Self-medication among pregnant women in two municipalities in the Central Region of Ghana

Health Care Women Int. 2021;42(4-6):547-562. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1716235. Epub 2020 Jan 23.

Abstract

Self-medication in pregnancy is a concern in Ghana. We assessed the practice among 136 pregnant women in Effutu and Agona West Municipalities using facility-based, cross-sectional design and mixed method approach of data collection. Our findings show that pregnant women of varying backgrounds self-medicate for sociocultural and economic reasons, with 69% prevalence, motivated by cheaper treatment cost (17%), minor ailments (29%) and positive outcomes (33%). Commonly used medications include antibiotics (23%), pain killers (20%) and herbal preparations (19%). We recommend further studies on pharmacological compositions of the medications used and effects on pregnancy outcomes to inform policy and programs decisions.

MeSH terms

  • Cities
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Self Medication*