Date of Completion

2024

Document Type

Community Medicine

Degree Name

Doctor of Medicine

Keywords

acute cough, over-the-counter antitussives, Herbal medicine

Abstract

Patients who suffer from acute cough opt to purchase over-the-counter antitussives to relieve symptoms despite a lack of awareness about its etiology. Herbal medicine, meanwhile, is a perennial practice in the Philippines rooted in traditional remedies, particularly in rural communities. Despite their availability and effectiveness, herbal remedies may carry negative perceptions to those who prefer commercially available prescriptions. This study determines the contributing factors influencing the perception of Barangay Burol 1 Dasmariñas, Cavite adult residents in choosing between herbal medicine-derived capsule drugs (Vitex negundo L.) and synthetically formulated over-the-counter capsule drugs to utilize as a treatment for acute cough. The target sample size was 115 households selected using systematic random sampling, wherein one qualified adult represents the household. The variables included were socio-demographic profile, economic, cultural factors, and perceived effectiveness. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to determine the significant factors. Bivariate analysis revealed eight significant factors influencing the perception on drug utilization, including knowledge on DOH recommendation (OR = 5.47), doctor/specialist recommendation (OR = 0.342), affordability (OR = 2.66), family utilization (OR = 3.91), negative experience with conventional drugs (OR = 0.386), perceived effectivity and less side effects (OR = 8215), and capsule form of drug (OR = 0.388). Multivariate analysis revealed that the family utilization, knowledge on DOH recommendation, doctor’s recommendation, and capsule form of drug were predicting factors. This study suggests that the most influential factor is family utilization, followed by knowledge on DOH recommendations, then doctor’s recommendation and capsule form of drug.

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