Magalie El Hajj1, Doreen Chilolo Sitali2, Bellington Vwalika3, Lone Holst4. 1. Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Partner 4 Health, Paris, France. Electronic address: magalie.elhajj@partner4health.com. 2. School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. 4. Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No qualitative study on traditional medicine use among Zambian pregnant women has ever been conducted. Accordingly, this study was performed to explore the perceptions, motivations and experiences of Zambian women with regard to traditional medicine use during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in June/July 2019 with 8 adult women residing in Lusaka, Zambia, who used traditional remedies during their pregnancies, and who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. RESULTS: Reported reasons behind traditional medicine use during pregnancy included labour induction, prevention of childbirth complications in case of sexual infidelity by either spouse, and prevention and/or treatment of anaemia. In addition, family members and faith leaders played an important role in influencing traditional medicine use. CONCLUSION: Multiple, interconnecting factors influence traditional medicine use among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Traditional medicine use during pregnancy will likely continue to be widespread across Zambia.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No qualitative study on traditional medicine use among Zambian pregnant women has ever been conducted. Accordingly, this study was performed to explore the perceptions, motivations and experiences of Zambian women with regard to traditional medicine use during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in June/July 2019 with 8 adult women residing in Lusaka, Zambia, who used traditional remedies during their pregnancies, and who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. RESULTS: Reported reasons behind traditional medicine use during pregnancy included labour induction, prevention of childbirth complications in case of sexual infidelity by either spouse, and prevention and/or treatment of anaemia. In addition, family members and faith leaders played an important role in influencing traditional medicine use. CONCLUSION: Multiple, interconnecting factors influence traditional medicine use among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Traditional medicine use during pregnancy will likely continue to be widespread across Zambia.