Effectiveness of Self-medication Prevention in the Elderly based on the Protection Motivation Theory

Abstract

Introduction: Self-medication in elderly can lead to different complications. The aim of the present study was determining the effectiveness of the intervention self-medication prevention in the elderly based on protection motivation theory. Method: This quasi-experimental interventional study was conducted on young elderly in the city of Ahvaz. For this purpose, 75 individuals as the experimental group and 75 individuals as the control group were randomly selected for the study. And, after one of training, they were followed for two months. The data collected were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS version 16 and employing t-test and chi-squared test. Results: After the implementation of the educational program, significant difference in the increase of mean scores of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived fear in the elderly in the in the experimental group (P<0.05). However, no significant association between the use of educational programs and the reduction of self-medication in the experimental and control groups was found (P>0.05). Conclusion: the programs prepared for the prevention of self-medication in the elderly based on the protection motivation theory is effective enough to be implemented in broader environments.