Understanding the Role of Social Media Use on Self-Medication Practices of Mothers: A Qualitative Study

  • Psalm David Mulingtapang Tresmanio St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Julia Macarubbo Simbulan St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Kirsten Chanel Abanes Singcol St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Lourizze Joyce Maglaoy Soberano St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Jazmin Nichole Sandal Solis St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Chloe Jazira Navarro Valencia St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Precious Grace Dela Cruz Varnal St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Jeminah Jahniel Evangelista Villarubia St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
  • Melanjo L. Rulloda St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines
Keywords: Social Media, Self-Medication, Mothers, Health Information, Influence

Abstract

In many barangays across the Philippines, mothers often face challenges in accessing reliable healthcare services, leading them to turn to self-medication as a practical but potentially risky alternative. While there is a growing interest in how social media influences self-medication practices, existing research and literature tend to focus either on the general population or specific age groups, without giving much attention to the unique role that mothers play in this dynamic. Specifically, the intersection of social media use and self-medication practices among mothers has been underexplored in a specific population. This qualitative study explored the influence of social media use on self-medication practices among mothers residing in a selected barangay in District IV, Quezon City. While literature highlights social media’s global impact on mothers’ health behaviors, local insights remain underexplored. Using purposive sampling, five mothers aged 18 to 40 years, who had lived in the community for at least six months and engaged weekly with health-related social media content, were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using a systematic six-phase thematic analysis, revealing a total of six themes. The findings reveal the multifaceted role social media plays in mothers’ health decisions, emphasizing the need for targeted education to promote responsible self-medication practices in community settings.

Author Biographies

Psalm David Mulingtapang Tresmanio, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Psalm David M. Tresmanio is currently a level four student nurse at Trinity University of Asia, St. Luke’s College of Nursing who has acquired diverse knowledge and skills, particularly in clinical practice, patient care, and leadership roles through different organizations within the department. His training has strengthened his ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, assume responsibility in clinical decision-making, and demonstrate initiative in managing different areas of responsibility. With clinical exposure in patient care and nursing procedures, he aims to contribute to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Julia Macarubbo Simbulan, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Julia M. Simbulan is a fourth-year nursing student who sees her studies as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow. She believes that every lesson and clinical duty is shaping her into a more capable and compassionate future nurse. Through her experiences, she has learned the importance of patience, resilience, and empathy in caring for others. She aspires to use her knowledge and skills to serve people in need and contribute positively to the healthcare community.

Kirsten Chanel Abanes Singcol, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Kirsten Chanel A. Singcol is a fourth-year nursing student who demonstrates strong passion and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession. Throughout her academic journey, she has built a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, complemented by hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Her commitment to learning and excellence has strengthened her critical thinking, patient care, and health education skills, which she aims to put to good use in her future career. With a deep sense of compassion and professionalism, Kirsten aspires to become a competent and empathetic nurse who advocates for patient safety, promotes health literacy, and contributes meaningfully to improving the quality of healthcare for individuals and communities.

Lourizze Joyce Maglaoy Soberano, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Lourizze Joyce M. Soberano is a fourth-year nursing student dedicated to pursuing a career in the healthcare profession. She is passionate about gaining new experiences that will enhance her skills, knowledge, and personal growth. With a strong interest in patient care and health research, she seeks opportunities that will allow her to contribute meaningfully to the nursing field. Her academic journey has shaped her into a compassionate and resilient individual who values both professional competence and empathy in caregiving. Guided by her commitment to continuous learning, she aspires to become a nurse who not only provides quality care but also serves as an advocate for health and wellness in the community.

Jazmin Nichole Sandal Solis, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Jazmin Nichole S. Solis is a student nurse with a heart set on turning challenges into stepping stones for growth. My dream is not only to complete my degree but also to apply my knowledge and research to create meaningful change in how care is delivered, especially for those who often feel unseen. Nursing, for me, is more than skill; it is courage, resilience, and the quiet strength to stand by people in their most vulnerable moments. Each day, I carry my dream with me: to become a nurse who heals not just with hands, but with compassion and purpose. When you read my story, I hope you see not just a student, but a young woman determined to leave an impact that lasts.

Chloe Jazira Navarro Valencia, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Chloe Jazira N. Valencia is an enthusiastic fourth-year nursing student that seeks every learning opportunity with curiosity and dedication. She also values her experiences that help her strengthen her communication, leadership skills, and clinical judgment. She is eager to contribute to advancement of nursing practice through continuous service and learning, and becoming a nurse who upholds excellence, empathy, and advocacy.

Precious Grace Dela Cruz Varnal, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Precious Grace D. Varnal is a devoted fourth-year nursing student who embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow both in knowledge and character. Guided by her dedication to continuous learning, she strives for excellence in her academic and clinical pursuits, recognizing that each experience brings her closer to becoming a competent and compassionate nurse. With a strong commitment to patient-centered care, she aspires to serve with empathy, integrity, and professionalism, making a meaningful difference in the lives she touches and in the greater healthcare community.

Jeminah Jahniel Evangelista Villarubia, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Jeminah Jahniel E. Villarubia is a committed nursing student with a strong passion in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Driven by her compassion for patient care, she constantly strives to expand her knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for her future in healthcare. As she pursues her nursing career, she is determined to maintain the principles of professionalism, empathy and excellence with tenacity and a service-oriented heart.

Melanjo L. Rulloda, St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia, Philippines

Prof. Melanjo L. Rulloda is a nurse educator with over 15 years of clinical and teaching experience who emphasizes challenging, meaningful, and engaging nursing education. He serves as a Lecture Professor, Clinical Instructor, and Project CHANGE Adviser–TCCD Coordinator at St. Luke’s College of Nursing, Trinity University of Asia. He holds BSN, MAN, and Doctorate degrees in Nursing Management from Trinity University of Asia, with clinical experience in cardiac intensive care and surgical/trauma nursing, including practice in Saudi Arabia. A licensed nurse in the Philippines, HAAD-RN passer, and Saudi Commission–certified professional, he is dedicated to developing future nurses who think critically, care deeply, and practice confidently.

Published
2026-02-15
How to Cite
Tresmanio, P. D., Simbulan, J., Singcol, K. C., Soberano, L. J., Solis, J. N., Valencia, C. J., Varnal, P. G., Villarubia, J. J., & Rulloda, M. (2026, February 15). Understanding the Role of Social Media Use on Self-Medication Practices of Mothers: A Qualitative Study. Puissant, 7, 3093-3115. Retrieved from //puissant.stepacademic.net/puissant/article/view/723
Issue
Vol 7 (2026): Volume 7
Section
Articles