Prevalence and Pattern of Traditional Herb Usage among Pregnant Women and the Adverse Outcome: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

Background: The use of traditional herbs is a common practice among pregnant women to manage various diseases. However, their safety has not been well established, and their effect on mother and foetus is uncertain.Aim: This study assessed the prevalence, pattern of use of traditional herbs, and adverse health outcomes associated with using traditional herbs amongst pregnant women in Ethiopia East Local Government in Delta State.Methods: This was a mixed-method study (crosssectional and ethnography involving in-depth interviews and observational studies) done in southern Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty-nine pregnant women were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data were collected using a semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire. At the same time, the qualitative part of the study involved an in-depth interview and observational study with two licensed traditional medicine providers. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 26, Chi-square statistic at P < 0.05 level of significance was utilized to examine the hypotheses for this study while the transcribed interview was managed using N-Vivo 12.Results: An average of 47.5 pregnant women visits traditional medicine providers daily from the qualitative study. A 40.8% prevalence of the use of traditional herbs was observed in the quantitative study. The pattern of use of the herbs was mostly bathing and drinking. The commonly used herbs in Ethiope East Local Government area include Neem leaves, goat weed leaves, chloroquine bark and roots, alligator pepper, and moringa leaves. The adverse health outcome experienced includes; miscarriages, fetal loss, excessive stooling, and vomiting. There was a statistically significant relationship between using traditional herbs and the experience of an adverse health outcome. Conclusion:The prevalence of using traditional herbs among the study population is high. Most of these women use traditional herbs weekly without experiencing malarialike symptoms. A significant relationship exists between using traditional herbs during pregnancy and experiencing an adverse health outcome. More awareness programs about the adverse health outcome of using traditional herbs among pregnant women are recommended.