Nonadherence to Drug Therapy among Pregnant Women in Baghdad/Al-Karkh Directorate (2022)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of noncompliance to medication in pregnant women in Al-Karkh directorate and to address its most common causes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a number of primary health-care centers located in Baghdad/Al-Karkh directorate including pregnant women in their second and third trimesters through a self-filled questionnaire; data were later analyzed. Results: The results obtained from the present study revealed that 185 out of 306 participants (60%) of pregnant women were noncompliant or inadequately compliant with their medication, whereas the remaining 121 (40%) were properly compliant. The most common reasons for noncompliance included wrong use of drugs (38.4%), not understanding or knowing the benefits of drugs (30.3%), forgetting to take drugs (29.7%), or thinking that they were unsafe for the fetus (25.9%). Conclusions: Appropriate health education and enhancing doctor–patient relationship and communication during antenatal care visits are crucial to achieve better compliance.