Promoting African Indigenous Knowledge in the Management of Pregnancy Related Complications: Perceptions and Treatment Regimens: Case of Eclampsia in Yaounde II, Center Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Promoting African indigenous knowledge which is being neglected to some extent is pivotal in the management and treatment routines of pregnancy related complications especially the case of eclampsia. Indigenous perceptions, treatment routines of eclampsia are complex and diverse reflective of different religious and cultural beliefs. Most often, pregnant women go for conventional options in handling the disease while neglecting the natural and cultural ways. This study argues that promoting indigenous knowledge especially in the management of eclampsia is substantial rather than over dependence on conventional supremacies. Data for this study was gotten through secondary and primary sources. Secondary data were gleaned from soft and hard copies of published and unpublished documents relevant to the study. Primary data were qualitative sourced from a sample of 341 respondents having different religious and cultural backgrounds using interviews, FGDs and observations. Data was processed using the Straus coding method and analysed using content analysis. Results revealed that while others sees eclampsia as; common complications of pregnancy, others perceive it to spirituality and hereditary. Prevention strategies involved; sufficient rest and good feeding habits while others believe in performing traditional rites and tying charms around their waist against all forms of witchcraft. As concerns treatment regimens, herbs were proven to be very effective, as some women prefer such during their pregnancy periods. Nature and culture were more effective in the management process as ascertained by our respondents. A stand-in cultural and natural ways of management to decolonise conventional myths and supremacy regimen of eclampsia are recommended.