scholarly journals Understanding forgotten exposures towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: the case of herbal medicine use in Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tengia Kessy ◽  
George Chombe Msalale

Abstract Background: In most sub-Sahara African countries, herbal medicines are widely used during pregnancy and labour for various motives despite their unclear pharmacology and potential toxicity. Considering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, exposure to herbs during pregnancy should be restricted in order to safeguard the health of mothers and newborns. This study aimed to assess the proportion of mothers using herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery and to determine factors associated with the practice.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from 340 mothers who delivered a live baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, we selected and interviewed mothers attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in Tabora, in central Tanzania. We compared proportions using chi-square test and performed a Poisson regression analysis to determine independent correlates of herbal use.Results: Over 60% of mothers in Tabora used herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery. Major reasons for use were shortening of labour duration, 81 (38.9%) and reducing labour pain, 58 (27.9%). Independent factors of herbal use were distance to the nearest health facility, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.00,1.25), perception of herbs as safe, (aPR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.05,1.29) and health care providers’ stance on the use of herbs, (aPR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.04,1.25).Conclusions: Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery in Tanzania is high. This calls for comprehensive investigations on the effects of herbs used during pregnancy and delivery as a step towards understanding contributions of forgotten exposures en route for achieving SDG 3. Additionally, health care providers ought to include health education messages during antenatal visits on the undesirable effects of using herbs.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tengia Kessy ◽  
George Chombe Msalale

Abstract Background: In most sub-Sahara African countries, herbal medicines are widely used during pregnancy or delivery for various motives despite their unclear pharmacology and potential toxicity. All risky exposures, including use of herbs during pregnancy or delivery should be restricted in order to facilitate achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all including reduction of morbidity and mortality among mothers and newborns”. This study assessed use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery and determined factors associated with the practice in Tabora, Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from 340 women who delivered a live-born baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, we selected and interviewed women attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in public health facilities in Tabora, central Tanzania. We compared proportions using chi-square test and performed a Poisson regression analysis to determine independent correlates of herbal use.Results: Of 340 recruited women, 208 (61.2 %; 95%CI: 55.4, 66.3%) used herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery. Major reasons for use included shortening of labour duration, 81 (38.9%) and reducing labour pain, 58 (27.9%). The independent predictors of herbal use were number of antenatal visits and the stance of maternity health care providers on the use of herbs. Women who made less than four visits had 24% higher prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines as compared to those who made at least four visits (aPR:1.24; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.50, p=0.03). Furthermore, the adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbs was 35% higher among women who were not discouraged by the health care providers against using herbs versus those who were discouraged (aPR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.13, 1.60, p=0.01). Conclusions: Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery in Tanzania is high. This calls for comprehensive investigations on the effects of using herbs during pregnancy or delivery as a step towards understanding some of the challenges in achieving SDG 3. Additionally, maternity health care providers ought to strengthen provision of health education messages during antenatal visits on the undesirable effects of using herbs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tengia Kessy ◽  
George Chombe Msalale

Abstract Background: In most sub-Sahara African countries, herbal medicines are widely used during pregnancy or delivery for various motives despite their unclear pharmacology and potential toxicity. All risky exposures, including use of herbs during pregnancy or delivery should be restricted in order to facilitate achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which states: “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all including reduction of morbidity and mortality among mothers and newborns”. Thus, this study assessed use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery and determined factors associated with the practice in Tabora, Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from 340 women who delivered a live-born baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, we selected and interviewed women attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in public health facilities in Tabora, central Tanzania. We compared proportions using chi-square test and performed Poisson regression analysis to determine independent correlates of herbal use.Results: Of 340 recruited women, 208 [61.2 %; 95% confidence interval (CI): 55.4, 66.3%] used herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery. Major reasons for use included shortening of labour duration, 81 (38.9%) and reducing labour pain, 58 (27.9%). The independent predictors of herbal use were number of antenatal visits and the stance of maternity health care providers on the use of herbs. Women who made less than four visits had 24% higher prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines as compared to those who made at least four visits [adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR):1.24; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.50, p=0.03]. Furthermore, the adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbs was 35% higher among women who were not discouraged by health care providers against using herbs versus those who were discouraged (aPR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.13, 1.60, p=0.01). Conclusions: Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery among women in Tanzania is high. This calls for comprehensive investigations on the effects of using herbs during pregnancy or delivery as a step towards understanding some of the challenges in achieving SDG 3. Additionally, maternity health care providers ought to strengthen provision of health education messages during antenatal visits on the undesirable effects of using herbs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tengia-Kessy ◽  
George Chombe Msalale

