Jibril et al. J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:2
Keywords: Traditional Medicine, Factors, Utilization, Practice, Pregnancy, Labour
2025-10-18 DOI: JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_019
Background: Traditional medicine remains the most accessible and affordable form of treatment in primary healthcare for rural communities worldwide. It has been used for pregnancy care in many countries, even when modern healthcare is available. The study aims to determine the factors associated with the utilization of traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth among reproductive age women in Igabi LGA Kaduna State. Methods: The study employed a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with a cross-sectional survey method. The study was conducted in six selected wards of Igabi Local Government. The objects of the study were women of child of bearing age (WCBA). Four hundred and forty women were randomly sampled for the study. Ethical consideration was kept during all the stages of the study and the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 was used to evaluate the data. Results: it was observed that cultural factors were the major (71.5%) factor associated with the utilization of traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth. This is followed by environmental, social, personal, economic and religious factors. Conclusion: Cultural factors are strongly linked to the use of traditional medicine during pregnancy and childbirth. It is recommended that there is need to include community education programs to inform members about harmful traditional practices related to pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, further research should be carried out to examine the effects of traditional medicine on pregnancy and labor outcomes.