Abstract
Aims: Self-medication is one of the most common self-care methods that can have dangerous side effects in people, especially in pregnant women.The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence and factors related to self-medication and the use of medicinal plants and chemical-mineral supplements in the prevention of COVID-19 in pregnant women referring to Sabzevar health care centers.
Instruments & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 109 pregnant women referring to Sabzevar health care centers in 2020 during the second peak of the coronavirus in Iran. Data were collected using an online self-medication questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 20 software and chi-square test.
Findings: The mean age of the participants was 29.5±8.68 years. The prevalence of self-medication during the last three months in pregnant women to prevent COVID-19 was 82.5%.Fear of infection, miscarriage, premature birth due to COVID-19, and crowded health centers were the most prevalent causes of the excessive use of supplements. Vitamin D, Vitamin C, ginger and thyme were the most common substances used for self-medication.
Conclusion: Self-medication in pregnant women in order to prevent COVID-19 disease is quite prevalent and is a great threat to the health of mother and fetus during pregnancy.