FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN UTURU, ABIA STATE.

This research was carried out to identify the factors that contribute to self-medication among pregnant women in Uturu, Abia State. The population size of the study is 100. Descriptive research design was employed, convenient sampling technique was used and sample of 80 pregnant women between the ages of 18 to 45 years were selected. Semi structured questionnaire were developed and administered to the sampled women. The data collected were analyzed using percentage and pie charts. The findings showed that 47.5%(38) of the women have adequate knowledge of the economy of a locality, income of workers and prices of medical services as economic factors that contribute to self-medication. The study also revealed that 41.5%(33) of the women know that opinions from family members as well as family’s attitude towards illnesses are the family factors that contribute to self-medication. The study also showed that 46.5%(37) of the women know that that past experiences, opinions from social peers and reactions to conditions like depression are the social factors that contribute to self-medication. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made that public enlightenment on the dangers of self-medication not just to pregnant women but to the society at large, should be upheld. Also, Government should enforce legislations on the availability and distribution of drugs, giving room for only professional prescriptions and care. These and others could contribute to the prevention of self-medication among pregnant women in communities.