ABSTRACT

The U.S. health-care debate has focused on several macro-level factors to accomplish cost-containment, universal accessibility, and high-quality delivery in the marketplace. The present research empirically explores the drivers of consumer’s propensity to self-medicate. The findings suggest that consumers’ need for control is an important determinant of their propensity to self-medicate. Specifically, health locus of control factors are significant predictors of differences between Baby Boomers and Gen Ys in their propensity to self-medicate. Findings also suggest the importance of the role of a ‘powerful other’ such as a health-care provider in deterring consumer from self-medication.

摘要

美国医疗保健辩论集中在几个宏观层面的因素上，以实现成本控制、普遍可及性和市场上的高质量交付。本研究从经验上探讨了消费者自我治疗倾向的驱动因素。研究结果表明，消费者对控制的需求是他们自我用药倾向的重要决定因素。具体而言，控制因素的健康轨迹是婴儿潮一代和 Y 一代在自我治疗倾向方面差异的重要预测因素。调查结果还表明，“强大的他人”（例如医疗保健提供者）在阻止消费者自我用药方面的作用非常重要。