Medication use in pregnancy: A cross-sectional assessment of pregnant women at antenatal clinic of Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Medication use in pregnancy is a major public health concern requiring regular and ongoing awareness among healthcare providers and the pregnant  populace.
Objectives: To evaluate opinion of pregnant women on medication use and  associated risks in pregnancy with a view to identify areas of focus to improve counseling and outcome.
Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-guided interview among 150 pregnant women in Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and opinion on medicine use during pregnancy was obtained. Total sampling of consented pregnant women was done. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize data. Ranked variables were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test at p<0.05.
Results: Majority (96; 64.0%) were within the age of 20-30years and 88 (58.7%) had tertiary education. A substantial number (71; 49.7%) were in the third  trimester, 101 (76.8%) liked to take medicine during pregnancy. Of these, 48 (47.5%) preferred taking only the prescribed medicines, 36 (35.6%) multivitamins, 10 (9.9%) spiritual oil/water and 7 (6.9%) preferred to take herbal medicines. Paracetamol (64; 17.8%) was the only analgesic reported by participants. One hundred and thirty-three (88.7%) were aware that unprescribed medicine can cause harm to the foetus.
Conclusion: A substantial proportion of pregnant women liked using medicine during pregnancy especially if it is prescribed, and majority were aware that medicine can cause harmful effects to the foetus. However, there is need for continuous and  ongoing counseling of pregnant women on rational use of medicine, emphasizing the consequences of unguided use of medicines including herbal supplements during pregnancy.

Keywords: Medicine use, Pregnant women, Antenatal care, Nigeria