Exploring health seeking behaviors for common cold management

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The common cold, despite its mild symptoms, presents a significant financial strain on healthcare systems.
• Understanding patient responses to cold symptoms is crucial for effective healthcare management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient behaviors when experiencing common cold symptoms.
• To identify factors influencing these behaviors and healthcare-seeking decisions.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2019.
• Data were collected from 404 participants using a 10-item questionnaire across diverse socioeconomic areas.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

Main Results:

• 42.1% consulted a physician immediately, 11.4% saw a pharmacist, 14.3% self-medicated, 28.3% used home remedies, and 15% took no action.
• Significant correlations were found between cold-related behaviors and health self-confidence, knowledge, lifestyle, gender, marital status, occupation, insurance, and family spending.

Conclusions:

• Individual behaviors regarding the common cold are influenced by a range of personal and socioeconomic factors.
• These findings can inform healthcare strategies to improve treatment and reduce costs associated with common cold management.