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Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and use of hypertonic saline among doctors in the Southeast region of Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst 182 doctors in the paediatric departments of the six tertiary institutions in South Eastern Nigeria. Data to assess knowledge and use of hypertonic saline were collected using self-administered, structured questionnaires. Results: After aggregating the knowledge questions (definition of hypertonic saline, knowledge of available concentrations and modes of administration) and categorizing knowledge into good or poor, 148 (81.3%) had good knowledge, while 34 (18.7%) had poor knowledge. Respondents who had ever seen an infusion of hypertonic saline were 93 (51.1%), while only 62 (34.1%) had ever used it during their practice. Among those who had used it, only 33 (18.1%) obtained it from their hospital pharmacy. Most respondents (91.2%) would support advocacy for its increased availability and use in Nigeria. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated good knowledge of hypertonic saline, however, there is low usage due to unavailability. There is a need for collaboration between paediatricians, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to create demand and initiate the production of hypertonic saline.

OBJECTIVE: As an age-old traditional practice, nursing mothers from southeastern Nigeria use the Elaeis guineensis sap (from the oil palm tree also referred to as palm wine) to induce and sustain lactation a few hours after delivery. This practice is still ongoing to date, despite the scarcity of clinical data supporting its efficacy and safety. This study aimed to generate preliminary data on the prevalence, perceptions, and behaviors related to the use of Elaeis guineensis sap as a galactagogue. STUDY DESIGN: Mothers who had breastfed or breastfeeding at the time of the survey, were invited to complete a questionnaire that asked about their, perceptions, efficacy, and possible side effects of Elaeis guineensis sap on both mother and child during breastfeeding. Chi-square analysis was used to conduct data analysis. RESULT: A total of 5002 mothers completed the survey with 61% reporting use of Elaeis guineensis sap (palm wine) following parturition. Most of the respondents (73%) attained tertiary education. The practice was mostly recommended by direct relatives (38%) while the commonest reason for this practice was perceived insufficient milk production (32.2%). The majority of the respondents (52%) were satisfied with the outcome while 44% reported no negative side effects. CONCLUSION: The use of Elaeis guineensis sap by mothers following parturition is common in south-eastern Nigeria. However, randomized control studies are needed to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of this plant product. This will be relevant to the formation of intercultural health policies which will value and respect the positive cultural practices of a people.