Experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of traditional medicine (isihlambezo) at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu Natal
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Introduction
The prevalence of herbal medicine (isihlambezo) use is on the rise worldwide, more especially
amongst pregnant women. Most women believe that traditional medicine use has significance and
advantages to them and their unborn babies during pregnancy. There are few scientific studies about
its safety for pregnant women and their babes, regardless of possible teratogenic effects that may
result in fatalities amongst pregnant women, who continue to consume isihlambezo.
Aim of the study
The study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of pregnant women regarding the use
of isihlambezo at King Cetshwayo healthcare District (KCD) in KwaZulu-Natal.
Methodology
A qualitative descriptive phenomenology research design was used to conduct this study. The study
was guided by the Dorothy Johnson Behavioral System Model. Face-to-face individual unstructured
interviews collected data from 10 participants, with an additional two participants to ensure data
saturation was reached. All participants were purposefully sampled to participate in the study. Colaizzi
Phenomenological analytic method analysed the data.
The study findings
Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the study, which consisted of myths about
isihlambezo, traditional and cultural beliefs, indication and effects of isihlambezo and economic
impact on the use of isihlambezo. The study revealed that most pregnant women consume traditional
herbal medicine (isihlambezo) for various reasons, such as financial affordability, cultural beliefs and
benefits of isihlambezo to them and their unborn babies.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering in fulfilment of the requirement for the Master of Science in Physics in the Department of Nursing Sciences at the University of Zululand, 2021.
Keywords
Herbal medicine (isihlambezo), Pregnant women, traditional healers, Unborn babies