Self-medication and Contributing Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Ethiopia: The Case of Jimma University Specialized Hospital

Abstract

Self-medication is the selection and use of non-prescription medicines by individuals’ own initiatives to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. It is practiced significantly worldwide even though its type, extent and reasons for its practice may vary. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication and contributing factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at JUSH, Jimma town, south west Ethiopia. A prospective hospital based cross-sectional study with a pre-tested semi-structured interview questionnaire was conducted on 315 pregnant women who are attending ANC at JUSH. Majority (54.8%, n=166) of the respondents were Oromo ethnically and 144 (47.5%) were Muslims, at least attended secondary education were 69%. The prevalence of self-medication in this study was 20.1%. The two main reasons for self-medication were easily available 35 (57.4%) and time saving 27 (44.3%). There was a significant association between selfmedication and prior self-medication experience maternal education, age of the respondents, number of children and place of residence (p<0.05). The practice of self-medication is high both prior and during the pregnancy. Easily availability and time saving were the two main reasons for practicing self-medication.