The attributes and determinants of herbal medicine use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at three hospitals in Uyo, Nigeria

Introduction

The use of herbal medicine during pregnancy is common in developing countries. Studies evaluating such use are sparse in southern Nigeria. This study sought to assess the attributes and determinants of herbal medicine use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at three hospitals in Uyo, Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of 650 eligible pregnant women between December 2022 and February 2023. At their antenatal appointments, participants were given a 14-item questionnaire to complete while they waited to see a doctor. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0, with P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

The prevalence of herbal medicine use in the current and previous pregnancies was 19.4% and 35.3%, respectively. The most commonly used herbal medicines were fluted pumpkin leaves (21.8%), ginger (20.5%), and mixture herbal product (16.7%). The use of such medicines was highest in the first trimester (59.4%), mostly to relieve nausea and vomiting (58.0%) and to reduce swelling of the legs (53.3%). Herbal medicine use was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with age, education, employment, number of children, whether the current pregnancy was the first, and having used herbal medicine during a previous pregnancy. Most users (63.7%) never disclosed such use to their doctor.

Conclusions

The pregnant women surveyed frequently used herbal remedies during their pregnancies; such use was associated with most of the participants’ characteristics. Healthcare professionals should routinely inquire about herbal medicines pregnant patients may be taking in addition to conventional medications and pay closer attention to conditions that cause inconvenience to them.