Characteristics Associated With Awareness,Perceptions, and Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Among Young US Midwestern Adults

Objectives. We assessed the characteristics associated with the awareness, perceptions, and use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) among young adults.Methods. We collected data in 2010–2011 from a cohort of 2624 US Midwestern adults aged 20 to 28 years. We assessed awareness and use of e-cigarettes, perceptions of them as a smoking cessation aid, and beliefs about their harmfulness and addictiveness relative to cigarettes and estimated their associations with demographic characteristics, smoking status, and peer smoking.Results. Overall, 69.9% of respondents were aware of e-cigarettes, 7.0% had ever used e-cigarettes, and 1.2% had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Men, current and former smokers, and participants who had at least 1 close friend who smoked were more likely to be aware of and to have used e-cigarettes. Among those who were aware of e-cigarettes, 44.5% agreed e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking, 52.8% agreed e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes, and 26.3% agreed e-cigarettes are less addictive than cigarettes.Conclusions. Health communication interventions to provide correct information about e-cigarettes and regulation of e-cigarette marketing may be effective in reducing young adults’ experimentation with e-cigarettes.Electronic nicotine delivery systems (commonly known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes) are battery-operated vaporizing devices in the shape of a cigarette that deliver nicotine vapor to users. Although the product has been marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes because it contains only nicotine and not the other harmful ingredients found in cigarettes,1 the US Food and Drug Administration2 showed that some tested samples of e-cigarettes also contained toxic substances such as tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and 1 contained diethylene glycol. Public health professionals are also concerned that e-cigarettes may impede the reduction in prevalence of smoking in the United States for 3 reasons.1,3–5 First, the product may weaken the effect of clean indoor air policies on smokers because smokers can use e-cigarettes as bridging products indoors, which may lessen their motivation to quit smoking. Second, smokers may use e-cigarettes instead of proven-effective smoking cessation treatments when trying to quit smoking even though the e-cigarettes’ effectiveness as quit aids is still largely unknown. Third, e-cigarettes may be gateways to cigarette smoking. Nonsmokers may experiment with e-cigarettes (especially when these products are flavored), develop nicotine addiction, and subsequently switch to smoking cigarettes.Examining the awareness, perceptions, and use of e-cigarettes among young adults is important because they may still be in the stage of initiating tobacco use.6 Furthermore, young adults are in general more likely to try new things.7 They may therefore pay more attention to new products such as e-cigarettes and be more likely to try e-cigarettes. This hypothesis is partially supported by findings from a national survey of US adults in 2010 showing that young adults (aged 18–24 years) were most likely to have heard of e-cigarettes (41.0%, vs 32.2% among all adults).8 Young adults also have a higher prevalence of tobacco use than any other age group, with 1 in 3 young adults smoking.6 E-cigarettes may delay young adults from quitting smoking, making it even harder to reduce a nearly static trend in young adult tobacco use. However, little is known about the characteristics associated with awareness and use of e-cigarettes among young adults. Investigators of the previous national survey did not examine the characteristics of awareness and use of e-cigarettes specific to this age group. 8 Young adults’ perceptions of e-cigarettes are largely unknown. We identified only 1 study that assessed the perceptions of e-cigarettes among an international sample of e-cigarette users recruited through the Internet,9 which reported that 83.5% of users believed e-cigarettes are less toxic than tobacco and 76.8% used e-cigarettes to quit smoking or avoid relapse. However, the investigators did not report the prevalence of these perceptions specific to young adults and did not assess the characteristics associated with these perceptions.In this study, we assessed the characteristics associated with awareness and use of e-cigarettes among young adults, using data from a population-based cohort study. We also assessed the characteristics associated with selected perceptions of e-cigarettes (potential to aid smoking cessation and harmfulness and addictiveness relative to cigarettes), as well as the associations between these perceptions and use of e-cigarettes.     

Peer Reviewed: Awareness, Use, and Perceptions of Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Introduction

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have regained popularity in recent years, but public awareness and perceived healthfulness of LCDs have not been explored. We describe population awareness, use, and perceptions of the healthfulness of LCDs and examine differences by sociodemographic and communication variables.

