Abstract

This study assessed the knowledge and effects of traditional medicine on labor among women of childbearing age at Cité Verte District Hospital in Cameroon. Traditional medicine remains widely used in maternal care, especially in low-resource settings, but concerns exist about its safety and potential complications like prolonged labor, fetal distress, and drug interactions. The study aimed to (1) evaluate women’s knowledge of traditional medicine use during labor and (2) identify its effects on the labor process.

A cross-sectional hospital-based design was used, with data collected from 110 women using structured questionnaires. Participants were selected through random sampling, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Results showed that 73.6% of women were aware of traditional medicine, mostly learning about it from family (34.5%) rather than healthcare providers.

While 68.2% believed these remedies improved labor outcomes, 30% reported no adverse effects, whereas others experienced complications like vomiting (20%) and fetal distress (18%). The study concludes that although traditional medicine is culturally entrenched, its risks necessitate better education and integration into healthcare systems. Recommendations include policy guidelines from the Ministry of Health, improved counseling in hospitals, community awareness programs, and further research on herbal safety.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

The relations between plants and men have existed since antiquity. Plants, vital components of biological diversity, are used primarily for human well-being. Traditional medicine refers to the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness (WHO, 2023).

1.1.1. Global background

it has been reported that a significant percentage of women use traditional medicines during their pregnancies, with estimates ranging from 30% to 70%, out of which 20% to 30% of these women experience side effects and complications like prolong labor, postpartum hemorrhage and maternal death (WHO, 2019). Another study carried out by UNFPA, reported that 42% of women globally use traditional medicine during their pregnancies, some of which encountered side effects and risk of miscarriage (UNFPA,2016) Also, UNICEF recorded that 30% to 40% of women who use traditional medicines in pregnancy experience diarrhea, drug interaction with prescribed medications and dystocia (UNICEF, 2018).

1.1.2. Background in Europe

Traditional medicine usage is relatively lower compared to other regions. A study found that about 29% of Europeans have used herbal medicine at some point. Out of this, 10% of users reported complications and allergic reactions. A large scale survey from 2015 indicated that about 7% of herbal medicine users experienced adverse effects related to obstetric care (European medicine agency,2018), also another study carried out by WHO indicated that 15% of women used traditional medicine during their pregnancy amongst which arise complications in delayed diagnosis of serious conditions and adverse drug interactions(WHO,2019).

1.1.3. Background in America

Around 38% of women who use some form of complementary or traditional medicine during their pregnancy reported some complications including unregulated dosages and diarrhea. Another study identified 50% of women use herbal medicine during their pregnancy and 26% of this women faced complications that required medical attention (American pregnancy Association,2019), Furthermore, a survey done by CDC reported that 25% of who used traditional medicines experienced complications such as prolonged labor and adverse reactions leading to risk during childbirth(CDC,2020).

1.1.4. Background in Africa

Approximately 80% of the population in relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs. Additionally, a study conducted by the WHO found that, up to 70% of pregnant women in developing countries use traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth., Approximately 30% of users encountered adverse effects(WHO,2022). A comprehensive study in 2021 highlighted that around 20% of African mothers using traditional remedies experienced complications during childbirth (African Development Bank,2021). Some of which included excessive uterine contractions, fetal distress and abortions and bleeding. Also, another study carried out by WHO in 2013 reported that 60% of pregnant women had used traditional medicine during their pregnancy out of this 40% of this women in Tanzania experienced complications including toxicity from herbs which sometimes lead to hospitalization(WHO,2013).

1.1.5. Background in Cameroon

Traditional medicine is popular due to cultural beliefs, with approximately 70% of the population relying on it for health services. A survey indicated that at least 25% of traditional medicine users reported negative side effects during pregnancy (WHO,2022). Complications related to traditional remedies were noted in 15% of participants, primarily linked to unsafe practices(UNICEF,2021), Another study conducted in 2014 by WHO reported 50% of women using traditional medicine during pregnancy which some reported severe allergic reactions and unsafe use of certain herbs, which were linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriages and preterm births(WHO,2014).

1.2 Problem Statement

The utilization of traditional medicine during pregnancy and labour presents significant risks to women’s health in obstetrics, some of which include, interaction with prescribed medications leading to complications(National center for complementary and integrative Health, 2016) ,increase risk of birth defects, toxicity and adverse reactions(WHO,2013).According to the world health organization, up to 80% of individuals in developing countries use traditional medicine for their primary health needs, of which 30% complain of complications such as prolonged labour, fetal distress, and adverse drug interaction ultimately threatening both maternal and fetal wellbeing(WHO,2021).

The world health organization (WHO) has launches various campaigns emphasizing the safe use of traditional medicines, for instance, the WHO (2014-2023) Traditional medicine strategy aims to promote responsible use of traditional medicine through education also, a study in south Africa indicates that 40% of health education was able to increase awareness among pregnant women regarding the risks associated with unregulated herbal remedies. (community education for safe childbirth, 2020) furthermore, Programs that involve community workers to educate women about the dangers of relying solely on traditional medicine have been implanted in countries like Bangladesh, this initiative have successfully decreased the prevalence of traditional medicine usage during pregnancy by 30% over five years(UNICEF,2019).

Despite the above mentioned efforts, the problem of the utilizing traditional medicine still persists and it still continuous to pose it effects on women, from my personal observation, I have seen a friend rely on traditional herbal remedies during her pregnancy, believing them to enhance labor efficiency. Unfortunately, she experienced troubling side effects like severe abdominal cramping dehydration, postpartum complications and even had a risk of abortion which was exacerbated by her use of unregulated treatment.

1.3.Rational

Despite advancements in modern medicine, traditional medicine continues to play a significant role in obstetric care, particularly in low-resource settings like Cameroon, Yaoundé. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and types of traditional medicine practices utilized by postpartum women in this context. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of effective healthcare interventions and may lead to potential risks for maternal and neonatal health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of the population in Africa relies on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs. Additionally, a study conducted by the WHO found that up to 70% of pregnant women in developing countries use traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth.

Despite these statistics, there is limited research focusing on the specific knowledge and types of traditional medicine used in obstetrics among postpartum women at healthcare facilities.

1.4 Research Question

1.4.1 Main research question.

What is the knowledge of women on traditional medicine use and their effects on labour?

1.4.2 Specific research questions

1. What is the knowledge of women on traditional medicines used during labour?
2. What are the effects of traditional medicine on labour?

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