Rational drug use and associated factors in pregnant women

ABSTRACT In a cross-sectional study, rational drug use status of pregnant women and relevant factors were evaluated. The smallest sample size to determine the awareness of rational drug use in pregnant women was calculated as 377 with 95 percent confidence and ±5 margin of error. The stratified sampling method was used for selecting participants. Data were collected using the Pregnant Information Form and the Rational Drug Use Self-Awareness Scale between August 6, 2021 and October 28, 2021. In data analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two non-normally distributed groups, while Kruskal Wallis was used to compare the mean in groups of 3 or more. The mean age of the examined pregnant women was 29.43 ± 5.32, and more than half of them had an education level of higher education. It was determined that 92.8 percent of the pregnant women had social security, 81.4 percent lived in a nuclear family. The total mean score of Rational Drug Use Self-Awareness Scale was 54.25 ± 9.79, indicating a high rational drug use awareness in pregnant women. This study showed that the awareness of rational drug use was low in those with low education level, those without social security, and those living with extended families.