Abebe Mesfin, Gashaw Silenat, Getahun Dinkalem, Wassu Wudit, Menshaw Tiruye, Lakew Serawit
Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia.
Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Oct 9;11:1379706. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1379706. eCollection 2024.
Self-medication is a widespread practice among pregnant women worldwide, with 44.55% practicing it. However, it may lead to incorrect diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and failure to recognize contraindications. The adverse effects of self-medication are often unknown, and they pose potential risks to maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to address the gap in research on the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia, and to promote effective strategies and interventions.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 pregnant women in Sodo Town from April to June 2021. Participants were enrolled using a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. The association between the outcome and independent variables was assessed through bivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out, including variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) accompanied by a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a -value of less than 0.05, which was considered statistically significant.
In this study, pregnant women aged 18-39 years participated with a 100% response rate. The study found that the prevalence of self-medication during pregnancy was 20.5%, with 8.2% using herbal medicine and 12.3% using conventional medicine. A history of self-medication and first-and second-trimester pregnancy were significantly associated with self-medication. A history of self-medication (AOR = 6.31, 95% CI: 4.89, 9.91) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.63, 7.38) or second trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.08) were associated with a higher likelihood of self-medication.
The study found that 20.5% of pregnant women engaged in self-medication. It also identified that a previous history of self-medication and gestational age were factors associated with self-medication. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs and policy interventions to mitigate the risks associated with self-medication during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages of gestation.
自我药疗在全球孕妇中是一种普遍的做法，44.55%的孕妇有此行为。然而，这可能导致诊断错误、治疗不当以及无法识别禁忌证。自我药疗的不良影响往往未知，且会对母婴健康构成潜在风险。本研究旨在填补埃塞俄比亚南部孕妇自我药疗患病率及相关因素研究的空白，并推广有效的策略和干预措施。
2021年4月至6月，在索多镇对425名孕妇进行了一项基于社区的横断面研究。采用两阶段抽样技术招募参与者。通过结构化问卷和面对面访谈收集数据。通过双变量逻辑回归分析评估结果与自变量之间的关联。此外，进行了多变量逻辑回归分析，纳入调整比值比（AOR）伴有95%置信区间（CI）且P值小于0.05的变量，这些变量被认为具有统计学意义。
在本研究中，年龄在18至39岁的孕妇参与率为100%。研究发现，孕期自我药疗的患病率为20.5%，其中8.2%使用草药，12.3%使用传统药物。自我药疗史以及孕早期和孕中期与自我药疗显著相关。自我药疗史（AOR = 6.31，95% CI：4.89，9.91）以及处于孕早期（AOR = 3.47，95% CI：1.63，7.38）或孕中期（AOR = 2.14，95% CI：1.12，4.08）与自我药疗的可能性较高相关。
研究发现20.5%的孕妇进行自我药疗。还确定自我药疗史和孕周是与自我药疗相关的因素。这些发现强调需要有针对性的教育项目和政策干预措施，以降低孕期特别是妊娠早期自我药疗相关的风险。