Abstract Background In most of the sub-Sahara African countries, use of herbal medications is widely practiced during pregnancy or delivery for various reasons despite uncertainties on their pharmacological profiles. Use of unregistered herbal medicines has the potential of causing adverse health effects to the mother and the newborn, thus deterring achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. One of the targets is on reduction of morbidity and mortality among mothers and newborns. This study investigated use of herbal medicines and predictors of usage during pregnancy or delivery as a forgotten exposure towards understanding some of the challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3. Methods This cross-sectional quantitative study gathered information from women who delivered a live-born baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, women attending reproductive, maternal and child health clinics in Tabora were selected and interviewed. Proportions were compared using chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine independent correlates of herbal medicine use. Results Of 340 recruited women, 208 [61.2 %; 95 % confidence interval: 55.4, 66.3 %] used herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery. Major reasons for use included accelerating labour, 81 (38.9 %) and reducing labour pains, 58 (27.9 %). Women who made less than four antenatal visits had a 24 % higher adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines as compared to those who had at least four visits [adjusted prevalence ratio:1.24; 95 % confidence interval: 1.02, 1.50, p = 0.03]. Furthermore, the adjusted prevalence ratio of using herbal medicines was 35 % higher among women who were not discouraged by health care providers against their use as compared to those who were discouraged (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95 % confidence interval: 1.13, 1.60, p = 0.01). Conclusions Use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery among women in Tanzania is common. Independent predictors of herbal medicine use were number of antenatal visits and stance of maternity health care providers on their use. Comprehensive investigations on the magnitude, patterns and predictors of use of herbal medicines during pregnancy or delivery are warranted.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Tengia Kessy ◽  
George Chombe Msalale

Abstract Background In most of sub-Sahara African countries, herbal medicines are widely used during pregnancy and labor for various motives despite their unclear pharmacology and potential toxicity. Considering the Sustainable Development Goals, exposure to herbs during pregnancy should be restricted to safeguard the health of mothers and newborns. Thus, this study aims to assess the proportion of mothers using herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery and to determine factors associated with the practice.Methods We used an interview schedule to gather information among 340 mothers who delivered a live baby in the preceding two years. Using a two-stage-sampling technique, we selected and interviewed mothers at the health facilities. We compared proportions using chi-square test. We performed a Poisson logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors of herbal use.Results Over 60% of mothers in Tabora municipality used herbal medicines during pregnancy and delivery. Major reasons for use were shortening of labor duration, 81 (38.9%) and reducing labor pain, 58 (27.9%). Independent predictors of herbal use were distance to the nearest health facility, adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.00,1.25], perception of safety about herbs, [aPR = 1.16, 95%CI = 1.05,1.29] and health care providers stance on the use of herbs, [aPR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.04,1.25].Conclusion Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and delivery in Tanzania is high. Researchers should consider designing comprehensive investigations on adverse effects of herbs to the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, health care providers ought to include health education messages during antenatal visits on the undesirable effects of using herbs.


2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 346-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Webber ◽  
N Edwards ◽  
I D Graham ◽  
C Amaratunga ◽  
I Gaboury ◽  
...  

Cambodia has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in Asia and is scaling up HIV testing. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 358 health care providers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia to assess readiness for voluntary testing and counselling for HIV. We measured HIV knowledge and attitudes, and predictors of intentions to take a sexual history using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Over 90% of health care providers correctly answered knowledge questions about HIV transmission, but their attitudes were often not positive towards people living with HIV. The Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs explained 56% of the variance in intention to take a sexual history: the control providers perceive they have over taking a sexual history was the strongest contributor (51%), while social pressure explained a further 3%. Attitudes about taking a sexual history did not contribute to intention. Interventions with Cambodian health care providers should focus on improving skills in sexual history-taking.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zobaer Alam ◽  
Md Monoarul Haque ◽  
Md Rijwan Bhuiyan ◽  
Md Shahinoor Islam ◽  
Monirul Haque ◽  
...  

