Abstract
Background: The indiscriminate use of medicines in pregnancy is a public health concern because of the possibility of adverse consequences for both the mother and the developing foetus.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of self-prescribed orthodox and herbal medicines among pregnant women.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three public health facilities (secondary and tertiary) in Remo Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria, from 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 262 antenatal clinic attendees. Interviewer-assisted questionnaires were used for data collection.
Results: Overall, 75 pregnant women (28.6%) used self-prescribed medicines. Thirty-nine pregnant women (14.9%) used self-prescribed orthodox medication, 43 (16.4%) used herbal medicines, and seven women (2.7%) used both. Analgesics (17; 43.6%) were the most commonly used orthodox drugs. Pregnant women who engaged in pre pregnancy alcohol use were 4.7 times more likely to take self-prescribed orthodox medicines (AOR = 4.7, C.I = 1.5-14.5; p = 0.008). Pregnant women with high-status occupations were 80% less likely to take herbal medication (AOR = 0.2, C.I.= 0.1-0.6; p = 0.003). Similarly, pregnant women with tertiary education were 70% less likely to take herbal medicines (AOR = 0.3, C.I.= 0.1-0.6; p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The use of self-prescribed medicines is prevalent among women attending antenatal clinics in public health facilities in Remo zone Ogun State, Nigeria, with more women engaging in the use of herbal than orthodox medicines.
