AWARENESS OF TERATOGENIC DRUGS AMONG NURSING INTERNS

Abstract

Background: Teratogenicity caused by drugs can largely be prevented through increased awareness about the rational use of medications during pregnancy. The harmful effects of a drug on the developing fetus depend on the stage of embryological development at the time of exposure. Timely knowledge about teratogenic risks is crucial, especially in settings where many pregnant women receive care from non-specialist health professionals. This study aimed to assess the awareness of teratogenic drugs among nursing interns in Pakistan to identify knowledge gaps and inform educational improvements.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 200 nursing interns from three tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering awareness of teratogens, appropriate counseling timing, and critical periods of fetal susceptibility. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics and chi square tests to explore associations between demographic variables and awareness.

Results: Most participants (91.5%) were aware of the term teratogen, and 86.5% recognized that drugs can cause teratogenicity. Awareness of teratogenicity across all trimesters was 82.5%, and 74.5% knew about potential outcomes. Only 41% identified the pre-pregnancy period as the ideal time for counseling, while 45.5% recognized the first eight weeks as the most susceptible period. Significant associations were found between gender and awareness (p = 0.014) and between hospital affiliation and trimester-related knowledge (p = 0.036).

Conclusions: While overall awareness was good, specific gaps remain regarding counseling timing and critical fetal periods, highlighting the need to strengthen educational content on teratogenicity during nursing training.