Utilization of Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Infertility in Selected Health Facilities in the Greater Accra Region.

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a condition which affects the reproductive system and hinders the body's capacity to carry out the fundamental reproduction process. Infertility is regarded as a major public health issue owing to factors such as unprioritized diagnosis and treatment at the national population level, lack of public financing covering reproductive health strategies and development policies, lack of infrastructure and high costs of medicinal treatment. In Africa, including Ghana, infertility is due to several factors such as infectious causes, sexually transmitted diseases, bilateral uterine tube blockage, and has largely remained an unresolved issue for the human species. The aim of this research is to assess the utilization of herbal medicines or products in the treatment of infertility in selected health facilities. Methods: This study adopted a mixed method approach. The research was conducted in government hospitals with herbal units. The study population include herbal doctors and the patients coming to seek treatment for infertility. The researcher interviewed the selected respondents, five herbal doctors through In-depth Interviews with the use of an interview guide while 88 patients were sampled from the health facilities and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The interview guide covered the experiences of the herbal doctors in treating infertility, the factors that influence the frequent use of herbal medicine in treating infertility and the limitations of using herbal medicines to treat infertility. The questionnaire covered the factors and limitation influencing herbal medicine use for infertility treatment from the patients’ perspective. Outcome/Conclusion: The researcher found that herbal medicines are readily available and affordable at the treatment centers and other vending shops for patients to use them. Patients are concerned about the adverse effect of the orthodox medicines and others suggest that herbal products are natural as a result of historical, cultural, and psychosocial factors. The negative perceptions and comments about herbal medicine is a major barrier or challenge patients encounter when seeking treatment for infertility. Furthermore, the study found that NHIS does not cover for herbal medications thereby creating a barrier for its patronage. Therefore, the Food and Drug Authority must enforce policies on the standardized dosages and preparations of herbal products. In addition, the National Health Insurance Authority should consider having key herbal medicines on the National Health Insurance Scheme to encourage patronage of the herbal units in the hospitals.