Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa
M. Abdelrahman, W., Abdulaziz Alnaeem, F., jamalAlnaim, N., khalid Alamer, M., abdulrahmanAlmakhitah, H., khalidAlmkhaitah, D., mohammed Almos, H., ayesh Alali, K., Musaed Al-Jabri, M., Eraky Shahin, E. (2025). Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa. EKB Journal Management System, 16(2), 997-1008. doi: 10.21608/ejhc.2025.437673
Walaa M. Abdelrahman; Fidaa Abdulaziz Alnaeem; Noura jamalAlnaim; Mayar khalid Alamer; Hebah abdulrahmanAlmakhitah; Dina khalidAlmkhaitah; Hawra mohammed Almos; Kawther ayesh Alali; Mohammed Musaed Al-Jabri; Eman Mohammed Eraky Shahin. "Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa". EKB Journal Management System, 16, 2, 2025, 997-1008. doi: 10.21608/ejhc.2025.437673
M. Abdelrahman, W., Abdulaziz Alnaeem, F., jamalAlnaim, N., khalid Alamer, M., abdulrahmanAlmakhitah, H., khalidAlmkhaitah, D., mohammed Almos, H., ayesh Alali, K., Musaed Al-Jabri, M., Eraky Shahin, E. (2025). 'Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa', EKB Journal Management System, 16(2), pp. 997-1008. doi: 10.21608/ejhc.2025.437673
M. Abdelrahman, W., Abdulaziz Alnaeem, F., jamalAlnaim, N., khalid Alamer, M., abdulrahmanAlmakhitah, H., khalidAlmkhaitah, D., mohammed Almos, H., ayesh Alali, K., Musaed Al-Jabri, M., Eraky Shahin, E. Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa. EKB Journal Management System, 2025; 16(2): 997-1008. doi: 10.21608/ejhc.2025.437673

Pattern of self - prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa

Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Volume 16, Issue 2, June 2025, Page 997-1008  XML PDF (215.33 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ejhc.2025.437673
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Authors
Walaa M. Abdelrahman1; Fidaa Abdulaziz Alnaeem2; Noura jamalAlnaim2; Mayar khalid Alamer2; Hebah abdulrahmanAlmakhitah2; Dina khalidAlmkhaitah2; Hawra mohammed Almos2; Kawther ayesh Alali2; Mohammed Musaed Al-Jabri3; Eman Mohammed Eraky Shahin email orcid 4
1Lecturer of Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt. Assistant professor of maternity nursing, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz university for health sciences (CON-A, KSAU-HS); King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC); King Abdulaziz Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (KAH, KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH));Al Ahsa, KSA.
2Senior Students, College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for health sciences, Al Ahsa, KSA.
3Assistant professor Critical Care Nursing. Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Wadi Aldawaser, Saudi Arabia.
4Assistant professor, faculty of nursing, Cairo University, Egypt. Assistant professor, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudia Arabia
Abstract
Background: Self-prescribed medications among pregnant women is widespread, driven by factors like accessibility, affordability, and cultural beliefs. This practice poses risks to both maternal and fetal health, necessitating a deeper understanding. Aim: To explore the Pattern of self-prescribed medications and predictor variables among pregnant women at KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH) Al-Ahsa. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the maternity outpatient clinic in KING ABDULAZIZ HOSPITALS (KAH) Al Ahsa; involving 272 pregnant women aged 20-45 attending the antenatal clinic. Results: the majority of participants are aged >30 years (48.5%), with university education (53.3%) and employed (55.9%), particularly in administrative roles (32%). All participants reported using self-prescribed medication, primarily Paracetamol (27.9%) for pain relief. While 71.7% reported relief from symptoms, 38.6% experienced side effects, notably headaches (16.5%). Participants often consulted pharmacists (48.9%) and friends (36%) for advice. Importantly, 25.4% increased medication dosage due to worsening symptoms, there was a significant statistical association between self-medication and age (p=0.025), educational level (p<0.001), type of mother’s work (p= 0.017), and trimester of pregnancy (p=0.013) and no significant relation with number of living children (p= 0.005). Highlighting the need for informed medication use during pregnancy. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-prescribed medicine use among Saudi Arabian pregnant women and its predictor variables are clarified by this study. Recommendations: The findings highlight how crucial is the need for addressing self-medication behaviors with comprehensive healthcare interventions that are adapted to the sociodemographic and cultural context.
Keywords
Pregnant Women; OTC Drugs; Self-prescribed Medications
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