Prevalence and factors associated with use of herbal medicines during pregnancy among women attending postnatal clinics in Gulu district, Northern Uganda

Abstract

BackgroundAccording to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 80 % of the population living in rural areas in developing countries depends on traditional medicine for their health needs, including use during pregnancy. Despite the fact that knowledge of potential side effects of many herbal medicines in pregnancy is limited and that some herbal products may be teratogenic, data on the extent of use of herbal medicines by women during pregnancy in the study setting is largely unknown. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use during pregnancy among women attending postnatal clinics in Gulu district, Northern Uganda.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study which involved 383 women attending postnatal care across four sites in Gulu district using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were obtained using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The selection of the study participants was by systematic sampling and the main outcome variable was the proportion of mothers who used herbal medicine. Quantitative data was coded and entered into a computerized database using Epidata 3.1. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 13, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsThe prevalence of herbal medicines use during the current pregnancy was 20 % (78/383), and was commonly used in the second 23 % (18/78) and third 21 % (16/78) trimesters. The factors significantly associated with use of herbal medicines during pregnancy were perception (OR 2.18, CI 1.02-4.66), and having ever used herbal medicines during previous pregnancy (OR 2.51, CI 1.21-5.19) and for other reasons (OR 3.87, CI 1.46-10.25).ConclusionsThe use of herbal medicines during pregnancy among women in Gulu district is common, which may be an indicator for poor access to conventional western healthcare. Perception that herbal medicines are effective and having ever used herbal medicines during previous pregnancy were associated with use of herbal medicines during current pregnancy. This therefore calls for community sensitization drives on the dangers of indiscriminate use of herbal medicine in pregnancy, as well as integration of trained traditional herbalists and all those community persons who influence the process in addressing the varied health needs of pregnant women.

The Problem of Traditional African Pharmacopoeia in Obstetrics: Use of Plants for Utero-Tonic Purposes and Materno-Fetal Outcome in Douala (Cameroon)

“…These results are similar to those obtained by Aka et al in 2016 in Ivory Coast (100% 3rd trimester) [24], Kamatenesi et al 2007 in Uganda (91% in the 3rd trimester) [26]; Astin et al in 1996 in Malaysia (80% in the 3rd trimester) [27]. However, these results contrast with those obtained by Nyeko et al in Uganda in 2016 (2nd trimester 23.1%, 3rd trimester 20.5%) [23].…”

A preliminary investigation of the effects of labour inducing plant, Cissampelos mucronata, on the outcomes of pregnancy using rat models

“…Hyper-stimulation of the uterus may also lead to complications such as rupture of the uterus10. Other concerns range from an increased risk of maternal bleeding or impact on neonatal hormones due to the hormonal nature of the herbal medicine6–11. Decision to use the traditional medicine is most commonly made by grandmothers or mothers and, where mother in-laws are involved, refusal is often very difficult as it would show disrespect6.…”

Prevalence and Predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Health Workers in Nigeria

“…In Ethiopia, 48.6% (177) participating pregnant women were found to have used CAM in their current pregnancy as at the time of the study (Mekuria, Erku, Gebresillassie, & Birru, 2017). In northern Uganda, the prevalence compared to the study in Ethiopia was less as only 20% (78/383) was found to have used CAM during their current pregnancy (Nyeko, Tumwesigye, & Halage, 2016).…”