Self-medication with oral contraceptives in the Urban District of Antananarivo

Authors

  • Julio El-C Rakotonirina Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Manitatsoa Razafimahefa Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Barbara E.E. Vololonarivelo Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Valéry B. Andriantoky Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Mamy J-J Razafimahatratra Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Jean de Dieu M. Rakotomanga Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Henriette Rahantalalao Ratsimbazafimahef Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
  • Nantenaina S. Randrianjafisamindrakotrok Faculté de Médecine d’Antananarivo. P.O Box 375 Antananarivo 101, Madagascar

Keywords:

Self-medication, Oral contraceptive, Urban District, Antananarivo

Abstract

Background: Oral contraception is the second hormonal contraceptive method most used in the world. Currently, self-medication with oral contraceptives experienced resurgence, most often with no medical supervision. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with oral contraceptives, identify the socio-economic status and identify the reasons why women aged 21 to 49 of the Urban District of Antananarivo (UDA) practice self-medication with oral contraceptives.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, where an interviewer-administered questionnaire has been used to collect data. Targeted female respondents aged 21-49 were asked about their contraceptive use during the twelve months preceding the survey.

Results: Self-medication prevalence rate is 59.1%, considering oral contraception users. Moreover, it is higher among married women, those aged <36, less educated and having more than two children. Financial problem, affordability of the pills, former use of pills and information by their surroundings are the reasons why women self-medicate. Women who received a medical prescription at the first take of the pills are more likely to presently practice self-medication.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the evidence of a high prevalence of self-medication in the UDA. Self-medication can be harmful: the fight against its risks should get reinforced.

References

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Published

2016-12-24

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Original Research Articles