چکیده:
Self-medication is a common health issue throughout the world,
especially in developing countries that have a greater level
of drug-resistance. The present study was conducted with the
aim to evaluate self-medication in the elderly using constructs
of health belief model (HBM). In this study, 180 elderly were
randomly selected from 4 urban care centers. Data were collected
using a researcher-made questionnaire based on HBM and selfmedication,
and analyzed by using SPSS and Chi-square and
logistic regression tests. The results revealed that 99.4% of the
elderly kept medicine in their homes, and used them in common
cases of high blood pressure, cold, and muscular and joint aches.
Self-medication in the elderly was found significantly related to
history of chronic diseases, knowledge, self-efficacy, benefits,
barriers, and perceived intensity. According to the present study
results, use of HBM is recommended to design educational
programs aiming to change behaviors and reduce habitual selfmedication.