Self-medication among the elderly in Iran: a content analysis study.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Self-medication, defined as using medication without a prescription for self-diagnosed conditions, is a significant public health concern, especially among the elderly.
• Recognizing diverse self-medication practices in older adults, particularly in developing nations, is vital for healthcare providers to minimize adverse effects.
• This study focuses on the Iranian elderly population to understand their self-medication behaviors and associated factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the prevalence and patterns of self-medication among elderly individuals in Iran.
• To identify and analyze the factors contributing to self-medication practices within this demographic.
• To provide insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to address self-medication challenges in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative content analysis approach was employed.
• Purposive sampling was utilized to recruit elderly individuals, their caregivers, physicians, and pharmacists until data saturation.
• Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using an inductive approach, framed by the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Main Results:

• Five key categories of factors influencing self-medication among the elderly in Iran emerged: patient attitudes (towards disease, treatment, physicians), living with chronic illness, environmental influences, health system accessibility, and the impact of influential others.
• Self-medication practices included over-the-counter drugs, complementary/alternative medicine, and easily accessible prescription medications.
• Contributing factors extend beyond the elderly to include family, caregivers, social networks, living environment, and the healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• Self-medication among Iranian elderly shares similarities with global trends but also involves obtaining prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
• A multifaceted approach is needed, considering individual, familial, social, environmental, and systemic factors to manage elderly self-medication.
• Interventions should be tailored to the specific context of Iran's healthcare system and socio-cultural environment to effectively address self-medication in older adults.