Prevalence and risk factors of self-medication in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v12i12.39217

Keywords:

Low education level, Pregnancy, Prevalence, Risk factors, Self-medication

Abstract

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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Published

2021-12-01

How to Cite

Gupta, M., Dalai, C. K., Ahmed, S. N. ., Sarkar, D., UR, R. R. ., & Nirala, S. K. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors of self-medication in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 12(12), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v12i12.39217

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Original Articles