Prevalence and Factors Influencing Self-Medication among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Urban Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria
Self-medication (SM) occurs when clients/patients treat themselves with self-prescribed medications or use medicines that were previously prescribed by authorized prescribers on an intermittent or continual basis to treat their disease conditions. The action to make decisions without recourse to authorized health professionals, procure, and use prescription drugs without prescription or medical advice is a recognized public health problem among pregnant women world-wide. Despite the adverse effects of self-medication (SM), such as antimicrobial drug resistance, drug addiction, allergy, worsening of ailment, organ damage, disability, and death, the practice is still common and increasingly practiced globally.
Study Overview and Prevalence
This study investigated the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in urban tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out in two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt between 25 September and 24 October 2022. The prevalence of self-medication was 25.1%. Globally, about 50% of pregnant women self-medicate in the early weeks of gestation, and the practice is widespread in the world, with a 32% estimated prevalence.
Factors Influencing Self-Medication
This study showed that a significant proportion of pregnant women practiced SM and identified that marital status and educational level were the factors influencing SM in the studied population.
- Marital Status: Women who were never married (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI = 1.96–6.64) were more likely to practice SM than those who were married.
- Educational Level: Pregnant women with tertiary education were less likely to practice SM than those with secondary level (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.18–0.51).
Public Health Implications
Self-medication is considered a major public health problem globally and has gained significant attention in research and policy formulation in the recent decades. Self-medication can impact the health of individuals negatively by way of toxicological and pharmacological risks associated with the improper use of medicines. We recommend public health education and reproductive health programmes aimed at discouraging unmarried women and those with minimal education from the irrational use of drugs during pregnancy.
Summary of Research Data
| Variable | Finding / Statistical Data |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 25 September to 24 October 2022 |
| Study Location | Two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Prevalence of SM | 25.1% |
| Risk Factor: Never Married | AOR = 3.61 (Higher likelihood of SM) |
| Risk Factor: Tertiary Education | AOR = 0.31 (Lower likelihood of SM) |
| Global SM Prevalence | Estimated 32% |