Examination of the Use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Treatment Methods for Covid-19 by Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective: Women who want to have a natural and safe pregnancy and birth choose traditional, complementary and alternative treatment methods. Also, during the Covid-19 pandemic, complementary and alternative treatments were recommended and used in many countries for protection against the virus. In this study, an examination was made of the use of traditional, complementary and alternative treatment methods (CAM) in the Covid-19 pandemic by pregnant women coming to a family health center for checkup (monitoring).
 Method: The study is descriptive type. A total of 162 pregnant women who came to the family health center for control were included in the study. A questionnaire form consisting of 43 questions in three sections was used in the research. Questionnaire forms were filled through face-to-face interviews. 
 Results: It was found that the most used complementary and alternative treatment methods were prayer, massage, herbal treatment and vitamin supplements. Also, other behaviors conducted with the aim of protection were not going out of the house, drinking or gargling water with vinegar, and cleaning with chlorine bleach. 
 Conclusion: The women stated that the CAM methods which they used the most were herbal remedies, vitamin supplements, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, massage, phlebotomy, the use of leeches, hypnosis, meditation and music therapy. It was seen that the pregnant women mostly used prayer, massage, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies during the time of Covid-19.