Abstract
Introduction Women often use herbal remedies as a complement or alternative to traditional medicine. Guided by the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking, this study examined use of herbal remedies among mothers of young children living in the Central Appalachian Region. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of young children (n = 178). The outcome measure of interest was the use of any herbal remedy in the past six months. Two scales were developed to measure information seeking channels and to measure beliefs about the safety/efficacy of herbal remedies. Results One-third reported using herbal remedies in the past six months, with fenugreek being the most common. Most reported using herbal remedies to increase breast milk production and to relieve cold/flu-like symptoms. Women scoring highest in information seeking channels were three times as likely to use herbal remedies. Women scoring highest in the beliefs about the safety/efficacy of herbal remedies were four times as likely to use herbal remedies. Conclusion Herbal remedies are commonly used among women living in the Central Appalachian Region, a region with lower education and income level. Therefore, public health interventions about the types, safety, and efficacy of herbal remedies may improve health within this population.
Highlights
Women often use herbal remedies as a complement or alternative to traditional medicine
The factors that affect the herbal remedies use have been examined widely in the literature, we identified no studies utilizing the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) to understand herbal remedy use and information seeking in mothers of young children
The objectives of this study were to (1) examine herbal remedy use among women living in the Central Appalachian Region and (2) describe the factors that may play a role in the use of herbal remedies
Summary
Herbal remedies are a subset of herbal products and are the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by adults in the United States (US) [1, 2]. The factors that affect the herbal remedies use have been examined widely in the literature, we identified no studies utilizing the CMIS to understand herbal remedy use and information seeking in mothers of young children. These mothers are making critical decisions about the care of their children, which may impact their growth and development. The impact of beliefs and information seeking channels on the use of herbal remedies among women living in the Central Appalachian Region has not been examined before. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine herbal remedy use among women living in the Central Appalachian Region and (2) describe the factors that may play a role in the use of herbal remedies
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