Abstract

Self-medication during pregnancy poses significant health risks to both mother and child, including potential teratogenic effects, drug interactions, and complications during childbirth. This study assesses the knowledge and practices of self-medication among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Kumba Regional Hospital, Cameroon. With limited access to healthcare services and a rise in over-the-counter medication availability, pregnant women often resort to self-medication, heightening the risk of adverse health outcomes.

This cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed pregnant women, selected through convenience sampling, to evaluate their understanding of self-medication risks and their actual practices. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires that explored knowledge about safe drug use during pregnancy, sources of medication, common reasons for self-medication, and types of medications commonly used. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize findings, while associations between demographic factors and self-medication practices were analyzed using chi-square tests.

Findings reveal that 65% of participants had limited knowledge about the potential risks of self-medication during pregnancy, particularly concerning fetal development. The majority of respondents (70%) reported engaging in self-medication primarily for common symptoms like headaches, nausea, and mild pain, often using over-the-counter analgesics and herbal remedies. Notably, 60% of respondents cited accessibility issues and cost-saving reasons for bypassing professional healthcare in favor of self-medication. Additionally, 55% of participants relied on non-medical sources, such as advice from family members or friends, which contributed to incorrect or potentially harmful medication choices.

Education level played a significant role in self-medication practices; women with secondary or higher education were more likely to understand the risks and seek medical guidance. Despite this, only 35% of women reported having received formal advice on the risks of self-medication from healthcare providers during antenatal visits. This gap in professional guidance contributed to widespread misconceptions regarding the safety of certain medications and traditional remedies during pregnancy.

The study emphasizes the need for increased health education efforts during antenatal visits to raise awareness of self-medication risks among pregnant women. It recommends integrating educational sessions on safe medication use into prenatal care services to reduce self-medication practices. Further, healthcare policy changes that improve access to affordable healthcare and regulated dispensing of medications may help mitigate the trend of self-medication among pregnant women.

Keywords: Self-medication, pregnancy, knowledge, practices, antenatal care, Kumba, Cameroon, health risks, maternal health.