Risk reduction methods for self treatment

Abstract

Abstract Face to face interviews with consumers at shopping mails in Houston, Texas, sought to evaluate the helpfulness of nine risk reduction methods for self-treatment of three selected health problems (minor eye problems, overweight, and indigestion). Professional advice provided by pharmacists and loyalty to a brand used previously were rated as the two most helpful methods for self-treatment of all three health problems. There were no significant differences found in the evaluation of the nine risk reduction methods across any demographic factors for either overweight or indigestion. For minor eye problems, respondents who were separated, divorced or widowed rated the “shopping-around” and comparing brands more helpful than did those who were engaged. Those who had self-treating experience with overweight and indigestion rated brand loyalty more helpful than those who did not have any self-treating experience. Overall, professional advice provided by pharmacists was rated as the most favourable risk reduction method for self-treatment for all three selected health problems. Consumers' self-treating experience may have an impact on their evaluation of the risk reduction methods.