RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Self-medication with Antibiotics within the selected Barangays

of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur

Researchers:
Ainel Jae G. Beronilla
Angelica Baillo
Jessa Hermosilla
Cristan Rodrigo T. Lacano
Aivan Mark L. Sejuela

Research Teacher:
Doc. Rainer P. Sularte
Background of the study

Among the medications that are most frequently bought worldwide are antibiotics. These are

necessary treatments, particularly in underdeveloped nations where infectious diseases continue to be

the leading cause of mortality. The term "self-medication" describes the practice of using

pharmaceuticals to cure illnesses that one has self-diagnosed without a doctor's advice or supervision .

Most countries in the world use this type of healthcare, and 50% of all antibiotics are bought over-the-

counter [4-5]. The consequences of self-medication with antibiotics that pose health risks, especially in

developing nations, are complex and include poverty, lack of access, lack of medical professionals,

subpar healthcare facilities, uncontrolled medicine distribution, and patients' false beliefs about doctors.

An online survey with 2217 participants showed that 19.5% of respondents used antibiotics to

ward off COVID-19, During the peak of the first outbreak. (Airong Zhang, et al, 2021).

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a significant hazard to humankind. Each year, drug-resistant

diseases kill at least 700,000 people worldwide. By 2050, this mortality rate is expected to rise to 10

million deaths per year in the absence of intervention. (O’Neill J, 2016).

While a number of individual studies have looked into antibiotic self-medication in nations that

are part of the WHO Southeast Asia region (WHO SEAR), no comprehensive study has been conducted in

this context. The majority of these nations in the WHO SEAR still have high rates of infectious disease

burden after decades of economic progress and development. To aid in the development and

implementation of targeted strategies and interventions aimed at preventing the irrational use of

antibiotics and, as a result, slowing down the spread of antibiotic resistance, data from carefully planned

research on the community's use of antibiotics in these situations is required. In order to measure the

prevalence and impact of self-medication with antibiotics, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of

published research from WHO SEAR. (G Nepal, S Bhatta, 2018).

According to the World Health Organization (2020), COVID-19 has emerged as an

In January 2020, there was an international public health emergency. Pandemic-related concern has

increased, panic and anxiety, which ultimately lead to a lot of people taking stress-relieving drugs by

themselves. (Et al., Chopra, 2021).

 An online survey with 2217 participants showed that 19.5% of respondents used antibiotics to

ward off COVID-19, During the peak of the first outbreak. (Airong Zhang, et al, 2021).

Furthermore, the prevalence of antibiotic self-medication in the Philippines has been shown to vary

between 31% and 66%. A study conducted in 2014 found that the overall prevalence in the Philippines

was higher than that of Southeast Asia (range: 38–58%). (Luz Casquejo, et al.

In Vietnam, even in cases where a doctor's prescription was not required, a high percentage of

inappropriate antibiotic distribution was noted for patients with suspected viral infections[1]. Adverse

prescription and usage of antibiotics have also been noted in other nations, such as the Philippines.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of patients had respiratory symptoms like cough and rhinorrhea,

which made the issue with antibiotic use worse. (Bernays S, et al, 2022).

The COVID-19 epidemic has made the problem of prescribing antibiotics inappropriately worse.

Ivermectin and azithromycin were recommended as COVID-19 treatments at the onset of the pandemic.

Their usage was discouraged by the Philippine Department of Health and many medical groups since

there is little evidence to support their ability to prevent COVID-19 infection, slow the progression of the

disease, or shorten hospital stays. (Clemencia D, et al). (WALA PAY REGIONAL SIR HEHE)
Objectives of the Study

Introduction:

1. To survey the prevalence and designs of self-medication with antibiotics among a particular

populace.

2. To assess the potential dangers and results related with self-medication with anti-microbials,

counting anti-microbial resistance, unfavorable impacts, and postponed appropriate treatment.

3. To examine the relationship between self-medication with antibiotics and healthcare-seeking

behavior, including reasons for choosing self-medication over proficient therapeutic counsel.

Statement of the Problem

1. What is the degree of self-medication with antibiotics among the specified population, and

what are the prevalent designs associated with it?

2. How do the dangers and results of self-medication with antibiotics, including antibiotic

resistance and unfavorable impacts, affect public wellbeing results and healthcare frameworks?

3. What variables influence people to choose self-medication with antibiotics over seeking

professional therapeutic counsel, and how does this choice influence their healthcare-seeking

behavior?
Significance of the study

The research of antibiotic self-medication in a few barangays of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur

is important since it can help the local community in many ways by offering insightful

information and support. In particular, the following will profit from the undertaking's results:

Department of Health (DOH): The study findings will be helpful in policymaking on public

health issues by the department of health. Such regulations shall help in controlling the use of

antibiotics and reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Local Hospitals: Healthcare providers and institutions, such as those within the immediate

community, could create targeted interventions and educational campaigns based on these

findings in order to promote prudent antibiotic use among patients. These efforts will ultimately

contribute towards enhanced health outcomes as well as economical service delivery systems.

Local Barangays: Knowing the risks associated with self-administration of antibiotics is

beneficial to Brgy residents who are part of the research. Health practices can be improved and

may eventually reduce community antibiotic resistance.

Future Researchers: The study acts as a steppingstone in subsequent works on antibiotic self-

medication to generate various ways of curbing misuse and resistance. It is hence important

that other researchers find ways of improving antibiotic use and compliance by building on this

research for further studies into new areas of inquiry.

Students: The results of this investigation can come in handy for student learners “pursuing

higher education especially in health sciences where there is a need for deep understanding

about the harmful effects resulting from misuse of antibiotics both academically and for

professional purposes.”
Scope and Limitations

This study specifically examines the practice of self-medication, with antibiotics in the

chosen barangays of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. It aims to understand how common self-

medication with antibiotics is among the residents of the barangay. The study will explore

factors that influence self-medication behaviors, such as availability, accessibility, affordability,

and knowledge. Additionally, it will assess the types of antibiotics commonly used for self-

medication and where people obtain them. The potential consequences and risks associated

with self-medication using antibiotics will also be discussed. Based on the findings of this study,

recommendations for interventions or educational programs to address this issue will be

provided.

This study’s scope is limited to the selected barangays of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

Therefore, its findings may not necessarily apply to regions or populations. It's important to

note that data collection methods like surveys or interviews may be influenced by response bias

and rely on self-reported information from participants. Due to sampling limitations, it may not

capture the population of the barangay accurately. Verifying the accuracy of reported self-

medication practices and antibiotic usage can present challenges well. Furthermore, cultural

and social factors that influence self-medication behaviors may not be fully explored within this

study’s scope. The study might not fully examine the underlying problems within the healthcare

system that contribute to people self-medicating, including issues with access, to healthcare

and its affordability. We will also carefully consider the aspects concerning the privacy and

confidentiality of participants’ health information.