Methods

Nationally representative data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 2005) were analyzed by using multivariate logistic regression to examine independent correlates of awareness, use, and perceptions of the healthfulness of LCDs.

Results

Awareness of LCDs in the United States was high (86.6%). Independent correlates of awareness included being a college graduate, being non-Hispanic white, and having a high body mass index (BMI). Among respondents who were aware of LCDs, approximately 17% had tried LCDs during the last year. Independent correlates of LCD use included being a woman and having a high BMI. One-third of respondents who were aware of LCDs agreed that they are a healthy way to lose weight. Independent correlates of perceived LCD healthfulness included not being a high school graduate and being likely to change behavior in response to new nutrition recommendations.

Conclusion

This study is among the first to explore correlates of awareness, use, and perceptions of LCDs in a nationally representative sample. Despite high levels of awareness of LCDs, these diets are not used frequently and are not perceived as being healthy.     

Social Media Use and Perceived Emotional Support Among US Young Adults

Low emotional support is associated with poor health outcomes. Engagement with face-to-face social networks is one way of increasing emotional support. However, it is not yet known whether engagement with proliferating electronic social networks is similarly associated with increased emotional support. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess associations between social media use and perceived emotional support in a large, nationally-representative sample. In October 2014, we collected data from 1796 U.S. adults ages 19–32. We assessed social media use using both total time spent and frequency of visits to each of the 11 most popular social media platforms. Our dependent variable was perceived emotional support as measured by the brief Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) emotional support scale. A multivariable model including all sociodemographic covariates and accounting for survey weights demonstrated that, compared with the lowest quartile of time on social media, being in the highest quartile (spending two or more hours per day) was significantly associated with decreased odds of having higher perceived emotional support (AOR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.40, 0.94). However, compared with those in the lowest quartile, being in the highest quartile regarding frequency of social media use was not significantly associated with perceived emotional support (AOR 0.70, 95 % CI 0.45, 1.09). In conclusion, while the cross-sectional nature of these data hinder inference regarding directionality, it seems that heavy users of social media may actually feel less and not more emotional support.     

Gender Difference in the Association Between E-Cigarette Use and Depression among US Adults

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the association between e-cigarette use and depression and examine how this association is different by gender among US adults.MethodsData from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends was used, and included 174,351 of 230,875 US adults aged 18 years and older. Data were analyzed using the multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, race, education, income, marital status, employment status, smoking status, and physical activity, firstly, “current daily e-cigarette users” (AOR = 2.487, p < 0.001), “current non-daily e-cigarette users” (AOR = 1.623, p < 0.001), and “former e-cigarette users” (AOR = 1.573, p < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of depression compared with “never e-cigarette users.” Secondly, women were associated with increased odds of depression compared with men (AOR = 1.797, p < 0.001). Finally, male “current daily e-cigarette users” (AOR = 1.366, p < 0.01) were associated with increased odds of depression compared with female “never e-cigarette users.”ConclusionThus, even though women tend to be more vulnerable to depression compared with men, e-cigarette use was positively associated with depression among both men and women.     

Food Label Use and Its Relation to Dietary Intake among US Adults

Rates of diet-related chronic disease combined with the lack of current data on patterns of food label use by the US population warrant re-examination of the use and potential influence of this public health tool. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of food label use and the association between food label use and nutrient intake in a nationally representative sample of US adults who participated in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data on food label use were collected during the interview portion of the survey, and nutrient intake was estimated using the average of two 24-hour dietary recalls. In this sample, 61.6% of participants reported using the Nutrition Facts panel, 51.6% looked at the list of ingredients, 47.2% looked at serving size, and 43.8% reviewed health claims at least sometimes when deciding to purchase a food product. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in food label use across all demographic characteristics examined. Significant differences (P<0.05) in mean nutrient intake of total energy, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, and sugars were observed between food label users and non-users with label users reporting healthier nutrient consumption. The greatest differences observed were for total energy and fat and for use of specific nutrient information on the food label. Despite food label use being associated with improved dietary factors, label use alone is not expected to be sufficient in modifying behavior ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.     

