Perceived benefits, problems and risks in complementary and alternative medicine use among pregnant women in the Niger delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aim at identifying the perceived benefits, problems and risk associated with CAM use among pregnant women in the Niger Delta Region. The study engaged a cross-sectional survey method and was conducted among 325 women in twelve communities. Data collected for the study were analysed using quantitative methods at the univariate, bivariate and multivariate level, and thematic content analysis for the qualitative data. Findings from the study showed that ‘cultural belief’ (3.80±1.10), ‘accessibility’ (3.50±0.90), ‘meeting primary health needs’ (3.69±1.09) ‘easy affordability’ (3.30±1.18), warding off evil spirit (3.08±1.132), greater choices, control and participation (3.04±0.669); and emphasis on prevention and wellness (3.10±0.93) were all identified as the reasons for the use of CAM. On the other hand; ‘lack of standardisation’ (3.21±0.957) ‘lack of research institutes on CAM’ (3.28±0.686), ‘safety and precautions about CAM use’ (3.16±0.823), ‘too many quacks CAM practitioners’ (3.70±0.946) were all perceived as the risk involved in the use of CAM. Thus it is was recommended that as long as pregnant women continue to patronise the use of CAM, it is expedient that some form of regulation and standardisation be instituted by the government through the ministry of health at various levels.