KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Pregnancy is a special physiological state where self-medication presents a challenge and a concern due to altered drug pharmacokinetics. Self-Medication (SM) in pregnancy has been noted and can lead to adverse reproductive outcomes. Yet, basic knowledge of the proper way of using drugs and the potential dangers of SM is insufficient and underestimated during the first trimester of pregnancy. Consequently, the increase of SM during pregnancies and potential health risks to the mother and the foetus. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the knowledge of SM and practice among pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, targeted at pregnant women attending clinics in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Using a multi-state sampling technique 360 consenting pregnant women were purposively sampled from 6 PHCs. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire consisting of a 22-points, 21-points and12-points knowledge, perception and practice scales respectively. The data analysis was done using descriptive and Chi-square test at p<0.05 level of significance. The results showed that 33.3 % of the pregnant women were with their first pregnancy. Overall, 30.2%, 27.6% and 42.2% of the pregnant women had poor, fair, good knowledge of SM respectively with women within 29-38 years presenting 17.5% of good knowledge. Majority (77.0%) of the women had positive perception towards risks associated with SM as 84.2% agreed that SM is likely to cause complications in the first trimester and 68.9% did not consider sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy as minor. Interestingly, 81.7% of the pregnant women had purchased drugs without doctor’s prescription and 58.6% reported practising SM. Statistically, there was significant relationship(p<0.05) between education, knowledge and the practice of SM. Conclusively, the study showed that pregnant women in their first trimester have good knowledge and positive perception toward SM. However, the practice of SM

among women in their first trimester was high. Considering that literacy was a factor influencing SM knowledge and practice, provision of correct and complete information as well as advocacy visit and training of health workers on portraying positive attitude are recommended in addressing the challenges of SM in the first trimester pregnancy.