Indigenous herbal medicine use and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of indigenous herbal medicine use and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.Design A facility-based cross-sectional study design.Setting The study was conducted in seven public health facilities (one referral hospital, three urban and three rural health centres) in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, from October to November 2022.Participants 628 pregnant women of any gestational age who had been on ANC follow-up at selected public health facilities were included.Main outcome measures Prevalence of indigenous herbal medicine (users vs non-users) and associated factors.Results The study revealed that 47.8% (95% CI 43.8% to 51.6%) of pregnant women used herbal medicines. Lack of formal education (adjusted OR, AOR 5.47, 95% CI 2.40 to 12.46), primary level (AOR 4.74, 95% CI 2.15 to 10.44), housewives (AOR 4.15, 95% CI 1.83 to 9.37), number of ANC visits (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.27 to 5.25), insufficient knowledge (AOR 4.58, 95% CI 3.02 to 6.77) and favourable perception (AOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.71 to 3.77) were factors significantly associated with herbal medicine use. The most commonly used herbs were garden cress (Lepidium sativum) (32%), bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (25.2%), moringa (Moringa oleifera) (24.5%). Common indications were related to gastrointestinal problems, blood pressure and sugar.Conclusion The prevalence of herbal medicine use is high (one in two pregnant women) and significantly associated with education level, occupation, ANC visits, knowledge and perceptions. The study’s findings are helpful in advancing comprehension of herbal medicines using status, types and enforcing factors. It is essential that health facilities provide herbal counselling during ANC visits, and health regulatory bodies ought to raise awareness and implement interventions to lower the risks from over-the-counter herbal medicine use by pregnant women.