Self-Medication in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background and Objective: Self-medication is one of the health predicaments, especially among pregnant women due to the risk of fetal abnormalities caused by drugs. we consider it necessary to study self - medication status in pregnant women referring to health centers in Saghez city, Iran. Material and Methods: This cross- sectional study was carried out in 2011. The subjects (N= 116) selected via convenience sampling were the pregnant women referring to health centers in Saghez city. The data collected by a questionnaire and interview was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results indicate that 27.6% have the behavior of self- medication. The most common reason for self- medication mentioned by 47.4% is “it (medical problem) is so little considering” . Using Chi-square, there is no significant correlation between self-medication and variables such as insurance status , educational level and career status . Conclusion : Due to the high expenses of drugs and the side effects of over the counter­, esp. for pregnant period, which may cause abnormality, measures should be taken to educate mothers and prevent from this unsafe behavior.

Keywords

• self-medication
• women
• pregnancy