Attitudes,Norms,and Efficacy: Understanding Maternal Communication About Over-the-Counter Drug Use

Abstract

This study aims to understand the factors influencing maternal communication about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers of children aged 2–10 years. Interview questions were based on constructs from the Integrative Behavioral Model (IBM), including beliefs, norms, and perceived behavioral control. Thematic analysis identified key factors influencing maternal communication about OTC drugs. Results showed that perceived control, knowledge and skills, and injunctive norms significantly affect mothers’ communication about OTC drugs with their children. These findings suggest that social norms-based health interventions could effectively reduce OTC drug misuse among youth by enhancing mothers’ knowledge and skills regarding OTC drugs, addressing perceived social norms, and promoting dialogic engagement between mothers and children.

Keywords

parent-child communication OTC drugs Maternal communication qualitative interpersonal communication

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