Predictors of Nonprescription Medication Use

This paper presents the results of a literature review on predictors of nonprescription medication use. The predictors identified appear to explain about 20% to 34% of the variance associated with use of nonprescription medication. Most studies indicated that predictors were interrelated. Females were found to be significantly more likely to be involved in the use of nonprescription medication than males. Age was suggested to be negatively related to use, while income and education, which are correlated to social class, have a positive influence. Other potential predictors appeared to be family or household size and influence, race, marital status, medical beliefs and attitude, and stress levels. The relationship between physician consultations and nonprescription medication use appears controversial. Evidence for other demographic variables, such as geographical location and method of payment for medical services, was limited. The major direct determinant appears to be perceived morbidity, which is, in turn, shaped by other variables.