A study of drug prescribing pattern among pregnant women in the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital of Maharashtra

Abstract

Abstract: CONTEXT: Antenatal period is the crucial period in women. It is very much essential to know the rationality of drug use and the patients’ knowledge in this aspect as evident from various literature. AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the prescribing pattern among pregnant women visiting in the obstetrics and gynecology (OBGY) outpatient departments (OPD) teaching hospital and to appraise their knowledge regarding safe drug use during pregnancy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was descriptive, cross-sectional, observational drug prescription study in OBGY OPD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a sample size of 200 pregnant women, socioeconomic parameters were assessed. Prescriptions were analyzed as per the World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators. The knowledge of the patients regarding safe drug use during pregnancy was assessed through the standard questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis was primarily descriptive with values mainly expressed as percentages using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Majority of patients were from the rural area depending on the peripheral/primary health services for OBGY conditions. Most of pregnant women were in the age group of 21–25 years. In terms of WHO prescribing indicators, it was evident that prescribing pattern of health-care providers in the study site was irrational. The knowledge of study participants regarding safe drug use during pregnancy was of mixed in terms of defined parameters. The most commonly prescribed classes of drugs in pregnant women were vitamins, followed by iron and calcium preparations. CONCLUSIONS: This study helped to conclude the irrational drug prescription pattern and estimation of attitude and awareness among this vulnerable patient group about the drugs and possible risk associated with the medications in this clinically important phase.