge of the participants included in the
research study.

The researchers set forth criteria in selecting the participants of the study for the group, which include:
1.) Participants diagnosed with Hypertension
2.) Age of the participants 19 years old and above

The research and its result will raise awareness among the members of the community on what hypertension really is and how it
affects the human health. Also, the community will know the right things to be done when one is hypertensive.

Having presented an overview of our research, may we request for permission in the administration of the study at Linao,
Tuguegarao City.

We anticipate for a favourable response from your good office.

Very respectfully yours,

MARIDANE PAGATPATAN ALLYSA VILLA

Researchers Researchers

AIRA MATIAS EUGENE BAQUIRAN

Researchers Researchers

Noted by:

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 40

ROMNICK D. MAGUSIB
Practical Research 1 Teacher

CLAIRE T. GUMARANG, MAEd

Senior High School Assistant Principal

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 41

 AIRA JOBELLE MATIAS

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 42

 She was born on March 19, 2000 at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. She is the youngest child among three children of Mr. Chito
Matias and Mrs. Myrna Matias and is now 17 years old of age. She had primary education at The Holy Trinity Montessory School in
the year 2011-2012. She completed her Junior Highschool education at University Of Saint Louis Tuguegarao in the year 2015-2016.
At the moment, she is a Grade 11 student of STEM-Health at University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 43

 ALLYSA NICOLE VILLA

She was born on October 11, 1999 at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. She is the only child of Mr. Isagani Villa Jr. and Mrs.
Brenda Lee Villa and is now 17 years old of age. She had primary education at Pudtol Central School in the year 2011-2012. She
completed her Junior High School education at Santo Rosario School in the year 2015-2016. At the moment, she is a Grade 11
student of STEM-Health at University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 44

 MARIDANE PAGATPATAN

She was born on the 21st of July, 2000 at Solana, Cagayan. She is the eldest daughter of Mr. Danilo C. Pagatpatan and Mrs.
Marisa T. Pagatpatan. Her primary education started at Bauan Elementary School. She graduated as Valedictorian in the school year

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 45

2011-2012. She had her Junior High School education at the University of Saint Louis and completed as 5th Honor in the school year
2015-2016. She is currently enrolled in the University or Saint Louis as a Grade 11 Senior High School STEM-Health student.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 46

 JAYVEE EUGENE BAQUIRAN

He was born on 27th of December, 1999 at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. He is the oldest of Mr. Jayson C. Baquiran and Mrs.
Evangeline C. Baquiran. His primary education started at Linao Elementary School and graduated in the school year 2011-2012. He
had his Junior High School education at the University of St. Louis in the school year 2015-2016. He is currently enrolled in the
University of St. Louis as a Grade 11 Senior High School STEM-Health student.

The Self-Medication Practices in Managing Hypertension| 47