KNOWLEDGE OF THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING THE ANTENATAL CLINIC OF JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine knowledge towards the use of herbal medicine among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Jinja regional referral hospital, Jinja district.

 Methodology

The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study was carried out from May 2023 to October 2023.

 Results

Out of the 50 respondents who participated in the study, half 25 (50%) were within the age bracket of 25-32 years whereas the least 2 (4%) were within the age bracket of 40-45 years. More to that, (85%) of the respondents had heard about herbal medicine, (55%) got the information from friends and relatives, (52%) gave others as side effects of herbal medicine, (56%) knew that herbal medicine are from plant sources.

 Conclusion

The study established that the knowledge towards herbal medicine was reasonable since majority (85%) of the respondents had ever heard about herbal medicine. Pregnant women had fairy adequate     knowledge towards herbal medicine use.

 Recommendation

The ministry of health through the National Drug Authority should carry out more studies and clinical trials on the various herbal medicines used during pregnancy to rule out harmful actives.