Authors : Ian C. Abordo; Shella G. Dello; Raymond M. Salvador; Akikuh Shaira S. Codizar; Rayyan B. Sanguila; Alyssah N. Ali; Haifa S. Ananggo; Elyn Jay C. Bergado; Minette Gertrudes B. Bucio; John Michael C. Generol

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ttbfma7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3krkw8e3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May351

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This correlational quantitative study examined how media exposure and trust in healthcare providers relate to self-medication practices with pain relievers among middle-aged to older adults in selected barangays of Iligan City. Selfmedication is a common health practice within this age group, influenced by both social and environmental factors, making it important to understand its primary influencing factors. The study involved 350 respondents aged 40 years and above from Barangay Bagong Silang, Tibanga, and Santiago. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires, including the Media Exposure Scale (MES), Trust in Healthcare Provider Scale (THPS), and SelfMedication Practices Scale (SMPS). The statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS to examine correlations and determine key predictors through regression analysis. Media exposure, particularly media credibility, and trust in healthcare institutions emerged as significant predictors of self-medication practices, while trust in healthcare providers showed only a weak negative association with unsafe practices. These findings emphasize the influential role of media and perceived healthcare trust in shaping self-medication practice, emphasizing the need to promote media literacy and strengthen healthcare communication. Future research should explore additional psychological and contextual factors that may further influence self-medication practices.

Keywords : Media Exposure; Trust in Healthcare Providers; Self-Medication: Pain Relievers: Middle-Aged Adults: Older Adults.

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