Women's Awareness regarding Self-Medication during Pregnancy

Khater Helmy, Rehab; Ibrahim Ahmed, Hanan; Khalil Ibrahim, Wafaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2024.380380

Women's Awareness regarding Self-Medication during Pregnancy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ B.S.C.n., Faculty of Nursing - Beni-suef University

² Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of nursing –Ain shams university

³ Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of nursing –Ain shams university

10.21608/ejhc.2024.380380

Abstract

Background: self-medication is one of several health seeking behaviors that threatens the life of pregnant women and undermine the achievement of improved maternal health. The aim of this study was to assess women's awareness regarding self-medication during pregnancy. Research design: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted to achieve the aim of this study. Study setting: The study was conducted at MCH centers at Bani-suef governmental in Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample was included (300 pregnant women)at previous setting Data collection tool: An interviewing questionnaire contain the Demographical data, Obstetric history , Pregnant women's knowledge regarding self-medication, Medical record of pregnant women and attitude of the pregnant women toward the use of self-medication. Results: nearly half of the studied pregnant women used self-medication in the current pregnancy. More than two-thirds of the studied pregnant women had poor knowledge, and more than half of them had positive attitude regarding self-medication used during the pregnancy. Conclusion: pregnant women need to improve their knowledge and attitude regarding self-medication during pregnancy to improve their health and pregnancy outcomes. Recommendation Educational program should be provided by health care personnel for pregnant women to improve their knowledge regarding side effects of self-medication during pregnancy.

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