Use of Herbal Medicines Among Breastfeeding Mothers in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: There are limited data on the use of herbal medicines (HM) among breastfeeding mothers, despite the fact that knowledge of the possible benefits or harms of HM use has a direct relationship with the health of infants, especially in resource-limited countries. The study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HM use among breastfeeding mothers in Tanzania.Methods: The study followed a cross-sectional design using a structured survey questionnaire. Survey participants were recruited from the reproductive and child health clinic at Uhuru health center in Morogoro, Tanzania. The survey instrument comprised of 34 questions, including demographic information, the pattern of HM use during breastfeeding, and women’s perceptions of HM. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for data analysis using SPSS ver. 24.0.Results: The majority of the respondents (53.8%) used HM during breastfeeding. The most commonly used HM was black pepper (Piper nigrum L.; 80.0%), followed by pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.; 18.0%). About one-third (27.5%) of HM users discussed their use with their healthcare providers. In addition, higher education levels and low breastmilk supply were identified as potential predictors of HM use.Conclusion: The practice of HM use among breastfeeding mothers in Tanzania is popular to ease breastfeeding difficulties. However, the issue of the safety or effectiveness of HM is still an unknown agenda. This awakens the need to evaluate HM’s safety, efficacy, and quality through pharmacological studies for scientific evidence. Lastly, a clinical guideline should be developed in healthcare settings to promote open dialogues between the healthcare providers and mothers to ensure the safe use of HM.

The pattern of herbal medicines use for breastfeeding mother in Jogonalan, Klaten, Indonesia: a mini survey

“…Breastfeeding mothers with high education tend to have better health literacy, so they often use non-conventional modes of care. Good health literacy makes breastfeeding mothers active in seeking additional healthcare methods beneficial to their health conditions [ 28 ]. In Indonesia, non-conventional modes of care is herbal medicine, complementary therapies and non-medical physical therapy.…”

“…The majority of respondent were housewives. Millinga et al [ 28 ] stated that the type of work did not affect the decision to use herbs in breastfeeding mothers. The kind of work, whether formal or informal, did not affect the use of herbs in nursing mothers [ 30 ].…”

“…Research on the use of herbs in Tanzania by Millinga et al [ 28 ] stated that the most used herb for breastfeeding mothers is black pepper. Herbal research on breastfeeding mothers in Sierra Leone, Iraq, stated that the most used herb is Cassia siberiana [ 30 ].…”

Factors influencing the use of herbal medications during pregnancy at Public Health Center, Indonesia

“…Therefore, using herbal medicines during pregnancy is not recommended because some herbal treatments have not been scientifically proven and can have disadvantages such as fetal distress, premature birth, suppression of fetal growth, decreased fetal survival, and congenital abnormalities. 16,17 The lifestyle that tends to return to nature causes people to prefer herbal medicine because it is believed to have no side effects, and the price is higher. The use of herbal medicines by the community is also based on religious factors.…”

“…Therefore, using herbal medicines during pregnancy is not recommended because some herbal treatments have not been scientifically proven and can have disadvantages such as fetal distress, premature birth, suppression of fetal growth, decreased fetal survival, and congenital abnormalities. 16,17…”