Homeopathy Use by US Adults: Results of a National Survey

We used the 2012 National Health Interview Survey to compare homeopathy users with supplement users and those using other forms of complementary and integrative medicine. Among US adults, 2.1% used homeopathy within the past 12 months. Respiratory and otorhinolaryngology complaints were most commonly treated (18.5%). Homeopathy users were more likely to use multiple complementary and integrative medicine therapies and to perceive the therapy as helpful than were supplement users. US homeopathy use remains uncommon; however, users perceive it as helpful.Homeopathy is a system of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) with a resurgence of public interest in recent decades.1,2 In the United States, many homeopathic medicines may be purchased over the counter. Although they are often sold next to dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration regulates them differently.3 Federal agencies are interested in understanding public use and perceptions of homeopathic products,4,5 but there is little published information on this topic.6 Recent reports suggest potential public health benefits such as reductions in unnecessary antibiotic use,7 reductions in costs to treat certain respiratory diseases,8 improvements in perimenopausal depression,9 improved health outcomes in chronically ill individuals,10 and control of a Leptospirosis epidemic in Cuba.11 We analyzed data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for prevalence and patterns of homeopathy use among US adults in relation to other CIM use.     

Peer Reviewed: Awareness of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests and Use of Genetic Tests Among Puerto Rican Adults, 2009

Introduction

Genetic testing remains low among racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States. We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of awareness of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests and the prevalence of genetic test use in a population-based sample of adults in Puerto Rico.

Methods

We analyzed data from adults aged 18 years or older who completed information on genetic test awareness (n = 611; 96% of study population) from the Health Information National Trends Survey conducted in Puerto Rico in 2009. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with awareness of DTC genetic tests.

Results

The majority of respondents (56%) were aware of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, and approximately 4% had ever undergone any genetic test. Respondents who had never been married were less likely to be aware of DTC tests, as were current smokers. Respondents who ever sought cancer information were more likely to be aware of these tests.

Conclusion

We provide the first published data on the awareness of DTC genetic tests and on use of genetic testing in Puerto Rico. Forty-four percent of our sample of Puerto Rican adults were unaware of direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Given the lack of clear benefits of DTC genetic tests to the general population, educational interventions should be developed to increase awareness and specific knowledge regarding the appropriate use of DTC genetic tests among people who are already aware of their existence.     

Household Food Insecurity,Lung Function,and COPD in US Adults

Increasing epidemiological evidence suggests that optimal diet quality helps to improve preservation of lung function and to reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk, but no study has investigated the association of food insecurity (FI) and lung health in the general population. Using data from a representative sample of US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 cycles, we investigated the association between FI with lung function and spirometrically defined COPD in 12,469 individuals aged ≥ 18 years of age. FI (high vs. low) was defined using the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Security Scale). Population-weighted adjusted regression models were used to investigate associations between FI, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), their ratio, and spirometrically defined restriction (FVC below the lower limit of normal) and airflow obstruction (COPD). The prevalence of household FI was 13.2%. High household FI was associated with lower FVC (adjusted β-coefficient −70.9 mL, 95% CI −116.6, −25.3), and with higher odds (OR) of spirometric restriction (1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03). Stratified analyses showed similar effect sizes within specific ethnic groups. High FI was associated with worse lung health in a nationally representative sample of adults in the US.     

