Prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women attending a public hospital in Cartagena, Colombia, 2023–2024

Abstract

Objective: To describe the practice of selfmedication during the pregnancy among pregnant women attending Clínica Maternidad Rafael Calvo between June 2023 and February 2024.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Clínica Maternidad Rafael Calvo, Cartagena, Colombia. Pregnant women over 14 years of age who attended the clinic between June 2023 and February 2024 were included. A questionnaire was designed based on the Medication-Related Outcome Expectancies Scale for Self-Medicating and the survey developed by Mizan-Tepi University. Sociodemographic variables and the practice of self-medication during pregnancy were assessed, collecting information on the types of medications used, as well as knowledge and attitudes regarding medication use and selfmedication among pregnant women. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results: Of 356 women included, 258 (72.5%) reported practicing self-medication with modern medicines during the current pregnancy. The main reason given was prior experience with the drug (28.7%). The most frequent symptom leading to self-medication was headache, reported by 164 (63.3%) women, with acetaminophen being the most commonly used drug for its management (64.3%). 23.8% of the participants reported self-medicating with herbal remedies.

Conclusions: It is necessary to identify selfmedication practices during prenatal care and inform patients about their associated risks. Population-based studies are needed to provide a more accurate estimate of the frequency of this practice in the country.