Prevalence and risk factors of self-medication in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v12i12.39217Keywords:
Low education level, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Risk factors, Self-medicationAbstract
Background: Self-medication in pregnancy is a common but unsafe practice. There is a possibility of surreptitious exposure of the developing fetus to the teratogenic and abortifacient effects of the drugs.
Aims and Objectives: In this study, we assessed the prevalence and risk factors of self-medication in pregnant mothers visiting the antenatal clinic in our hospital.
Materials and Methods: A standard questionnaire seeking information on the socio-demographic profile, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and knowledge and habits was administered to the pregnant mothers (n=190). The risk factors of self-medication were determined using Fischer’s exact test. P<0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication in pregnancy was found to be 6.3%. Low education level (P<0.027), employed women (P<0.031), and history of miscarriage (P<0.036) in the previous pregnancy were the main determinants of self-medication in the present pregnancy.
Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication in the study sample was low as compared to contemporary studies. High literacy (94.2%) and easy availability of health facility (98%) may be the possible reasons. Further studies are warranted to confirm the prevalence and risk factors of self-medication in this part of the country.
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