Reducing Self-Medication in Iranian Women Based on Health Belief Model: A Brief Report

Self-medication is a serious health problem in Iran. In this quasi-experimental study with a control group, four healthcare facilities were selected and divided into intervention and control groups. Based on the health files of women in healthcare facilities, 192 women were selected randomly and completed a self-reported questionnaire to measure Health Belief Model constructs and self-medication. After analyzing the data, perceived susceptibility was found as the main predictive factor for self-medication, and an intervention was developed to increase it. The intervention consisted of lectures and group discussions, along with distributing pamphlets and sending short messages for four weeks. Three months later, the data was collected again and analyzed. Perceived susceptibility was improved, and self-reported behavior was reduced significantly in intervention groups compared to the control groups.