Medication Use and Associated Factors Among Indonesian Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Medication use during pregnancy should be considered carefully due to its potential harm to the fetus. Data on prescribed medication and self-medication among Indonesian pregnant women is lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors related to medication use among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at community health posts in Soreang, a suburban area in Indonesia.

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted. Data on medication use, excluding supplements, were collected. Medication was categorized using the former United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) pregnancy risk classification system. Proportions of pregnant women using prescribed medication and self-medication during pregnancy and associated factors were calculated.

A total of 439 pregnant women were enrolled. There were 155 (35.5%) subjects who used at least one medication during pregnancy. These subjects had medical problems as the reasons for medication use. Among medication users, prescribed medication and self-medication were demonstrated in 138 (89.0%) and 17 (11.0%) pregnant women, respectively. There was a pregnant woman who was exposed to category D medication. Self-medication among pregnant women was less likely when health insurance was available (adjusted OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.027-0.413, P = 0.001).

The prevalence of medication use among Indonesian pregnant women is high. The presence of health insurance was protective against self-medication among pregnant women. Safe and effective practices in prescribing have to be ensured for pregnant women.