Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Medication use among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Medication use during pregnancy is a major concern in India and poor awareness is driven by non scientific information sources. Primary care providers play a role in providing information on risk of teratogenic and folate deficiency birth defects.

Aim: To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic regarding medication use and self-medication during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India from August to October 2021. The study looked at sources of drug information, attitudes regarding medication use and practice of medication use and self-medication among pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic of the hospital. Consenting women were enrolled in the study and the qualitative data gathered from the women were analysed using tools of descriptive statistics.

Results: This study included 100 pregnant women with mean age of 22±2.0 years of which 42% were primigravida. Of the participants 80% had atleast high school education. Two third of the mothers 66% cited their family members as source of their drug information and 76% were aware of the risks of self-medication during pregnancy. Self medication practice was seen in 25% pregnant women mainly with Paracetamol use for pain or over-the-counter drugs to control acid reflux and morning sickness symptoms. All the participants (100%) took their iron and folic acid supplements as advised.

Conclusion: The pregnant women attending the hospital showed adequate knowledge and satisfactory practices regarding medication use. Counselling of the mothers attending the clinic regarding drug use and possible harms to the mother and baby can help reduce long-term risks.