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Background: Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is often associated with obstetric complications including uterine rupture and fetal distress, but little is known about its advantages. Particularly, in-depth information on the perceptions of rural women in Malawi about the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is underreported. Knoweldge of women’s views and perceptions on use of herbal medicine would help determine potential inclusion of the suitable herbal medicine in women and reproductive health services. Aims: To explore the perceptions of women on potential use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour in rural Malawi. Methods: We employed a crossesctional survey on study participants (women), purposively identified (parity≥2) from four villages (Kagona, Champsinja, Mthupi and Manja) of Traditional Authority Malili, in Lilongwe rural district, Malawi. Qualtitative data was collected through four Focus Groups of 6-8 women in each group that were conducted in each village. Data analysis was performed using content analysis inductive approach. Results: A total of 28 women of reproductive age 20 and above; 20-24 (32.14%), married (75%), average of 3 deliveries (57.14%), primary school education (75.0%), and Christians (92.86%) were recruited and interviewed. Two main themes emerged from the narratives: (1) herbal medicine is beneficial: (i) hastens labour, (ii) prevents pregnancy complications and illnesses, and (2) herbal medicine is risky: (i) leads to caesarean delivery, (ii) leads to ruptured uterus and death, (iv) leads to birth asphyxia, and still births. Conclusion: Perceptions among rural women on use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour are deep routed on cultural and personal experiences. Health education on health related dangers associated with use of herbal medicine among rural women in Malawi can help prevent associated pregnancy and labour complications and improve maternity care. Further research is warranted to explore accessibility and community pathway systems for herbal medicine use during pregnancy and labour among the pregnant women. |