Health Insurance and Mortality in US Adults

Objectives. A 1993 study found a 25% higher risk of death among uninsured compared with privately insured adults. We analyzed the relationship between uninsurance and death with more recent data.Methods. We conducted a survival analysis with data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We analyzed participants aged 17 to 64 years to determine whether uninsurance at the time of interview predicted death.Results. Among all participants, 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.5%, 3.7%) died. The hazard ratio for mortality among the uninsured compared with the insured, with adjustment for age and gender only, was 1.80 (95% CI = 1.44, 2.26). After additional adjustment for race/ethnicity, income, education, self- and physician-rated health status, body mass index, leisure exercise, smoking, and regular alcohol use, the uninsured were more likely to die (hazard ratio = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.84) than those with insurance.Conclusions. Uninsurance is associated with mortality. The strength of that association appears similar to that from a study that evaluated data from the mid-1980s, despite changes in medical therapeutics and the demography of the uninsured since that time.The United States stands alone among industrialized nations in not providing health coverage to all of its citizens. Currently, 46 million Americans lack health coverage.¹ Despite repeated attempts to expand health insurance, uninsurance remains commonplace among US adults.Health insurance facilitates access to health care services and helps protect against the high costs of catastrophic illness. Relative to the uninsured, insured Americans are more likely to obtain recommended screening and care for chronic conditions² and are less likely to suffer undiagnosed chronic conditions³ or to receive substandard medical care.⁴Numerous investigators have found an association between uninsurance and death.^5–14 The Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimated that 18 314 Americans aged between 25 and 64 years die annually because of lack of health insurance, comparable to deaths because of diabetes, stroke, or homicide in 2001 among persons aged 25 to 64 years.⁴ The IOM estimate was largely based on a single study by Franks et al.⁵ However, these data are now more than 20 years old; both medical therapeutics and the demography of the uninsured have changed in the interim.We analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). NHANES III collected data on a representative sample of Americans, with vital status follow-up through 2000. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between uninsurance and death.     

Community-Based Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm in Adults

Journal of Community Health - Alcohol consumption was associated with 3 million deaths worldwide in 2016. Although community action has proven to be effective and has become a priority area of the...     

The Relationship Between Body Image Perceptions and Condom Use Outcomes in a Sample of South African Emerging Adults

Prevention Science - HIV continues to be a health priority in South Africa. Consistent condom use helps prevent HIV, yet less than half of South African emerging adults use condoms consistently....     

Prevalence,Harm Perceptions,and Reasons for Using Noncombustible Tobacco Products Among Current and Former Smokers

