title: Self-Medication: potential risks and hazards among pregnant women in Uyo, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is increasing evidence that self-medications among pregnant women are common in many developing countries. Despite the adverse impact on pregnancy, there are few programs available for their control. The objective of this study was to assess the level of self-medication amongst Nigerian pregnant women in order to determine possible harmful effects on fetus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five hundred and eighteen 518 pregnant women, aged between 18 and 40 years, drawn from three General hospitals in Akwa Ibom State were assessed for self-medication and substance abuse using an instrument, adapted from a modified form of 117-item self-report questionnaire based on the WHO guidelines for students' substance use survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 518 pregnant women assessed, 375 (72.4%) indulged in one form of self-medication or the other; 143 (27.6%) used only drugs prescribed from the antenatal clinic. A total of 157 (41.9%) pregnant women self-medicate fever/pain relievers; 47 (9.1%) mixture of herbs and other drugs; 15 (4.0%) sedatives; 13 (3.5%) alcohol; while 5 (1.3%) used kolanuts. Reasons for using these substances range from protection from witches and witchcrafts, preventing pregnancy from coming out, for blood; poor sleep, fever and vomiting and infections. There was a significant difference in the rate of using analgesics (X2=9.43, p=0.001); and antibiotic (X2=4.43, p=0.001) among pregnant women who were highly educated compared to those with little or no education. However, the level of education has no impact in the usage of native herbs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that self-medication is common among pregnant women in our environment. There is need for adequate education of pregnant women during antenatal clinics on the potential danger of self-medication so as to prevent child and maternal morbidity and mortality.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
authors: Festus
authors: F
authors: Abasiubong
authors: Emem Abasi
authors: EA
authors: Bassey
authors: John Akpan
authors: JA
authors: Udobang
authors: Oluyinka Samuel
authors: OS
authors: Akinbami
authors: Sunday Bassey
authors: SB
authors: Udoh
authors: Alphonsus Udo
authors: AU
authors: Idung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012306:Risk; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Nigeria; Self-medication; hazards; pregnant women