Use of Over-the-Counter Medication among Pregnant Women in Duhok City

Background and objective: The rates of use of over-the-counter medications are increasing across the world. The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of over-the-counter products use and awareness among a sample of pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 498 pregnant women in three primary health centers and one maternity hospital in Duhok city from 1st may 2019 to 31th December 2019. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.01± 6.26 ranged 18-45 years old. The study found that 48.0% of the patients used over-the-counter drugs before or during pregnancy, despite most of them reported as non-safe drugs (91.6%). A small percentage (15.5%) experienced side effect. This study showed the mean age and getting more children were more among over counter user than non-user (29.7±6.42 vs., 28.32± 6.05 years and 2.88±1.45 vs. 2.33±1.28, respectively. Besides, the patients who received prenatal care were less likely to use over-the-counter (45.43%). The major percentage (89.74%) from OTC user among pregnant women considered it as a safe drug. Moreover, those who were recommended by pharmacies (97.10%), medical doctors (88.89%), and paramedics (94.32%) were more likely to use over-the-counter products, these results have statistical significance. Conclusions: This study showed that the patients who considered over-the-counter as safe products were more likely to use during and before pregnancy. The over-the-counter users were more likely to be older and have more children compared to non-user over-the-counter. The patients who received prenatal care were more likely to not use over-the-counter compared to non-users.