Differences in medication beliefs between pregnant women using medication, or not, for chronic diseases: a cross-sectional, multinational, web-based study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess whether medication beliefs differ between women who use or not use medication for their somatic chronic diseases during pregnancy and whether this association varies across diseases.DesignCross-sectional web-based survey.SettingMultinational study in Europe.ParticipantsPregnant women or women with children less than 1 year old from European countries and with asthma, allergy, cardiovascular, rheumatic diseases, diabetes, epilepsy and/or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).Primary and secondary outcome measureDifferences in scores of theBeliefs about Medicines Questionnaire(BMQ).ResultsIn total, 1219 women were included (ranging from 736 for allergy to 49 for IBD). Women using medication for their chronic disease (n=770; 63%) had higher scores on the BMQ subscalesnecessity(16.6 vs 12.1, p<0.001) andbenefits(16.2 vs 15.4, p<0.001), and lower values on the subscalesoveruse(12.5 vs 13.1; p=0.005) andharm(9.8 vs 10.7, p<0.001) than women not using medication. No significant differences were shown for theconcernssubscale (12.5 vs 12.3, p=0.484). Beliefs varied somewhat across diseases but in general more positive beliefs among women using medication were shown. Epilepsy was the disease where less differences were observed between women using and not using medication.ConclusionWomen’s beliefs were associated with medication use during pregnancy with only small differences across the diseases. Knowing pregnant women’s beliefs could help identify women who are reluctant to use medication and could guide counselling to support making well-informed treatment decisions.

Interventions to enhance medication adherence in pregnancy- a systematic review

“…Within the current review, eight studies reported using theory or evidence to develop their intervention. Previous studies have identified factors that may influence medication adherence in pregnancy including sociodemographic characteristics [ 2 ] and beliefs about medications such as concerns or decreased belief that medication is beneficial or necessary [ 58 ]. In addition, women with chronic illness report receiving inconsistent information about medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding [ 59 ].…”

Treatable Traits in Pregnant Women with Asthma

“…Addressing patients concerns regarding possible teratogenic effects of ICS and ICS/formoterol reliever therapy during pregnancy is important. Positive medication beliefs are associated with better adherence [48]. While a recent study in pregnant asthma patients found that non-adherence was not associated with more concerns about ICS use during pregnancy, women who were adherent during the study were more likely to see the benefit of their asthma medication [49].…”

Association of postpartum medication practices with early breastfeeding cessation among mothers with chronic conditions: A prospective cohort study

“…11 Decisions about medication use and breastfeeding are particularly relevant for the 10%-20% of mothers who live with a chronic condition, [12][13][14] most of whom require medication use to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. 15,16 These women may face uncertainty in weighing the benefits of continued medication use and breastfeeding with the potential risks of medication transfer to their child. Pharmacotherapy for the management of chronic conditions generally declines during pregnancy and remains low during the postpartum period, 17 suggesting that some mothers perceive the risks of medication use to outweigh the benefits and forego medications in order to breastfeed their child.…”

“…Decisions about medication use and breastfeeding are particularly relevant for the 10%–20% of mothers who live with a chronic condition, 12–14 most of whom require medication use to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life 15,16 . These women may face uncertainty in weighing the benefits of continued medication use and breastfeeding with the potential risks of medication transfer to their child.…”