Michael Ceulemans1, Kristel Van Calsteren2,3, Karel Allegaert3,4, Veerle Foulon1. 1. Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 3. Department of Development and Regeneration, Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. 4. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and type of health products used among pregnant women visiting a tertiary hospital in Belgium, as well as who advises these products, where women buy these products, which determinants are associated with medication and pregnancy vitamin intake, and preconception lifestyle changes such as folic acid intake and substance use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at the outpatient obstetrics clinics of the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium between November 2016 and March 2017. All pregnant women 18 years and older and understanding Dutch, French, or English were asked to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: In total, 379 pregnant women participated. Prevalence of medication use during the preceding week was 52%. Paracetamol (14%), levothyroxine (13%), and antacids (9%) were the most frequently used medicines. Pregnancy vitamins were used by 86% of women, and 97% had used a pregnancy vitamin somewhere during pregnancy. Only 56% initiated folic acid supplementation at least 1 month before pregnancy. Preconception use of folic acid among women following assisted reproductive technology was 73%. Inappropriate use of health products was observed among 3% of women. Prevalence of alcohol use and/or smoking during the preceding week was 6%. Alcohol and smoking cessation mainly occurred after pregnancy diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women living in Belgium frequently use medicines, pregnancy vitamins, and other health products. Preconception lifestyle changes such as folic acid intake and alcohol and smoking cessation are poorly implemented. Public campaigns and interventions are needed to improve preconception care and counselling.
PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and type of health products used among pregnant women visiting a tertiary hospital in Belgium, as well as who advises these products, where women buy these products, which determinants are associated with medication and pregnancy vitamin intake, and preconception lifestyle changes such as folic acid intake and substance use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at the outpatient obstetrics clinics of the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium between November 2016 and March 2017. All pregnant women 18 years and older and understanding Dutch, French, or English were asked to participate in an online survey. RESULTS: In total, 379 pregnant women participated. Prevalence of medication use during the preceding week was 52%. Paracetamol (14%), levothyroxine (13%), and antacids (9%) were the most frequently used medicines. Pregnancy vitamins were used by 86% of women, and 97% had used a pregnancy vitamin somewhere during pregnancy. Only 56% initiated folic acid supplementation at least 1 month before pregnancy. Preconception use of folic acid among women following assisted reproductive technology was 73%. Inappropriate use of health products was observed among 3% of women. Prevalence of alcohol use and/or smoking during the preceding week was 6%. Alcohol and smoking cessation mainly occurred after pregnancy diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women living in Belgium frequently use medicines, pregnancy vitamins, and other health products. Preconception lifestyle changes such as folic acid intake and alcohol and smoking cessation are poorly implemented. Public campaigns and interventions are needed to improve preconception care and counselling.
Authors: Eva Gerbier; Guillaume Favre; Fatima Tauqeer; Ursula Winterfeld; Milos Stojanov; Alison Oliver; Anneke Passier; Hedvig Nordeng; Léo Pomar; David Baud; Alice Panchaud; Carla Meyer-Massetti; Michael Ceulemans Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-27 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Michael Ceulemans; Veerle Foulon; Alice Panchaud; Ursula Winterfeld; Léo Pomar; Valentine Lambelet; Brian Cleary; Fergal O'Shaughnessy; Anneke Passier; Jonathan Luke Richardson; Hedvig Nordeng Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-26 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Michael Ceulemans; Kristel Van Calsteren; Karel Allegaert; Veerle Foulon Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-14 Impact factor: 4.614