Self-medication among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: an analysis of determinants, knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice

Abstract

Background: Self-medication during pregnancy remains a pressing global public health concern due to its potential risks to both maternal and foetal health. In Nigeria, where healthcare access and medication regulation can be limited, understanding this behaviour is especially critical. This study, therefore, aims to assess the determinants, knowledge, perception, attitude, and practice of self-medication among pregnant women attending healthcare centers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 509 pregnant women attending three main secondary health care centres for their antenatal care (ANC) in Ibadan, across all trimesters, using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and associations between categorical variables were examined with Pearson’s chi-square test. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of self-medication was 69.0% (n = 351). While 58.5% of respondents (n = 298) demonstrated good knowledge, 75.2% (n = 383) exhibited limited perception of its risks. Despite this, 80.7% (n = 411) expressed favourable attitudes toward safe medication use. One significant determinant emerged: higher educational attainment was associated with better knowledge of self-medication (χ² = 11.25, p = 0.010). Among those who self-medicated (n = 351), 24.0% (n = 122) used herbal remedies. The most common reason was the belief that the illness was minor (42.5%, n = 149), followed by free access to medications (15.4%, n = 54) and leftover drugs (9.7%, n = 34). The substances most frequently taken were analgesics (49.3%, n = 173), antimalarials (39.3%, n = 138), and herbal preparations (31.1%, n = 109). Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Ibadan, with a concerning disconnect between knowledge, risk perception, attitude and practice. Targeted health education during antenatal care is essential to promote safer practices and reduce the risks associated with self-medication in pregnancy.