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. 2025 Apr 11;17(4):e82078.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.82078. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Assessment of Self-Medication Awareness During Pregnancy Among Saudi Women in Madinah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abdulhakim M Alhazmi  1   2 , Mohammed A Elmuttalut  1 , Faris M Elmahdi  3 , Joman M Mahrous  4 , Seba M Alahmadi  4 , Shahad E Abutowaimah  2
Affiliations

Assessment of Self-Medication Awareness During Pregnancy Among Saudi Women in Madinah: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abdulhakim M Alhazmi et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Self-medication during pregnancy constitutes a considerable public health issue, presenting potential hazards to both maternal and fetal health. Notwithstanding global awareness initiatives, there is a paucity of research on self-medication habits among Saudi women, especially in Madinah. Objective The study aims to assess awareness levels of self-medication during pregnancy and identify primary factors affecting knowledge among Saudi women in Madinah. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed at designated healthcare facilities in Madinah from October to December 2024. A validated questionnaire was conducted with 400 pregnant women via face-to-face interviews. We classified awareness scores as poor, moderate, or good and conducted statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Among the 400 participants, 194 (48.5%) were aged between 31 and 40 years, and 182 (45.5%) held bachelor's degrees. The most used over-the-counter (OTC) medications were analgesics/antipyretics (369, 92.4%) and folic acid (394, 98.5%). Only 50 (37.5%) demonstrated good awareness of self-medication risks. Higher education (p = 0.001), employment (p = 0.028), and higher income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased awareness. Conclusion Although the majority of pregnant women had a moderate understanding of self-medication hazards, targeted educational initiatives are essential, especially for individuals with lower socioeconomic levels. Enhancing public health policies and awareness initiatives can mitigate the hazards associated with self-medication during pregnancy.

Keywords: awareness; over-the-counter drugs; pregnancy; saudi arabia; self-medication.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Lnstitutional Review Board (lRB), General Directorate of Health Affairs in Madinah issued approval 2,0-104. The Institutional Review Board (IRB), General Directorate of Health Affairs in Madinah, is pleased to inform you that your study, mentioned below, has been reviewed and approved. This letter gives you ethical clearance to conduct your study according to the approved documents, and you still need to obtain administrative approval from the site/s where the study will be conducted. . Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Reason for using OTC medication during pregnancy
OTC: over the counter
Figure 2
Figure 2. Type of medication being used without prescription
Figure 3
Figure 3. Use of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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