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Self-Medication Practices Among Pregnant Women: A Global Challenge
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| Author:
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ANUPAMA N.MURTHY, SNEHA P.REJI, ANN MARY SWAROOP, VISWAM SUBEESH, SNEHA SUJA VARGHESE
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| Abstract:
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Background: Self-medication is a universal challenge and drug therapy during pregnancy should be taken with proper caution, in order to avoid maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication and to identify the factors influencing the self-medication practices among pregnant women.
Materials and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured validated questionnaire which was divided into three domains of knowledge, attitude and practice. Pregnant women with or without comorbidities and willing to participate were included.
Results: Prevalence rate of self-medication before pregnancy and during pregnancy was found to be 93.46% and 8.46% respectively. Acetaminophen was the commonly used drug and minor ailments were the usual reason and local pharmacy was the source for practicing self-medication. 6.5% of respondents agreed that self-medication can be recommended to pregnant women. Also, there was a positive association between attitude and knowledge scores in our population (P < 0.05)
Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication among our study population before pregnancy was found to be higher than during pregnancy. Most of the participants had good knowledge and positive attitude towards self-medication practices. It is the responsibility of the pharmacist and other healthcare professionals to help pregnant women to undertake appropriate and responsible self-medication and to create awareness about harmful effects of self-prescribing during pregnancy.
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| Keyword:
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Self-medication, knowledge, attitude, practice, and pregnant women
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| EOI:
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| DOI:
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https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.SP2.043
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| Download:
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