Analysis of Prescription Patterns and Pregnancy Contraindicated Medication Among Pregnant Women Undergoing Follow-Up at Ras Dasta General HospitalMedical Center

Abstract

Background: Due to the potential risk to the mother and fetus, this could impair the reproductive system. It is challenging to explain pharmaceutical use during pregnancy and their respective contributions to birth abnormalities in the setting of the majority of developing nations, including Ethiopia, for a number of reasons.

Objective:  To assess the prescription drug usage trends and pharmacological contraindications for pregnancy among the pregnant patients at Ras Dasta General Hospital.

Methods: An institutionally-based cross-sectional study technique was used to describe the pattern of medication use and drug contraindications among pregnant women seeking follow-up treatment at Ras dasta general hospital. Both the primary and secondary data's sources were cited. The primary sources of the data were pregnant women who visited the ANC clinic at JMC during the study period. The source of secondary data was a review of medical records, prescriptions, and the ANC follow-up registration book. A face-to-face interview and a simultaneous review of the patient's medical data were conducted. Medical records were reviewed for any relevant information on prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and pregnant women were interviewed.

Result:   Except for vitamins and vaccinations, 79 (53.74%) and 68(46.26%) of the pregnant women reported using at least one POM and/or OTC medication during the current pregnancy, respectively. An average of 1.5 + 0.5 OTC and 1.6 + 0.5 POM medications were consumed per pregnant lady. Of the 79 prescription medications used, 25 (17%) (53.74%) were purchased without a prescription.

Conclusion: In this study, POM and OTC drug usage without a prescription was common, and use of potentially harmful pharmaceuticals (category-C) appeared to be increased throughout all trimesters. The findings of this research back up the recommendation of a few potentially harmful medications that could have been avoided while pregnant. In order to follow their doctor's prescription, pregnant women should undergo intensive medication usage counseling from healthcare specialists.