Research Article
Have access already?
Get access to this article:
Or get access to the entire journal:
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The use of herbal remedies is increasing among Jamaican women especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding even though there is no sufficient evidence on the safety of herbal remedies used during breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, commonly used herbal remedies and factors contributing to the use of herbal remedies among breastfeeding women. This research was guided by the Health Belief Model.
METHODS
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured and validated questionnaire. A consecutive sampling was used to achieve a sample size of 240 breastfeeding mothers across three Health Centers. Ethical considerations were followed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.
RESULTS
There was a 100% response rate with 56% of respondents who used herbal remedies while breastfeeding. Additionally, 43% chose garlic as their preferred herbal remedy while 16% used fever grass and 18% preferred ginger as their commonly used herb. The analysis revealed that 58% of the respondents used herbal remedies as supplements. It was also found that 13% used herbs to increase their breast milk supply while 12.9% used herbal remedies to treat illnesses. In addition, 10% used herbal remedies to prevent illness and 7% used herbal remedies for other reasons.
CONCLUSION
The use of herbal remedies is prevalent among breastfeeding women in public health facilities in Jamaica. Although few respondents use herbal remedies to promote lactation, most women use herbs for various reasons other than to increase their breast milk supply.
Period | Abstract | Full | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 2024 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 20 |
Mar 2024 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Feb 2024 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
Jan 2024 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
Dec 2023 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Nov 2023 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Oct 2023 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Sep 2023 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Aug 2023 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Jul 2023 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Jun 2023 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
May 2023 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Apr 2023 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Mar 2023 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 22 |
Feb 2023 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Jan 2023 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
Dec 2022 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Nov 2022 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 46 |
Oct 2022 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
Sep 2022 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
Aug 2022 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
Jul 2022 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
Jun 2022 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
May 2022 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
Apr 2022 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Mar 2022 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
Feb 2022 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 24 |
Jan 2022 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 28 |
Dec 2021 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
Nov 2021 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
Oct 2021 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Sep 2021 | 44 | 0 | 1 | 45 |
Aug 2021 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
Jul 2021 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
Jun 2021 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
May 2021 | 298 | 0 | 0 | 298 |
Apr 2021 | 456 | 0 | 1 | 457 |
Mar 2021 | 443 | 0 | 0 | 443 |
Feb 2021 | 506 | 0 | 1 | 507 |
Jan 2021 | 306 | 0 | 0 | 306 |