Prevalence, Pattern and Perception of the Use of Traditional Herbs for Malaria Treatment among Pregnant Women in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Traditional herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat malaria and many pregnant women currently rely on them even with their  questionable safety. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern and perceptions of the use of traditional herbs for malaria treatment  among pregnant women in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 410 pregnant women, selected by multistage sampling. Data were collected using an  interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The results of descriptive analysis and associations using the Chi-  square test were presented in tables and charts.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28±6.7years. About half, 193 (47.1%) of the respondents, used traditional herbs to treat malaria in  pregnancy. The pattern of use was periodical as malaria prophylaxis 84 (43.5%) or based on the experiencing of symptoms considered to be due to  malaria 80 (41.5%). Traditional herbs were used because they were considered natural and hence safer 113 (58.5%), cheaper 101 (52.3%), more effective  97 (50.3%), and more acceptable based on respondents' traditional beliefs 79 (40.0%).

Conclusion: The majority of pregnant women who utilized traditional herbs did so only occasionally for the prevention and treatment of malaria. The  perceptions of using herbal remedies to treat malaria during pregnancy were largely supportive of this practice. As vital as it is to inform pregnant  women about the risks of utilizing herbs to treat malaria during pregnancy, consideration must also be given to regulating usage to ensure safety.