Abstract:

Inappropriate drug use is a significant challenge both around the globe and in our country. Potential teratogenicity of these drugs, their impact on the fetus and newborn, and finally the long-term effects that may be observed in the child should be taken into consideration especially when planning the use of drugs in pregnant women since the active ingredients in the drug and its metabolites can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta and cause negative consequences. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the knowledge levels and attitudes of pregnant women towards rational drug use. Pregnant women (n=414) who agreed to participate in the study and were hospitalized in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinics of Mardin State Hospital and Kızıltepe District State Hospital between 01.12.2018-01.02.2019 were included in this descriptive study. The data were collected by face-to-face interview technique through a questionnaire. The total mean scores of the Rational Drug Use (RDU) scale of pregnant women were found to be 32.43 ± 6.37. It was revealed that painkillers were the most frequently used drugs during pregnancy (with the rate of 71.0%) and most prescribed to be spared at home (with the rate of 86.9%). In addition, one of every two pregnant women held the opinion that they used analgesics uncontrolledly and 34.5% of the pregnant women used antibiotics in such an uncontrolled way. The rate of pregnant women who were prescribed medication to be spared at home was found to be 33.6%. A significant difference was found between RDU scale scores and socio-demographic characteristics of the pregnant women. Again, a statistically significant difference was found between the rate of drug use in the household where pregnant women live (34.8%) and the residential distance from the health institution (p <0.05). It was determined that pregnant women did not have adequate information about RDU (Scale scores are below 35 points). There is a significant difference between the rational drug use scale and educational level, occupation, income level, family type, place of residence, husband’s educational status, social security and employment status of the spouse.It is thought that more frequent communication and training sessions should be planned especially with special groups on rational drug use.

Keywords: