Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Lecturer of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt. Assistant professor of maternity nursing, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz university for health sciences (CON-A, KSAU-HS); King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC); King Abdulaziz Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (KAH, KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH));Al Ahsa, KSA.
2
Senior Students, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for health sciences, Al Ahsa, KSA.
3
Assistant professor Critical Care Nursing. Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Aldawaser, Saudi Arabia.
4
Assistant professor, faculty of nursing, Cairo University, Egypt. Assistant professor, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudia Arabia
Abstract
Background: Self-prescribed medications among pregnant women is widespread, driven by factors like accessibility, affordability, and cultural beliefs. This practice poses risks to both maternal and fetal health, necessitating a deeper understanding. Aim: To explore the Pattern of self-prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH) Al-Ahsa. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the maternity outpatient clinic in KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH) Al Ahsa; involving 272 pregnant women aged 20-45 attending the antenatal clinic. Results: the majority of participants are aged >30 years (48.5%), with university education (53.3%) and employed (55.9%), particularly in administrative roles (32%). All participants reported using self-prescribed medication, primarily Paracetamol (27.9%) for pain relief. While 71.7% reported relief from symptoms, 38.6% experienced side effects, notably headaches (16.5%). Participants often consulted pharmacists (48.9%) and friends (36%) for advice. Importantly, 25.4% increased medication dosage due to worsening symptoms, there was a significant statistical association between self-medication and age (p=0.025), educational level (p<0.001), type of mother’s work (p= 0.017), and trimester of pregnancy (p=0.013) and no significant relation with number of living children (p= 0.005). Highlighting the need for informed medication use during pregnancy. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-prescribed medicine use among Saudi Arabian pregnant women and its predictor variables are clarified by this study. Recommendations: The findings highlight how crucial is the need for addressing self-medication behaviors with comprehensive healthcare interventions that are adapted to the sociodemographic and cultural context.
Keywords
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