Determinants and Efficacy of Herbal Medicine Use among Pregnant Women in the Asante Akim North District, Ghana

Abstract

Buor Daniel, Awuku Paul

The use of herbal medicine is gaining roots in Africa and research works on the theme have attracted attention. In Ghana, research on the theme is limited so needs further interrogation in order to come out with conclusions for an appropriate policy direction to improve its use and efficacy. The study examines the determinants of herbal medicine use by pregnant women in a predominantly rural district in Ghana. It was underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour and a conceptual framework based on the Andersen behavioural framework on use of health services. The cross-sectional design, mixed method approach as well as questionnaire and interview guide instruments were the methodological tools used to gather information for the study whilst descriptive and non-parametric statistical tools were used for data analysis. Results show that the prevalence rate of the use of herbal medicine by pregnant women is quite high and income and religion are the main predictors of its use; and that Moslem pregnant women use it more regularly than their Christian counterparts. Health problems herbal medicine addresses are anaemia, waist pains, nausea, long duration of labour, cold and malaria; and the herbs regularly used are ginger, lemon, neem, mahogany, dandelion, Aloe vera and tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). It was also observed that reasons for the regular use of herbal medicine by pregnant women, among other factors, are that it is rooted in their culture and for its efficacy. The conceptual framework which hinged on Andersen behavioural model and the theory of planned behaviour have reflected in the findings. It is recommended that government encourage the use of herbal medicine through promotion and making it safe and that the World Health Organisation (WHO) must carry out research on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicine to ensure its safe use and effectiveness.

PDF