Self-medication during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Goba town, southeast Ethiopia: a community based cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE: The use of self-medications during pregnancy results in serious structural as well as functional adverse effects on mothers and unborn children. But little is known about the practice of self-medication used during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practice and associated factors during pregnancy among pregnant women in Goba town, southeast Ethiopia. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-medication was 15.5% (95% CI 0.116, 0.195) in Goba town. Women who had health problems during pregnancy (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI 2.67, 13.9), women unable to read and write (AOR = 8.87, 95% CI 1.84, 41.95), those who can read and write (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI 1.34, 20.66) and had primary education (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI 1.42, 9.02) were more likely to use self-medication, while women who visited ANC for pregnancy (AOR = 0.028, 95% CI 0.09, 0.87) were less likely to indulge on such practices. In conclusion, the prevalence of self-medication noted in this work is medium compared to the react of other studies. Health institutions have to give health education to all pregnant women attending ANC services regardless of gestational age and types of health problem. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3821-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.