Table 2 Items of the help-seeking behavior list and definition of each item

Lay care

Doing nothing

No action

Self-care (sleeping, resting, taking a bath)

Moderating symptoms by changing usual behaviors

Seeking information

Collecting information about symptoms

Consulting family and friends

Asking for help from family and friends

Consulting community members

Asking for help from community members

Using complementary medicine

Using chiropractic treatment or osteopathy

Using home medicine

Using medicine that is present in the home

Using OTC drugs

Buying OTC drugs in drug stores

Professional care

Consulting pharmacists

Asking pharmacists for treatment

Consulting primary care physicians

Visiting primary care physicians for treatment

Visiting medical institutions other than primary care physicians

Visiting medical institutions excluding primary care physicians for treatment

Visiting the emergency room of general hospitals (including calling for an ambulance)

Going to emergency rooms of general hospitals for treatment