Herbal Medicine Use among Pregnant Women in Rural Ghana: Implications for Maternal Health and Healthcare Integration

Abstract

Background: Herbal medicine use in pregnancy is widespread in Ghana, though its safety remains uncertain. In Bosomtwe District, many pregnant women reportedly use herbal remedies, but data on its prevalence and influencing factors are lacking. This study assessed the extent of use and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study involving 316 pregnant women was conducted using a simple random sampling technique across three antenatal clinics in the Bosomtwe District. Structured questionnaires were administered, and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with herbal medicine use, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Herbal medicine use during pregnancy was highly prevalent (79.7%), particularly among married, self-employed women in their mid-thirties with a Junior High School education. Despite attending antenatal care and preferring facility-based delivery, many relied on self-prepared herbal remedies such as garlic, ginger, damakesse, and fenugreek. Significant predictors of use included lower education (AOR = 12.9, 95% CI: 4.5–37.2, p < 0.001), unemployment (AOR = 27.5, 95% CI: 8.9 – 84.8, p < 0.001), and marital status (AOR = 4.2,95% CI: 1.3­­–13.3, P< 0.015). The main motivations for herbal medicine use include managing pregnancy symptoms, perceived safety, drug shortages, and sociocultural beliefs. Conclusion: Herbal medicine use is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Bosomtwe District, Ghana, and is significantly influenced by education, occupation, and cultural beliefs. Despite its widespread use, many herbal remedies lack sufficient clinical evidence on their safety and efficacy during pregnancy, posing potential risks to maternal and fetal health. There is an urgent need to integrate herbal medicine counseling into antenatal care, strengthen community health education, enhance the regulation of herbal products, and conduct further research to ensure the safe use of herbal remedies during pregnancy.