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

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.