Fig. 1From: A model to explain self-medication by Iranian people: a qualitative grounded theory studyConceptual model of the process of SM among Iranian people. People sought to deal as simply and quickly as possible with their illnesses/symptoms according to their attitudes towards and perceptions of the illnesses/symptoms as well as their economic and social problems. This simple and quick approach was the participants’ main concern, resulting in taking decision-making strategies as SM facilitators. SM, in turn, provided short-term improvement and temporary satisfaction. However, dissatisfaction was a consequence of SM. The central class; i.e., “to avoid being trapped in the vortex of illness”, covered and connected all other classes developed in this studyBack to article page