Background: The burden of childhood disability as a public health problem in developing countries remains relatively unrecognized. One out of 750 children born in the world suffer from club foot among them 80% are in low and middle income countries. Most of these babies have limited access to receive effective treatment for their clubfoot due to lack o knowledge, awareness and some barriers. We actually don’t know the level of knowledge of parents who have child with clubfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of parents who have children with clubfoot during clubfoot treatment. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 102 parents who have children with clubfoot deformity during its treatment in a selected clinic. The samples were selected purposively from the clinics where clubfoot treatment was given and face to face interview was done by using semi-structured questionnaire. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the respondents were 24.7 (±6.0) years where 87.3% (n=89) respondents ware female and 59.8 %(n=61) respondent’s educational status ware up to primary level. About 44.1% respondents started treatment of their child within 6 months of birth and 33% within 6 to 12 months where 57% (n=58) respondents are referred by health care professional to this clinics. About 93.1% of parents (n=95) said that they knew nothing about clubfoot deformity before their child was diagnosed where 97% are aware after diagnosis of their child. About 93.1% respondents knew the best time for treatment initiation where 59.8% respondents know the correct follow up time of clubfoot management. In case of knowledge of parents’ roles in the treatment of clubfoot about 91.2%, parents have knowledge weekly visit for treatment and 86.3% know the plaster care where 52.9% (n=54) parents have lack of knowledge about how to use the brace Conclusion: There is need to improve the communication skills of clinicians/health care providers offering treatment to children with clubfoot at the Clinics. Need to share information with the parents about the condition. Finally, there is need to emphasize of educating parents about plaster care and how to use brace. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22882 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 42-46


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (03) ◽  
pp. 518-524
Author(s):  
GHULAM SARWAR ◽  
FARIDA MANZUR ◽  
IMTIAZ HAMID

Objectives: (1) To determine the mode of services being rendered and practices done by the health care providers of the study area. (2) To identify various socio-demographic factors about the health care providers. A health care provider provides preventive, curative, rehabilitative and spiritual health services to the community. Health care is being provided by not only the registered and qualified doctors, but also by non-qualified non-registered and inexperienced persons in Pakistan. Methodology: A total of 57 health care providers from the union council 42 area in district Faisalabad were included. A pre-tested questionnaire to know about the services and practices of the individuals was served upon them to collect the relevant data. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Union council 42 area in district Faisalabad. Period: 2008. Results: Out of 57, 30 (52.63%) were males and 27 (47.37%) were females. Most of them, 18 (31.6%) were above 49 years of age. 51 (89.47%) were practicing in the private; whereas, only 2(3.51%) in the public sector. Most of the individuals, 21 (36.8%) were LHW and only 2(3.5%) were doctors or medical assistants; 3(5.3%) were dispensers, 9(15.8%) were hakeems and 7 (12.3%) homeopaths. Most of them, 40(70.2%) were matriculates and 14(24.6%) graduates. Only 20 (35.1%) were having certificates and 11(19.3%) were diploma holders. Further, only 2(11.76%) out of 57 were registered with PM&DC and Punjab Medical Faculty. 30 (52.6%) individuals were rendering curative and only 5 (8.8%) preventive services. None of the health care providers was rendering laboratory, x-ray or ultrasound services. Most of the individuals, 36 (63.2%) were practicing allopathy and 7(12.3%) homeopathy way of treatment. Further, most of the professionals, 45 (78.95%) were not doing any surgery. As regards sterilization, the most 8(66.7%) were practicing boiling of instruments. Most of them 47 (82.45%) were giving injections to the patients, however, using disposable syringes, and 27(57.4%) were disposing of the syringes by cutting the needles to dump. 20 (42.55%) were referring their patients to DHQ Hospital and 47 (82.46%) were keeping the record. Conclusions: Qualified medical professionals were scarce in the locality. However, allopathic system of medicine was being widely practiced. Only LHWs were providing curative services with proper training to deliver first aid services.


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