Assessing the Use of Herbal Medicine among Pregnant Women in the East Mamprusi District, Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Herbal medicine use by pregnant women to treat illnesses such as malaria, swollen feet, ensure proper development of fetus, anemia, dizziness and weakness is perceived to be effective. This survey was designed, therefore to assess the factors that influence the use of herbal medicine, perceptions, prevalence and types of herbal medicine in the East Mamprusi District. Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional research work conducted among 230 postnatal women who at the time of data collection has delivered not more than eight weeks in two selected health centres in the East Mamprusi District, Simple Random Sampling technique was used in selecting study participants and two health centres. Structured questionnaire were used to collect data. STATA VERSION 15 software was used in the data analysis. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors that were significant and put in a multiple logistic regression model together with other variables that literature has shown to be significant to test for the strength of association between the independent and outcome variables. Results: The study revealed a prevalence of 35.7% usage of herbal medication during pregnancy. Ninety five percent (95.1%) of respondents perceived herbal medication to be effective. The main reasons for the use of herbal medications included; Inability of nurses to solve their problem, Herbal medicine usually treat illnesses such as abdominal pain, etc. wanted to try something different and Was not able to pay bills at established health facilities. Factors that were significantly associated with herbal medicine use are; Number of deliveries, source of ANC was attendance and whether a woman received ANC outside health facility during pregnancy. Conclusion /Recommendation: Women are most likely to be using herbal medicine during pregnancy. Further studies should be conducted to identify the types of local commonly used herbs and to assess whether these herbs will not have any future consequence on the mother and baby.