Cultural beliefs and practices on methods of self-treatment of influenza among residents in Alfonso, Cavite.

Socio-demographic variables include age, type of family, educational attainment, religion and socio-economic status. Descriptive correlational research design was used in this study. A validated self-made questionnaire which is composed of two (2) parts was used. Out of 34 barangays, the researchers chose to gather the data from 27 rural barangays. Using the quota sampling method, 497 respondents were taken from the selected barangays. Frequency, percentage, mean, analysis of variance, t-test for independent samples and Pearson’s production moment correlation were the statistical tools included in the study. Based on the results, most of the respondents were aged 21-39 years old, belonged to a nuclear family and were Roman Catholic. Majority were high school graduates who were knowledgeable enough to perform and adjust to the beliefs and practices that were handed to them from the previous generations. Since the respondents were from rural barangays, it is logical that they have a monthly income of Php10,000 or lower given that agriculture is their primary source of living. The respondent accept the different cultural beliefs on methods of self-treatment of influenza and it is revealed that they still believed in the cultural methods of self-treatment of influenza that were observed through generations. Majority of the respondents also accept and apply the different practices on methods of self-treatment of influenza. There are no significant differences in the cultural beliefs when grouped according to age, educational attainment and religion. Respondents who are older, with lower level of education and Roman Catholic have higher cultural beliefs regarding treatment of influenza. Respondents have varied practices on methods of self-treatment of influenza when all demographic variables were considered. The older person with lower level of education who have above average income and who belong to nuclear family and Roman Catholic have greatly apply the different practices because they are able to distinguish what treatment is effective, affordable and they believed in. The result revealed that there is a significant relationship between cultural beliefs and practices on the methods of self-treatment of influenza. This indicates that when a person believes in a tradition accustomed to them by their family, it becomes a habit which develops into practices that are passed on from one generation to another and the respondent still practiced what they believed in