Behaviors and behavioral beliefs in self-medication in light of the Theory of Planned Behavior:

scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review carried out in electronic databases aims to map behavioral, normative, and control beliefs related to self-medication risk behavior in light of the Theory of Planned Behavior and categorize self-medication behaviors.  The acronym PCC (Population - adults and elderly, Concept - self-medication, Context - risk behavior) was used, using the search equation: adult OR aged AND health risk behaviors OR high risk behavior OR risky behavior OR risk-taking AND self medication, in the Embase, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. To extract behavioral, normative, and control beliefs, the Theory of Planned Behavior was used, and to obtain risk and responsible behaviors for self-medication, the publication of the World Health Organization was used. A total of 64 scientific articles were included. A percentage of 64% addressed self-medication in general, followed by 31.2% on self-medication of antibiotics. Risk behaviors for selfmedication were mapped, such as: using antibiotics on one's own, discontinuing treatment, and using the medication on one's own without knowing the dose and duration. From these, attitudes were mapped, such as: I would take medication on one's own because it quickly relieves symptoms; subjective norm: I feel motivated to take medication without a prescription, because I value the opinion of friends and relatives; and perceived control: I would use medication on one's own because I have the habit of reading the package inserts and labels of medications. These elements are relevant for elucidating and incorporating them into strategies to promote the rational use of medications.