Journal of Medical Sciences and Health Care Research
Socio-Epidemiological Determinants and Prevalence of Self-Medication Practices Among Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Investigation of Primary Health-care in Benin City, Nigeria
Abstract
Deborah Oweibe, Fiona Umukoro, Ufuoma Umukoro and E. A. Osian
Self-medication remains a critical public health concern globally, yet its prevalence and determinants among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in urbanizing centers like Benin City, require localized scrutiny to inform effective clinical interventions. This study assesses the practice of self-medication and its associated factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Ugbor Primary Health Center, Benin City. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the investigation explores the socio-demographic, obstetric, and environmental drivers of non-prescribed drug use. The prevalence of self-medication in this demographic is influenced by a complex interplay of accessibility, previous medication experience, and cultural reliance on informal social networks. Common substances include analgesics, antimalarials, and a wide array of herbal preparations such as ginger and garlic. Determinants such as education level, gravidity, and gestational age significantly influence the likelihood of practicing self-medication. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health education during antenatal visits and stricter regulation of pharmaceutical dispensing to safeguard maternal and fetal health in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 [1].