Prevalence of Herbal Use for Obstetrics Purposes in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ObjectivesThere are insufficient data on the prevalence of women’s use of herbal medicines in the Almadinah community. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery in Almadinah, Saudi Arabia, and the factors influencing their use. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included pregnant women at Almadinah city primary healthcare centres. Using a five-part short questionnaire, a multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 170 women. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to evaluate the categorical results. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. ResultsOf the 170 participants, 41.2%, 30.6%, and 48.2% used herbs during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery, respectively. The most popular herbs used during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period were mint, cinnamon, and fenugreek, respectively. Herbal medicine was primarily used to preserve well-being, stimulate and accelerate childbirth, and disinfect women. Herbal usage during pregnancy was associated with older age, whereas its use during birth was associated with higher educational level, distance from Primary health-care centers (PHCCs), and number of clinic visits. Herbal use was significantly higher during childbirth among homemakers and those with more children. ConclusionsHerbal medications were used by 41% of pregnant women, 44% of them stating that their physicians didn’t mind. The importance of healthcare practitioners’ awareness of the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines should be emphasised in medical education. The current study highlights the purposes of using herbal medications among women in Almadinah Almunawwarrah, Saudi Arabia, as well as the factors that influence it.