Predictors of herbal medicine use in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Abstract

Objective

To determine the predictors of herbal medicine use among adults in Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Method

A cross sectional study design was employed to obtain data from 910 adults using a questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of herbal medicine use.

Results

Majority of the respondents (73.7%) had used herbal medicine within 1 year prior to the survey. Living in a district (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2893, CI: 1.646 −5076, p < .001) and being older than 20 years were the factors that predicted use of herbal medicine. The other predictors included having the opinion that herbal medicines work very well (AOR= 6.072, CI: 3.237 – 11.386, p < .001) or work somehow (AOR= 3.525, CI: 1.885 – 6.591, p < .001), and having the belief that one could definitely (AOR= 5.084, CI: 2.952 – 8.754, p < .001) or maybe (AOR= 2.034, CI: 1.186 – 3.487, p = .01) use herbal medicine with ease.

Conclusions

The study observed a high prevalence of herbal medicine use in the Ashanti region of Ghana particularly among those living in the districts and those older than 20 years of age. Predictors of herbal medicine use include positive perception of efficacy and ease of use. This highlights a need for public engagement via all forms of media on the possible implications of the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines.