The Use of Traditional Medicine among Pregnant Women in Agotime-Ziope District

Abstract

Treatment with traditional medicine during pregnancy is believed to prevent malaria, miscarriage, ensure proper growth of the foetus and to cure piles, anemia, waist and abdominal pains and to strengthen the womb to accommodate the foetus. The purpose of the study was to determine how pregnant women perceive traditional medicine, prevalence and the types of traditional medicines use during pregnancy among women attending antenatal clinic at Kpetoe and Ziope clinics in Agotime-Ziope district. Structured questionnaires were administered to 202 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the two major health facilities within the district, thus Kpetoe and Ziope using simple random sampling techniques to collect data from the participants. The questionnaires were designed in English Language but translated into the local language (Ewe) to help participants who do not understand the English language. Data was collected on demographic characteristics, prevalence and types of traditional medicines used during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics were used initially with chi-square to determine associations if there was any. Out of 210 eligible pregnant women, 202 (96%) agreed to participate. Fifteen percent of the respondents use at least one traditional medicine during the current pregnancy. Pregnant women in higher income status of Gh₵1, 000 and above (US$255) and pregnant women who were married were more likely to use traditional medicine. The use of traditional medicine among pregnant women in this environment was low. Attention should be given to education of pregnant women and the community as a whole on the potentials if any and side effects of traditional medicine use during pregnancy.