ABSTRACT
This study was made to identify compliance in self-medication, and factors influencing the self-medication of pulmonary TB patients. Self-medication of pulmonary TB patients is a very important factor for the cure of the patients. In this study, variables were used from three theories of health behavior. These were the Health Belief Model, Health Locus of Control, Theory of Planned Behavior. These were included to examine their effect on self-medication. Data were collected during the period from July 1 to August 20, 1994 using a structured questionnaire. And they were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and Multiple Regression analysis using the SAS program. The result were as follows : 1. The mean on the self-medication scores ranging from 6.0 to 12.0 was 10.93. The mean for the self-evaluation scores of the self-medication ranging from 50.0 to 100.0 was 86.51. 2. There were significant associations between the scores on self-medication and age(F=2.34, p=0.033), and method of treatment(F=4.65, P=0.018). And there were significant associations between the self-evaluation scores of self-medication and age (F=3.79, P=0.000), and presence of TB patients among family(F=4.92, P=0.000). 3. (a) The relationship between the scores on self-medication and perceived barrier in health belief revealed a significant correlation(r=-.2046, p=0.0082). (b) The relationship between the scores on self-medication and other-dependency in LOC revealed a significant correlation(r=0.2322, p=0.0018). (c) The relationship between the self-evaluation score of self-medication and other-dependency in LOC revealed a significant correlation(r=0.1946, p=0.0122). (d) The relationship between the attitude in self-medication of the subjects and the self-evaluation score of self-medication revealed a significant correlation(r=0.2102, p=0.0066). 4. (a) 14.8% of the score of compliance in self-medication of the subjects was explained by five variables : Behavioral Intention, Duration of Treatment, Age, Perceived Sensitivity and Perceived Sensitivity and Perceived Barrier. (b) 8.7% of the score of self-evaluation of self-medication was explained by three variables : Perceived Control, Perceived Sensitivity, and Age. In conclusion : This study provides insights and information which may be valuable for motivation and instruction to improve compliance in self-medication among pulmonary TB patients.