Objectives. We provided estimates of noncombustible tobacco product (electronic nicotine delivery systems [ENDS]; snus; chewing tobacco, dip, or snuff; and dissolvables) use among current and former smokers and examined harm perceptions of noncombustible tobacco products and reasons for their use.Methods. We assessed awareness of, prevalence of, purchase of, harm perceptions of, and reasons for using noncombustible tobacco products among 1487 current and former smokers from 8 US designated market areas. We used adjusted logistic regression to identify correlates of noncombustible tobacco product use.Results. Of the sample, 96% were aware of at least 1 noncombustible tobacco product, but only 33% had used and 21% had purchased one. Noncombustible tobacco product use was associated with being male, non-Hispanic White, younger, and more nicotine dependent. Respondents used noncombustible tobacco products to cut down or quit cigarettes, but only snus was associated with a higher likelihood of making a quit attempt. Users of noncombustible tobacco products, particularly ENDS, were most likely to endorse the product as less harmful than cigarettes.Conclusions. Smokers may use noncombustible tobacco products to cut down or quit smoking. However, noncombustible tobacco product use was not associated with a reduction in cigarettes per day or cessation.The use of noncombustible tobacco products has increased rapidly in recent years1–3 and may continue to rise in response to restrictions such as smoke-free indoor air laws and rising cigarette taxes.4–8 Noncombustible tobacco products can be grouped into 2 broad categories—aerosolized products such as e-cigarettes, or more accurately termed electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which deliver nicotine primarily through vapor inhalation that mimics smoking a traditional cigarette,9 and smokeless tobacco products such as chew, dip, or snuff; snus; and dissolvables, which deliver nicotine via oral mucosal absorption.10 These products are marketed to appeal to unique target audiences,9,11–13 such as smokers and young adults, and vary in levels of harmful constituents.9Noncombustible tobacco products are a critical part of the tobacco industry’s strategy to navigate the changing tobacco product landscape. Phillip Morris14,15 and RJ Reynolds16 have announced their intent to develop and market noncombustible tobacco products as part of a shift to reduced harm products.17 In some cases, noncombustible tobacco products have been used to expand the appeal of established cigarette brands to a broader spectrum of consumers, as with RJ Reynolds’s Camel Snus product.18 Most ENDS are marketed and sold independently; however, this is changing with Lorillard’s acquisition of blu eCigs in 201219,20 and the recent launches of RJ Reynolds’s Vuse digital vapor cigarettes21,22 and Altria’s MarkTen e-cigarettes.23Noncombustible tobacco product awareness and prevalence vary by product. In 2010, approximately 40% of adults reported awareness of e-cigarettes,24,25 rising to nearly 60% in 201125; awareness approached 75% among current and former smokers in 2010 to 2011.26 Between 1.8% and 3.4% of the adult general population has tried an e-cigarette,24,25,27,28 including up to 21.2% of current smokers.25,26 More than 40% of adults have heard of snus,29 5% have tried the product,29 and 1.4% are current users.30 Awareness of dissolvables is low (10%), and use is even lower (0.5%).29 Noncombustible tobacco product use is highest among young adults26,31 and smokers.24,27,28Although use of noncombustible tobacco products could potentially reduce harm associated with smoking if they replace cigarettes,32,33 some studies suggest that current smokers who use noncombustible tobacco products do not reduce combustible use and may delay cessation.12,34–37 For example, a study by Wetter et al.38 found that dual users of smokeless tobacco products and cigarettes were less likely to quit than were either smokeless tobacco product or cigarette users alone. This is of concern given the rising rates of dual use; a recent study reported that 30% of young adults who smoke cigarettes use at least 1 other tobacco product.31 Dual use is more prevalent among men,39,40 those of lower socioeconomic status,39,41 and youths and young adults.35,41,42Studies show that most users (65%–85%) perceive ENDS as less harmful than cigarettes,24,26,43 and 40% to 50% perceive snus and dissolvables as equally harmful as cigarettes.29 Few studies have examined reasons for use; one study of visitors to ENDS and smoking cessation Web sites found that nearly 85% used ENDS because they believed that they were less toxic than tobacco; other responses included use of ENDS to deal with cravings or withdrawal, to quit smoking, and to save money.43 Focus group research has shown that adults associate snus and dissolvables with historic images of chewing tobacco,34,44 express skepticism that the products are safer than cigarettes,34 do not view them as substitutes for cigarettes,34,44 and express concern about the user’s lack of control of nicotine ingestion relative to cigarettes.44 By contrast, young adults expressed positive perceptions of snus, dissolvables, and ENDS, in part because of a willingness to experiment with new products and because they are available in flavors.45With the ever-changing tobacco marketplace and the tobacco companies’ commitment to the development and promotion of noncombustible tobacco products, surveillance is critical. This study built on previous research to provide current estimates of noncombustible tobacco product use among current and former smokers and examined harm perceptions of noncombustible tobacco products and reasons for their use.     

Does Seeking e-Cigarette Information Lead to Vaping? Evidence from a National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and Young Adults

ABSTRACT

Youth and young adults (YYAs) are vulnerable populations for e-cigarette use or vaping. This study examined the effect of YYAs’ health information seeking behavior (HISB) around e-cigarette use and vaping on their subsequent vaping behavior. We conducted a nationally representative longitudinal phone survey of 13–25 year olds from June 2014 to September 2016, with 2,413 respondents who completed a baseline and follow-up survey six months later. The results from lagged logistic regressions and mediation analyses showed a) that information seeking predicted higher likelihood of vaping six months later even after controlling for baseline smoking and vaping status, intention to vape, and demographics, and b) that information seeking partially mediated the relationship between intention to vape and subsequent vaping behavior. Theoretical and regulatory implications are discussed.     

