Silje Gustafsson1, Irene Vikman2, Karin Axelsson3, Stefan Sävenstedt4. 1. 1PhD Student,Department of Nursing,Institution of Health Sciences,Luleå University of Technology,97187 Lulea,Sweden. 2. 2Senior Lecturer,Department of Health and Rehabilitation,Institution of Health Sciences,Luleå University of Technology,97187 Lulea,Sweden. 3. 3Professor Emerita,Enköpingsvägen 8D,746 52 Bålsta,Sweden. 4. 4Associate Professor,Department of Nursing,Institution of Health Sciences,Luleå University of Technology,97187 Lulea,Sweden.
Abstract
AIM: To describe experiences with and knowledge of minor illness, self-care interventions used in minor illness and channels of information used when providing self-care for minor illness. BACKGROUND: Although minor illness is self-limiting, symptoms can be substantial and have a great impact on the affected person's wellbeing. Possibilities to seek and find information about health and self-care have significantly increased through internet-based communities, forums, and websites. Still, a considerable number of consultations with general practitioners are for conditions that are potentially self-treatable. Seeking advanced care for minor illnesses is costly for society and can create discomfort for patients as they are down-prioritized at emergency departments. METHODS: Study participants were recruited randomly from the Swedish Address Register. A questionnaire was sent out, and the final sample included 317 randomly selected persons aged 18-80 and living in Sweden. FINDINGS: Having experienced a specific illness correlated with self-reported knowledge. Preferred self-care interventions differed between different conditions, but resting and self-medicating were commonly used, along with consulting health care facilities. Compliance to advice was the highest for official information channels, and family members were a popular source of advice.
AIM: To describe experiences with and knowledge of minor illness, self-care interventions used in minor illness and channels of information used when providing self-care for minor illness. BACKGROUND: Although minor illness is self-limiting, symptoms can be substantial and have a great impact on the affected person's wellbeing. Possibilities to seek and find information about health and self-care have significantly increased through internet-based communities, forums, and websites. Still, a considerable number of consultations with general practitioners are for conditions that are potentially self-treatable. Seeking advanced care for minor illnesses is costly for society and can create discomfort for patients as they are down-prioritized at emergency departments. METHODS: Study participants were recruited randomly from the Swedish Address Register. A questionnaire was sent out, and the final sample included 317 randomly selected persons aged 18-80 and living in Sweden. FINDINGS: Having experienced a specific illness correlated with self-reported knowledge. Preferred self-care interventions differed between different conditions, but resting and self-medicating were commonly used, along with consulting health care facilities. Compliance to advice was the highest for official information channels, and family members were a popular source of advice.