Determination of the usage of complementary and alternative medicine among pregnant women in the Northern Region of Turkey

Abstract

BackgroundThis descriptive study aimed to determine the degree of usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among pregnant women in the northern region of Turkey. MethodsA total of 285 women who were referred to the gynaecology clinic of the Maternity Hospital in Samsun, Turkey between October 15, 2010 and January 31, 2011 participated in the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that was developed in accordance with the literature. The survey instrument had two sections. The first section composed of 24 questions about socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric features. The second section contained 12 questions about CAM usage and a CAM list. ResultsIt was found that 41.1% of the participants used CAM methods, and primarily made use of herbal (36.5%) and massage (29.8%) therapies, respectively. Participants using herbal therapies primarily used mint (54.8%), linden (54.8%), rose hip (34.6%) and stinging nettle (26.0%) for health complaints including nausea, gastralgia, anaemia, sore throat and common cold; while 48.8% believed that it was safe to use herbal therapies during pregnancy. Approximately half of the participants did not inform healthcare staff of their CAM usage. ConclusionIt is extremely important that healthcare personnel have knowledge of CAM methods, question CAM usage without prejudice in pregnant women, and inform women in the reproductive age group of the benefits and potential risks of such usage.