Drug Utilization Pattern and Maternal Outcomes of Obstetric Medications in Antenatal and Postnatal Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Rational drug use in obstetrics is essential to ensure maternal safety and optimal pregnancy outcomes. Drug utilization studies help evaluate prescribing patterns and identify areas for improvement.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the drug utilization pattern and evaluate maternal outcomes associated with obstetric medications in antenatal and postnatal women at a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted over six months in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 200 antenatal and postnatal women receiving medications were included. Data on demographics, drug prescriptions, and maternal outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square test, independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were applied. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age was 26.8 ± 4.2 years. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 5.2 ± 1.3. Iron supplements (92%) and folic acid (89%) were the most commonly prescribed drugs. Favorable maternal outcomes were observed in 88% of cases. Multivariate analysis revealed antihypertensive use (AOR = 3.56, P = 0.001), polypharmacy (AOR = 2.83, P = 0.006), primigravidity (AOR = 2.14, P = 0.047), and antibiotic use (AOR = 1.89, P = 0.041) as independent predictors of complications.

CONCLUSION

Although maternal outcomes were largely favorable, polypharmacy and high-risk drug use were significantly associated with complications. Rational prescribing practices should be emphasized.