Abstract
Background: Self-medication has been increasing in many developing and developed countries. Its use during pregnancy presents a major challenge due to potential undesirable effects on mother and the fetus. So the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of self-medication and contributing factors, among pregnant women.Methodology: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 244 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and Jugal Hospital from February to March, 2017. A structured questionnaire based interview was used to collect data from each study subject. Then, data were categorized and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the association between the outcome and independent variables. P-value <0.05 was considered as a statistically significant in multivariate analysis.Results: The prevalence of self-medication during current pregnancy was 69.4%; out of which, 40.6% uses only herbal medicines to self-medicate. Time saving (50.7%) and prior experience of the drug (25.35%) were the main reasons for self-medication using conventional medicines while fewer side effects (59.86%) and effectiveness (35.92%) were the common reasons for self-medication using herbal medicines. Common cold and headache were among the common indications for self-medication. Friends (28.17%) and the pharmacist/druggist (23.94%) were the commonest source of information for conventional medicines while family/friends (69.72%) and neighbors (26.76%) were the common source of information for herbal medicines. Community drug retail outlets and neighbors were the commonly used sources of conventional medicines; while market place and self-preparation were the common sources of herbal medicines. Previous history of self-medication was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with current self-medication with conventional drugs and being a farmer by occupation and poor monthly income were significantly associated with herbal medicine use during pregnancy (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy was very high in this study which showed a need for public trainings for all women of reproductive age about the risks of inappropriate self-medication.
Highlights
Worldwide, self-medication is practiced by different population groups
Out of 244 pregnant women who participated in the study, 41.4% were in the 24–29 year age group, with a median age of 25 years; and most (91%) were married
With regard to their occupation, 43% were private workers and 84% had a low monthly income according to the World Health Organization (WHO) income scale level
Summary
Pregnant women are among those exposed to selfmedication and medication intake presents a challenge and a concern due to altered drug pharmacokinetics and drugs crossing the placenta, possibly causing harm to the fetus (Bánhidy et al, 2005). Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines (conventional and/or traditional) by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms (World Health Organiztion [WHO], 2018). Self-medication is a universal challenge that requires attention because of the potential threat, to the woman and to her unborn child. Pregnant women are among those populations exposed to herbal medicines to manage pregnancy related ailments. In Africa, including Ethiopia, more pregnant women use herbal medicines to treat pregnancy related problems due to their cost-effectiveness and easy access. Its use during pregnancy presents a major challenge due to potential undesirable effects on mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of self-medication and contributing factors, among pregnant women
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