Pattern and Determinants of Utilisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Pregnant Primary Healthcare Centre Attendees in Sagamu, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1102-09-285Keywords:
Antenatal Clinic, Alternative medicine, Complementary medicine, Primary healthcareAbstract
Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) remains a popular choice among pregnant women in many communities despite the widespread practice of conventional orthodox medicine.
Objective: To assess the patterns and determinants of complementary and alternative medicine usage among pregnant women in selected primary healthcare centres in Sagamu, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed, utilising an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data from 130 pregnant women from two primary healthcare centres.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.6±5.6 years. All the respondents (100.0%) utilised CAM therapies for their health and foetal development. Common CAM practices included natural supplements (88.5%), prayers (86.2%), and herbal medicine (83.8%). Cultural and religious beliefs (50%), affordability (50%), spiritual protection (53.8%), and accessibility (57.7%) were identified as the key determinants of CAM usage. There was a positive association between these determinants (affordability, accessibility, positive effect in previous pregnancies, and advice from family and friends) and CAM usage (t-value >1.96).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the widespread use of CAM among pregnant women in Sagamu despite the availability of conventional orthodox healthcare. To ensure safe and effective maternal and child health practices, interventions are needed to address the determinants which encourage the use of CAM in pregnancy.
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