Exploration of the Frequency and Pattern of the Use of Herbal Medicines by Parents/Caregivers for Children Under 12 Years at the Kumasi South, Ghana
Abstract
Background and Aim: Utilization of herbal medicines is on the rise worldwide, particularly in developing nations where it has a significant role in the health system. It is the major treatment for 60% of children with high fever caused by malaria. This study was to explore the frequency and pattern of herbal medicines utilization by children below twelve years. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at the Kumasi South Hospital on children under 12 years from January 2023 to March 2023. The study is a hospital-based cross-sectional design involving 180 participants. Ethical approval with reference number (CHRPE/AP/796/23) was obtained for the study. Results: A total of 180 patients were eligible for the study. There were 53.9% males and 46.1% females. About 30.62% of the children were under 1-year-old, 46.60% were 1-year-old, and 22.81% were 6-12 years old. The frequency of the use of herbal medicines was 77.78%. The percentages of caregivers were 29.10%, 49.50%, 7.50%, and 4.60% for fathers, mothers, grandparents, and individuals categorized as "others," respectively. Age distribution percentages were 23.50%, 30.90%, and 13.90% for individuals below 20, 30-39, and above 50 years, respectively. The diseases for which health care was being sought were respiratory tract infections (35.55%) and malaria (30.55%). The routes of administration were the oral, nasal, dermal, rectal and subcutaneous areas. Aqueous preparation was the most frequently used procedure. 75% of them were not aware of the FDA guidelines not to give herbs to children. Common side effects were allergic reactions, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. Justifications for using herbs was safety, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, availability, and cultural beliefs. Moreover, no prescription was required to obtain them. Conclusion: Herbal medicines are extensively used by children in Ghana. Therefore, an appropriate public health policy to improve their regulation is necessary.References
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