Exploring Cultural Factors Influencing the Tendency Toward Self-Medication in Psychiatric Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and analyze the cultural factors influencing the tendency toward self-medication in patients with psychiatric disorders in Tehran's sociocultural context. This research employed a qualitative approach using thematic analysis. Twenty-nine psychiatric patients were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo version 12. To enhance the trustworthiness of the findings, member checking, peer debriefing, and prolonged engagement with data were applied. Thematic analysis yielded three major categories: “Cultural Norms and Beliefs,” “Family and Social Structure,” and “Access and Information.” A total of 8 subcategories and over 40 initial concepts were identified. Participants attributed their self-medication behavior to factors such as normalization of drug use, fear of social stigma, family influence, role pressure, lack of knowledge about medications, and negative experiences with the healthcare system. The findings indicate that self-medication among psychiatric patients is shaped by a complex interaction of cultural, social, and informational elements. Designing culturally sensitive interventions, promoting public education, empowering families, and improving the quality of psychiatric services may reduce self-medication behaviors and encourage professional treatment seeking.