The effect of education based on extended parallel process model (EPPM) on the self-medication of elderly in Zarandieh

Self-medication can be defined as obtaining and consuming drugs without the prescription of a physician either and it might have serious consequences. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of education based extended parallel process model (EPPM) on the self-medication among elderly in Zarandieh. In this quasi-experimental study، 110 elderly men were selected randomly and were randomly divided into two equal groups of experimental and control groups (45 in each). Data was collected through a questionnaire consisting of extended parallel process model (EPPM) questions and a performance checklist on self-medication which was used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program. The participants in the two groups filled out the questionnaire، and then intervention was done during a month in 5 sessions، 45 minutes، and finally the data of the two groups were collected and analyzed using SPSS18. Before educational program، there was no statistically significant difference between two groups regarding self-medication and extended parallel process model constructs. However after intervention، independent sample t-test showed a statistical significant difference between two groups (P<0. 05) in knowledge، perceived susceptibility and severity، response efficacy، self-efficacy and practice. In addition، self-medication rate decreased significantly among the experimental group compared to controls after intervention (p<0. 01) (33% V. S 13%). Results of this study confirmed the efficiency of extended parallel process model in prevention of self-medication behaviour among elderly individuals.