FACTORS THAT HAVE LED TO CONTINUED USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC AT RUGAZI HEALTH CENTRE IV, RUBIRIZI DISTRICT.A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to find out the factors that have led to the continued use of herbal medicine among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Rugazi Health Centre IV, district. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed on 50 pregnant women aged between15-45 years using a simple random sampling technique and questionnaires to collect data. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to generate tables, pie charts, and bar graphs for easy presentation of findings. Results: All the respondents 50(100%) had ever heard about herbal medicine and used them in their current pregnancy. 58% obtained information from family, (44%) wanted to treat nausea and vomiting. (32%) used ginger and garlic concoctions and (78%) thought herbs had no side effects. Most respondents (78%) did not receive sensitization and counseling about herbal medicine use, (98%) never informed midwives about the herbs they were using, the reason for nondisclosure was they were not asked about it (89%) and fear for midwives’ reactions (20%) Some experienced side effects from conventional medicine and allergies (60%) was the common side effect. Some respondents (57%) used herbs because they are socially and culturally acceptable and (99%) said herbs are cheap and readily available. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, the overall factors for continued use of herbal medicines during pregnancy were, the belief that herbs were safe, dissatisfaction with the health system, and herbs being free. However, these herbs were not completely harmless. Recommendation: The Ministry of Health should carry out sensitization sessions to educate pregnant women about the possible side effects of herbal medicine use in pregnancy to reduce or eliminate the possible side effects since their practice and attitude would cause negative impacts.