An Assessment of the Factors Influencing the Use of over-the-Counter Medication during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Background: the use of self-medication in pregnancy is considered a public health problem and very complex. The accuracy of this data is exceptionally remarkable as more clinical nurses announce self- medication used by pregnant women has ever created a challenge in antenatal care due to the potential fetal teratogenicity associated it is using. The uses of self -medications during pregnancy and the factors influencing it have not yet been fully investigated. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of the use of over-the-counter medication during the second trimester of pregnancy and its factors. Design: - A cross-sectional descriptive design from Jun to August 2018. Findings: - Out of 1050 respondents, 73.3% of pregnant women used self- medications during their current pregnancy. Analgesics were the most common medication used (44.8%), followed by vitamins (39.0%). The pharmacist was the most common source of knowledge (22.7%) and regarded as easy access. No access to medication in governmental health care facilities (87.7%), and the health provider did not listen carefully to complain (87.7%), were the main reasons mentioned for using self- medication. More than half of users had a high level of education, and 57.8% of them had an insufficient monthly income. Chronic diseases were a significant variable with use of self-medication during pregnancy. Conclusion & Recommendation: The use of self-medication is prevalent among pregnant women. The deficiency of appropriate recommendations related to pregnancy- medications are challenging for healthcare staff and clinical nurse who need sturdy evidence for treatment decision making.