Abstract
BackgroundImproving maternal and child health is one of the public health priorities in several African countries including Ethiopia. However, research on herbal medicine use during pregnancy is scarce in Ethiopia. The present study aimed at assessing the prevalence and correlates of herbal medicine use among pregnant women on antenatal care (ANC) follow-up at Gondar university referral hospital, EthiopiaMethodsAn institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted on 364 pregnant women attending ANC clinic from March to May 2016 at University of Gondar referral and teaching hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Data on socio-demography, pregnancy related information as well as herbal medicine use was collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine prevalence and associated factors of herbal medicine use.ResultsFrom 364 respondents, 48.6% used herbal medicine during current pregnancy. ginger (40.7%) and garlic (19%) were the two most commonly used herbs in pregnancy. Common cold (66%) and inflammation (31.6%) were the most common reasons for herbal use. Majority of herbal medicine users (89.8%) had not consulted their doctors about their herbal medicine use. Rural residency (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.15, Confidence interval (CI): 1.17–6.14), illiteracy (AOR: 4.05, CI: 2.47–6.62) and average monthly income less than 100 USD (AOR: 3.08CI: 1.221–7.77) were found to be strong predictors of herbal medicine use.ConclusionsThe use of herbal medicine during pregnancy is a common practice and associated with residency, level of education and average monthly income. From the stand point of high prevalence and low disclosure rate, the health care providers should often consult pregnant women regarding herbal medicine use.
Highlights
IntroductionAmong the traditional medicine practices, the use of herbal medicines which is defined as plant-derived preparations claimed to have therapeutic benefits, is the most popular and used by the general population as well as pregnant women around the globe [2,3,4]
Improving maternal and child health is one of the public health priorities in several African countries including Ethiopia
Studies conducted in Australia and Kenya have reported that factors associated with increased use of herbal medicines among pregnant women includes being older and married, low economic status, being less educated and severity of nausea and vomiting [10, 11]
Summary
Among the traditional medicine practices, the use of herbal medicines which is defined as plant-derived preparations claimed to have therapeutic benefits, is the most popular and used by the general population as well as pregnant women around the globe [2,3,4]. Pregnant women use herbal medicines for different purposes including pregnancy related ailments such as nausea and vomiting, enhancing labor [5] or pregnancy unrelated purposes and ailments such as cold, respiratory illnesses and skin problems as well as nutritional benefit [6]. Studies conducted in Australia and Kenya have reported that factors associated with increased use of herbal medicines among pregnant women includes being older and married, low economic status, being less educated and severity of nausea and vomiting [10, 11]. Pregnant and lactating women are especially prone to adverse effects from herbal medicines as the safety profiles and appropriate dosages of most of herbal medicines are not well studied in this group of populations [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
