“Back to Eden”: An explorative qualitative study on traditional medicine use during pregnancy among selected women in Lusaka Province, Zambia

Doreen Chilolo Sitali,Bellington Vwalika,Lone Holst,Magalie El Hajj

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101225

Doreen Chilolo Sitali, Bellington Vwalika + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101225

Copy DOI

Abstract

Background and purposeNo qualitative study on traditional medicine use among Zambian pregnant women has ever been conducted. Accordingly, this study was performed to explore the perceptions, motivations and experiences of Zambian women with regard to traditional medicine use during pregnancy. Materials and methodsIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in June/July 2019 with 8 adult women residing in Lusaka, Zambia, who used traditional remedies during their pregnancies, and who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. ResultsReported reasons behind traditional medicine use during pregnancy included labour induction, prevention of childbirth complications in case of sexual infidelity by either spouse, and prevention and/or treatment of anaemia. In addition, family members and faith leaders played an important role in influencing traditional medicine use. ConclusionMultiple, interconnecting factors influence traditional medicine use among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Traditional medicine use during pregnancy will likely continue to be widespread across Zambia.

Highlights

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa with a population of approximately 18 million
The major themes that emerged during data analysis were: (1) reasons for the use of traditional medicine, (2) negative attitudes towards tradi tional medicine use, and (3) positive attitudes towards traditional medicine use
In the South African study [23], traditional medicine use was suggested to lead to foetal distress, as indicated by significantly higher rates of grade II/III meconium-stained liquor and of caesarean section in traditional medicine users compared to non-users, respectively [23]

Summary

Introduction

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa with a population of approximately 18 million. Traditional medicine is defined, by the World Health Organisation, as the sum total of knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are used to maintain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve, or treat physical and mental illnesses [3]. No qualitative study on traditional medicine use among Zambian pregnant women has ever been conducted. This study was performed to explore the perceptions, motivations and ex periences of Zambian women with regard to traditional medicine use during pregnancy. Conclusion: Multiple, interconnecting factors influence traditional medicine use among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Traditional medicine use during pregnancy will likely continue to be widespread across Zambia

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion