Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Residing in Kattankulathur Block of Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Self-medication is a prevalent phenomenon worldwide. The self-medication practiced by pregnant women, particularly during the first trimester, can have significant adverse consequences for both the developing fetus and the mother. Although self-medication during pregnancy has the potential to cause adverse effects, there is less information regarding the consequences among pregnant women in low-middle-income countries, such as India. Multiple factors influence the self-treatment pattern and exhibit variation across different societies. This study assessed the self-medication practices (SMPs) of pregnant women living in the Kattankulathur block of Tamil Nadu and identified the socio-demographic factors that are associated with this practice. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 403 pregnant women living in Kattankulathur block of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. The pregnant women who accessed antenatal care in the health center under Kattankulathur block were included in the study. The data were gathered via in-person interviews with specifically chosen pregnant women via a semi-structured questionnaire administered by the main researcher. The interview schedule comprised three components. The first section encompasses demographic details, the second part includes parity and stage of the current pregnancy, and the third part covers SMPs. Results The study encompassed 403 participants, with a mean age of 27.34 years. Self-medication was reported by 216 participants, which accounted for 53.6% of the sample. Out of the 216 individuals who reported SMPs, 52.8% (114 participants) were primiparous and 47.2% (102 participants) were multiparous, depending on the distribution based on parity. Approximately 32.9% of the participants (71 individuals) were in the first trimester. The second trimester accounted for 35.6% of the participants (77 individuals). Out of the total participants, the largest category comprises professionals, with 167 individuals, accounting for 41.4% of the total. Based on the modified BG Prasad scale, the middle class was the most common group, accounting for 46.4% (187 participants). Approximately 30.6% of the respondents (66 participants) indicated that the rates charged for doctor consultations were huge. Approximately 34.7% of the respondents (75 participants) cited the convenient accessibility of drugs as a contributing factor. The most prevalent problem addressed was headaches, which made up 36.57% (79 participants). Allopathic medicines were chosen by the majority, including 69.0% (149 participants), whereas Ayurvedic medicines were chosen by 22.2% (48 people). The primary sources of medications were expired prescriptions from physicians (32.4%, 70 participants) and suggestions provided by pharmacists (31.0%, 67 participants). Pregnant women who have a higher socioeconomic status, higher academic achievement, and a greater number of family members are engaging in self-medication more frequently. Conclusion The prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women in this study was significantly higher compared to the other literature in India. This issue poses a public health concern that has the potential to negatively impact the well-being of both mothers and their unborn children. It is imperative to establish stringent regulations and oversight to ensure responsible SMPs, with the active participation of healthcare professionals and lawmakers.