Knowledge about Medicine Use in Pregnancy: A National Study among Pharmacy Students in Jordan

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of medication use during pregnancy presents a concern to pharmacists upon graduation since they will be responsible for drug-related inquiries and counselling pregnant women about their medications. The present study aimed to assess undergraduate senior pharmacy students’ knowledge about medication use during pregnancy in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordanian universities. A total of 409 senior pharmacy students participated in the study. Results: The results found that the majority of the students (60.6%) did not have enough instruction on medications during pregnancy through their undergraduate study. Overall, only 2.5% of the participating students were considered to have good knowledge about medicine use during pregnancy and accordingly, the majority (52.6%) were not confident to recommend medicines for pregnant women in the future. In view of that, participating students suggested the addition of an obligatory course to the current curriculum. Students in public universities, Pharm.D. students, and those in their sixth year of study were more knowledgeable than others (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that pharmacy students have low knowledge regarding medication use in pregnancy. The results call for a reassessment of the current pharmacy curriculum.