Herbal medicine use during pregnancy: perceptions of pregnant women and associated factors at kawempe national referral hospital

Abstract

Introduction: About 20.4% to 69.8% of the pregnant women in Uganda use herbal medicines to meet some of their health care needs. Despite the high prevalence of herbal medicines during pregnancy, there is hardly any information available in Uganda on the perceived safety and efficacy of herbal medicines during pregnancy. The main objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of pregnant women on herbal medicines use at Kawempe National Referral Hospital and also establish the factors associated with their perceptions. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Kawempe National Referral Hospital. A total of 291 pregnant women who had come for antenatal care visits during the study period participated in the study. Systematic sampling was be used to select study participants. Perceptions of herbal medicines use during pregnancy were assessed using a questionnaire and the data was analyzed using SPSS software version 27. Results: Majority of the 291 pregnant women, 56.4% (n=164/291) were between 20-29 years of age. The education level attained by most of the pregnant women, 47.1% (n=137/291) was secondary level and most of the pregnant women, 45.7% (n=133/291) were self-employed. About 62.5% (n=182/291) of the pregnant women were users of herbal medicines in pregnancy. Majority of the pregnant women, 64.2% (n=186/291) perceived herbal medicines to be safe during pregnancy. Almost three thirds of the pregnant women, 73.2% (n=213/291) perceived herbal medicine to be effective in treating pregnancy related conditions. Level of education was significantly associated with the perceptions of pregnant women on the safety (p = 0.011) and efficacy (p=0.012) of herbal medicine during pregnancy. Occupation was also significantly associated with the perceptions of pregnant women on safety (p<0.001) and efficacy (p=0.009) of herbal medicines in pregnancy. Use/non-use of herbal medicine during pregnancy was also significantly with the pregnant women’s perceptions on their safety (p<0.001) and efficacy (p<0.001). Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant women perceived herbal medicines to be safe and effective during pregnancy. The perceptions of pregnant women on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines were associated with use/non-use of herbal medicine of herbal medicine during pregnancy, level of education and occupation.