Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Third Trimester Pregnant Mothers Towards Self-Medication in Assiut, Egypt

Overview

This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of third-trimester pregnant women toward self-medication in Assiut, Egypt. Self-medication is a common behavior among pregnant women, often influenced by cultural habits, easy access to medications, and limited awareness of potential risks. Through a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, this cross-sectional study will collect data on the prevalence and pattern of self-medication, types of medications used, reasons for use, and sources of information. Participants will be recruited from antenatal care (ANC) clinics at Assiut University Hospital and selected primary health care centers. The findings of this research will help identify gaps in awareness and guide educational interventions to promote safe medication practices during pregnancy.

Self-medication during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, as inappropriate use of medications can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. In developing countries, including Egypt, the availability of over-the-counter drugs, social beliefs, and lack of regulatory control contribute to this problem. However, data describing the magnitude and determinants of self-medication among pregnant women in Upper Egypt are limited. This prospective cross-sectional study will be conducted among third-trimester pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Assiut University Hospital and selected primary health care centers in Assiut, Egypt. A structured, pretested questionnaire will be used to collect data through face-to-face interviews by trained researchers. The questionnaire covers sociodemographic data, obstetric history, knowledge about medication use during pregnancy, attitudes toward self-medication, and actual self-medication practices. It also includes items about commonly used drug types, sources of information, and reasons for self-medication. A total of approximately 420 participants will be recruited using convenience sampling. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be applied to identify significant associations between self-medication practices and participant characteristics. The study aims to: Determine the prevalence of self-medication among third-trimester pregnant women. Assess knowledge and attitudes regarding medication safety during pregnancy. Identify the common drugs used and reasons for self-medication. Provide recommendations for awareness and health education programs targeting pregnant women. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrollment. No intervention or experimental drug will be administered, and participant confidentiality will be maintained throughout the study. The results of this research will contribute to improving antenatal care and maternal health policies by emphasizing the need for education about rational medication use during pregnancy.