Women’s awareness and experience of analgesic use during pregnancy in the UAE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Analgesic Use, Pregnancy, Self-Medication, Maternal Health
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman’s life, marked by significant physiological and emotional changes. Cautious and safe pain management during this period requires a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks of analgesic drug use. Paracetamol is the preferred choice, considered generally the safest option, while NSAIDs, especially in early pregnancy, carry potential risks like an increased risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, self-medication behaviors, and sources of information regarding analgesic use during pregnancy among women in the UAE. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. The survey was validated through expert review and pilot-tested for clarity and reliability. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. Data collection took place from October 2022 to May 2023. A convenience sampling method was employed, targeting women residing in the UAE with at least one pregnancy experience. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS V.26, employing descriptive and inferential statistics to assess knowledge levels and identify significant associations. Results: Among 405 participants, 64.4% reported using analgesics during pregnancy, with 38.3% specifically using them in the first trimester. Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic 33.3%, and 39% of participants self-medicated without consulting a healthcare provider. While 70.6% correctly identified paracetamol as the safest analgesic, 58.3% acknowledged potential fetal risks from long-term analgesic use. Higher awareness was significantly associated with younger age (p = 0.035), higher education (p = 0.003), and a medical background (p < 0.001). Participants who used analgesics in the first trimester had significantly higher awareness levels (p = 0.004, 71.6%), particularly those who took paracetamol (p = 0.002, 76.7%). Self-medication was also linked to greater awareness (p = 0.006). Additionally, awareness levels were significantly higher among participants who obtained information from pharmacists (p = 0.004, 94.4%) and books (p = 0.004, 90.0%). Conclusions: The study concludes by highlighting the need for better education and awareness among UAE women regarding the use of analgesics during pregnancy. The results show that many women self-administer analgesics without seeking medical help, which could be associated with potential risks. Policymakers and healthcare professionals must create focused educational initiatives to arm pregnant mothers with accurate knowledge about safe analgesic dosages and options during pregnancy.
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