Tap Water Consumption and Perceptions in United States Latinx Adults

Insufficient water intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, including chronic disease prevalence and mortality. Adherence to Institute of Medicine total water intake (TWI) recommendations has been low in recent decades, and TWI has been consistently lower in Latinx adults compared with non-Hispanic (NH) white adults. While overall plain water intake is similar between Latinx and NH white adults, Latinx adults consistently consume significantly more bottled water and less tap water. The purpose of this review is to identify factors that may contribute to low water intake and low tap water intake, particularly in Latinx adults. The decision to drink water is complex and is influenced by a myriad of factors including context, environment, eating behaviors, geography, and beverage attributes. Plain water preferences appear to be related, in part, to perceptions of tap water safety as Latinx adults are significantly more likely to perceive their tap water as unsafe compared to NH white adults. Although recent investigations have not consistently or comprehensively evaluated the same factors, we have compiled their findings to describe the complex, interrelated determinants of tap water safety perceptions in Latinx adults. The present review proposes that perceptions are influenced by water insecurity, demographics, prior experiences, organoleptic (sensory) perceptions and availability and sources of information. Existing interventions designed to improve TWI primarily focus on improving access to water and/or educating individuals on the importance of hydration. However, this may not be sufficient in Latinx populations where water is not trusted. Future work should comprehensively assess these factors in Latinx samples and include validated plain water intake, TWI, and hydration status measures. A greater understanding of these relationships could inform interventions to improve TWI and hydration status in Latinx adults.     

我国18岁及以上城市居民高血压知晓率现状

目的了解我国城市居民高血压知晓率现状,为防治高血压提供科学依据。方法利用2007—2008年卫生部中央补助地方慢病综合干预与控制项目,对我国13个省(市)项目点数据中高血压知晓率进行分析。结果在调查的40504名城市居民中,筛查出的高血压患者11430人,知道自己患有高血压者8244人,高血压知晓率为72.13%(标化知晓率为53.61%),其中男性为68.20%,女性为74.79%。18~44、45~59和60岁~年龄组高血压知晓率分别为44.85%,66.41%和79.83%;东、中、西部地区居民高血压知晓率分别为72.9%,72.44%和70.63%;文盲、半文盲、小学、初中、高中或中专、大专及以上文化程度高血压知晓率分别为68.99%,77.18%,73.61%,75.48%和72.90%;有高血压家族史的居民高血压知晓率为82.88%,无高血压家族史者为66.50%。结论与2002年相比,我国城市居民高血压知晓率虽有显著的提高,但仍偏低。应进一步提高人群高血压知晓率。     

Peer Reviewed: Improving Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Use of Farm-to-Consumer Venues Among US Adults

Improvements to the food environment including new store development and more farm-to-consumer approaches (ie, farmers'' markets, roadside stands, pick-your-own produce farms, or community-supported agriculture programs) may aid Americans in making healthier dietary choices. We analyzed data from a subset of respondents (N = 1,994) in the National Cancer Institute''s Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, a mail survey of US adults. We determined associations between primary grocery shoppers'' region and sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of purchasing fruits and vegetables in the summer from farm-to-consumer venues. A little more than one-quarter (27%) of grocery shoppers reported a frequency of at least weekly use of farm-to-consumer approaches. Older adults and respondents who live in the Northeast were most likely to shop farm-to-consumer venues at least weekly, and no differences were found by sex, race/ethnicity, education, or annual household income. These findings suggest that farm-to-consumer venues are used by many Americans and could be expanded to increase access to fruits and vegetables.     

Use,Awareness, Knowledge and Beliefs of Medication During Pregnancy in Malaysia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess medication use in pregnant women in Malaysia by measuring use, knowledge, awareness, and beliefs about medications.MethodsThis was an observational, cross-sectional study involving a total of 447 pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect participant data.ResultsMost of pregnant women had taken medication during pregnancy and more than half of them (52.8%) showed a poor level of knowledge about the medication use during pregnancy. Eighty-three percent had a poor level of awareness and 56.5% had negative beliefs. Age and education level were significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding medication use during pregnancy. Multiparous pregnant women, and pregnant women from rural areas were observed to have a higher level of awareness compared with those who lived in urban areas. Use of medication during pregnancy was determined to be significantly associated with education level, and race.ConclusionAlthough there was prevalent use of medication among pregnant women, many had negative beliefs, and insufficient knowledge and awareness about the risks of taking medication during pregnancy. Several sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with the use (race and education level), level of knowledge (age and education level), awareness (parity and place of residence), and beliefs (race, education level, and occupation status) towards medication use during pregnancy.