Prescription drug use during pregnancy in Southern Tigray region, North Ethiopia

• Main Authors: Fantahun Molla, Admassu Assen, Solomon Abrha, Birhanetensay Masresha, Arega Gashaw, Abrham Wondimu, Yared Belete, Wondim Melkam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2017-06-01
• Series: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Subjects: Pregnancy; Drug use; FDA risk classification; Tigray region
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-017-1359-8

Abstract Background Judicious utilization of drugs rescues the fetus from the harmful effects while treating the health problems of the pregnant women. This study aimed at evaluating drug utilization pattern and its associated factors among pregnant women in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Method Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 647 pregnant women who had been attending obstetrics-gynecology and antenatal care units in different health facilities of Southern Tigray region. The study participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data collection was done using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and by reviewing antenatal follow-up cards. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed, to assess drug utilization pattern and its associated factors among pregnant women, using SPSS version 20 software. Results Of 647 pregnant women, 87.5% were prescribed with at least one medication. As per the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) risk classification system, 87.7, 7.9, 3.9, and 0.5% of the prescribed drug were from category A, B, C and D, respectively. Prescription drug use was more likely among gynecology ward visitors [AOR = 8.97, 95% Cl (2.69–29.88)] and among those who visited health facilities for the first time during their first [AOR =2.65, 95% Cl (1.44–4.84)] and second [AOR = 2.50, 95% Cl (1.36–4.61)] trimesters. Conclusion Majority of the study population used safe and appropriate medications according to US-FDA risk classification system, with the exception of low proportion (0.5%) of medication with potential risk for the fetus. The average number of drug prescribed per pregnant women was in the recommended range of WHO drug use indicators guideline.