Self-medication among operating room personnel during healthcare crises: a mixed-methods study of prevalence, predictors, and lived experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Self-medication among healthcare workers poses serious risks to both personal health and patient safety. Operating room (OR) personnel, exposed to high-acuity care, irregular shifts, and systemic pressures, may be particularly vulnerable, yet comprehensive studies in this population remain limited.

Methods

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study investigated self-medication among OR personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the quantitative phase, 400 participants completed a validated 15-item questionnaire on self-medication behaviors, individual factors, and organizational/environmental determinants. In the qualitative phase, 20 semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed. Integration was achieved through narrative weaving and a joint display.

SUBMITTER: Abaszadeh F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12676834 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature