For My Family, I Take It’: A Phenomenological Study of Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Filipino Adults

Table 3. Theme 2:Medication as Protection and Responsibility

Subtheme	Illustrative Quotations
Medication as Protection	“Medication means protection for my health.” (P5) “I feel more secure knowing my blood pressure is controlled.” (P8) “It prevents emergencies.” (P3)
Responsibility to Family	“I want to stay alive longer for my children.” (P8) “It allows me to continue working and supporting my family.” (P10) “I do not want to become a burden.” (P1)
Ambivalence and Vulnerability	“Sometimes I still worry about long-term effects.” (P8) “It feels like a reminder that I need to slow down.” (P10) “I feel dependent on pills.” (P2)